Looking after a family member who is suffering from a chronic illness or age-related health concerns can be tough. There are a bunch of things to worry about, and given that you have a life to live and additional responsibilities, you may not be able to care for them as you would want. Thankfully, there are personal care services Valley Forge that can offer the help you need. You can get a home health aide who would ensure that the patient gets the support they need to recover and live an independent life within the walls of their house. So, what does a home health aide do? We have an overview below to guide you on the basics.
Duties and responsibilities at a glance
Usually, home health aides don’t do the same job everywhere. The actual work depends on the needs of the patient, which can include –
- Shopping for groceries and running errands
- Accompanying the client to appointments and on trips
- Offering companionship
- Administering medication as suggested by the doctor
- Caring for a disabled child, as requested
- Offering massages and stimulation
- Maintaining patients’ records
- Offering emotional and behavioral support
- Caring for the patient’s hygiene
- Preparing and serving food on time
- Helping patients with exercises
- Checking the vital signs
What to expect when hiring a home health aide?
While home health aides are trained for the job, you need to do your homework and choose the right person. It starts with talking to the professional to determine whether they have interpersonal skills, which is critical because the home health aide has to connect with the patient. Because home health aides do many things for the same client, they are expected to be good at time management. The job is demanding, which means that the professional must pay attention to details and must keep track of medicines, food, and other things that concern the health of the patient. A home health aide is expected to help patients move in and out of bed or wheelchair if needed, and therefore, they are expected to have stamina too.
Final word
If you are new to hiring personal caregivers or home health aides, consider finding an agency that has been around in Valley Forge for years and has a credible reputation in the industry. Ask how they hire their professionals and if they can offer respite care on request. Not to forget, consider how they accept payments and how frequently you are billed.