The demand for HHA training or Home Health Aide training, is continuing to increase as the number of elderly people that prefer care in their homes as opposed to rest home care rises. Home health aides provide basic health care for those who need assistance with everyday activities such as personal hygiene, getting dressed, or grooming. When supervised by a medical staff, home health aides also provide other health related assistance such as taking vital statistics, changing dressings, and administration of oral medications.
HHA Training Courses
For those interested in a professional career that shows no signs of slowing growth, a HHA training course might be just the ticket. Many local community colleges offer courses for HHA training. You might also be able to find a course at a vocational school or within some health care agencies or hospitals that offer HHA training. HHA training courses will train you in assisting elderly or convalescent individuals with daily activities at their homes or even in a rest home type environment.
While a formal education is not always required, even taking a single course will drastically increase your chances of being hired in today’s market. Federal law suggests but doesn’t mandate 75 hours of class work and practical education overseen by an RN as ample HHA training.
In some cases assisting in daily activities of a non-medical nature are also considered normal. Things like helping with laundry, dishes, preparing meals, light housecleaning are part of the duties of a home health aide as well. Many home health aides take a great deal of pride in their work and find the individuals they help to be interesting and inspiring. The HHA training gained will help build confidence in a home health aide when the families of their charges ask questions on various topics like hygiene and nutrition.
One important aspect that should be taken into consideration prior to entering this field is your personality. Typically, home health aides should be patient, understanding, empathetic, helpful, courteous, kind, and an effective communicator. For most people that succeed as home health aides the almost overwhelming desire to help people is a common factor.
Prior to beginning in this field, you will most likely be required to have a physical examination to determine if you are able to endure the physical aspects of the job, such as lifting and squatting. There will also be the standard drug testing and background checks to go through as well. Some states have different requirements for those wishing to enter the field, so it is a good idea to find out what your state will require.
The next step will be to choose an HHA training course that will meet or exceed any requirements that your specific state may have. National certification for HHA training facilities is offered by the National Association for Home Care, check to see if the training facility you are considering has this certification. If it does, then you are well on your way to becoming a professional home health aide.
