General Guidelines The home health aide services that may be ordered include: • Assist the patient/client with oral and personal hygiene which may include brushing of teeth, bathing, and/or assisting patient/client to shower, skin, and nail care. • Dress and undress the patient/client. • Assist the patient/client with feeding and meal preparation. • Change bed linens, dispose of refuse, and remove soiled linen to maintain a clean and orderly patient/client care environment. • Assist the patient/client with bed pans, urinals, or commode chair. • Position, lift, turn, and assist patient/client with ambulation. • Assist the patient/client with medications by reminding the patient/client and opening containers. • Report patient/client or caregiver comments or behavior related to care. • Collect, report, and document data, such as vital signs and weight. The home health aide should not: • Give medications. • Diagnose or prescribe treatments or medications. • Take oral or phone orders from a physician and/or non-physician practitioner. • Insert or remove tubes from a patient’s/client’s body. • Supervise other aides. • Perform sterile procedures. • Tell anyone about the patient’s/client’s diagnosis or treatment. In-Services In accordance with federal requirements, 12 hours of in-services a year are required. These do not have to be obtained through the Agency. A complete record of your in-services must be in your personnel file to show that you are eligible to work as a home health aide. Professional Conduct • The Agency expects employees to act responsibly and abide by rules and regulations of the Agency. Staff should maintain the highest level of integrity and honesty in all aspects of work.
