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Home Health and Personal Care Aides

Home Health and Personal Care Aides are allied health professionals and essential members of the patient care team.

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What does a Home Health Aide do?

According to the California Employment Development Department (EDD), Home Health and Personal Care Aides play a crucial role in monitoring the health status of individuals with disabilities or illnesses and addressing their health-related needs. This may involve tasks such as changing bandages, dressing wounds, or even administering medication. Under the guidance of nursing staff, Home Health Aides provide invaluable assistance with routine daily living activities such as feeding, bathing, toileting, and ambulation. Depending on the patient’s ability, they may also extend their support by helping with meal preparation, light housekeeping, or laundry. This rewarding job allows you to make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.

For more information on what to expect in this career field, you can visit the resources provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the California Employment Development Department (EDD).

Timeline and Training: Home Health Aides typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, although some positions do not require a formal education, diploma, degree, or certificate. However, postsecondary nondegree award programs are available at community colleges and some vocational schools1. Training can be completed through on-the-job training, including learning about personal hygiene, reading and recording vital signs, infection control, and basic nutrition. For information about training programs within California, visit the EDD website’s Occupation Guide.

Career advancement: Home Health Aides may also choose to advance their careers by gaining further education and specialization. Specialization can include a focus on populations such as elderly care, pediatrics care, or care for patients with disabilities. Home Health Aides may advance into supervisory or leadership roles within the home health agency setting. Some Home Health Aides may use the role to begin training as Medical Assistants, Patient Care Technicians, or Nurse Assistants and potentially move into nursing.

Home Health Aides may consider joining a professional organization such as the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) to stay current with trends and important information.

Outlook: Nationally, the employment of Home Health and Personal Care Aides is projected to grow 22% from 2022 to 2032[1]. In California, Home Health jobs are expected to grow 28.7% between 2020-2030. Nationally, the median annual wage for Home Health and Personal Care Aides was $33,530 in May 2023, and in California, the median annual wage in 2022 was $31,641[2].

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