Home health aides provide care for patients that are still living at home. They assist these patients with chores such as personal care and housekeeping so that the patients will not have to leave their residences and enter into a skilled nursing care facility.
These professionals not only work with patients who are disabled or elderly, they also work with patients who are recovering from illnesses and surgery. One aide may work with several patients throughout the day, but there are some patients that require extended care. A home health aide may spend the entire day with one patient.
Assistance with Nursing Care
Home health aides perform some of the same duties as certified nursing assistants. In fact, many aides are also certified as nursing assistants. The aides may check the vital signs of the patient, and they also monitor the mental status of the patient. If they notice any changes in the patient’s condition, they notify the nurse who is in charge of the patient’s care.
Home Health Aides Offer Personal Care Assistance
Aides that work with patients in the home also help provide personal care assistance. These tasks can include assistance with:
- Bathing
- Toileting
- Dressing
- Grooming
Patients are able to remain comfortable and clean when the aide provides this type of assistance, and skin care helps to reduce the chances of patients developing bed sores.
Aides are also able to help with transfers. They can assist patients who need to be transferred from a wheelchair to a bed, or transferred from one room to another.
Food and Nutrition
Patients who live alone may not be able to receive adequate nutrition due to food prep limitations or lack of healthy food choices. The aide will prepare meals for patients and also follow any dietary restrictions that may be in place for a patient. For example, they will prepare meals low in sugar for diabetics and meals low in sodium for those who have high blood pressure.
Home Health Aides Can Help With Household Chores
Elderly, disabled or injured patients may have a difficult time maintaining a clean living environment. A home health aide will assist patients with such tasks as:
- Changing bed linens
- Grocery shopping
- Errands
- Laundry
By helping patients with these types of tasks, patients are able to remain in their homes for as long as possible.
Home health aides are vital members of the health care team. They can provide a much needed break for an overwhelmed family. And, they help the patient remain independent and active while still residing at home.
If you need help home health care, contact a qualified home health care company in Houston today.