Certified home care aide: Home Care Aide | Washington State Department of Health

Опубликовано: February 26, 2023 в 11:21 am

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Home Care Aide Licensing Information

Renewals | New exam and application information | Frequently asked questions

Apply for a License

Apply online

The home care aide certification application contains an attestation. This is a legal attestation. The attestation must be completed by the person applying for certification. It is not legal for this to be completed by anyone else. It may be a reportable felony offense. We may take action against people for making false statements.

For further information please see:

If you aren’t eligible for the DSHS benefit, also known as state pay, you’ll need to pay the application and examination fees. You may use a debit card, credit card, or electronic bank withdrawal. Applicants eligible for state pay won’t be asked to pay online. Please make sure your address on the payment screen matches the address your bank has for you. This fee is not refundable. There is a convenience fee to apply online.

After reviewing your application, we may contact you with additional questions. Check for any follow-up emails, including checking your spam and junk mail folder.

You may need additional forms, in addition to your application:

If you have questions, contact our Customer Service staff at 360-236-4700.

Getting started

Online Application Instructions

See the online application video.

Online application instructions are on our website. Online applications are accessed through SecureAccess Washington (SAW) security portal. You’ll need to add the Department of Health Online Application Portal service to access the online applications. The first time you add the service, you’ll be prompted to answer several questions to verify your identity. The questions will match the name and address you provide with the existing public record information. Because the questions come from public record, you need to provide a complete address and your full legal name as it appears on your driver’s license or birth certificate. You may find you have to enter a former address, especially if your address has changed recently (within the past one or two years) to get the right questions that pertain to your identity. If don’t have sufficient information in the public record to verify your identity and aren’t currently credentialed by the Department of Health, then you’ll need to submit a paper application, as you won’t be able to access the Online Application Portal.

Once you have completed the process you will receive an email with your pending credential number, or you may look on Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact Department of Health or submit paperwork.

Apply on paper

All new applicants should complete the applicable documents below. Please download and print forms.

You may also need to complete the following PDF forms:

If you have limited English proficiency, and you previously submitted an application but did not request a provisional certification on your original application, please complete the following:

If you hold a home care aide credential that has been expired under three years, please complete the following:

Fee Schedule

See fee information below

WAC 246-980-990 – Fees

Home care aide certification

Application fee $85
Certification renewal fee $85
Late renewal penalty $30
Expired certification reactivation $30
Duplicate certification $15
Verification of certification $25

WAC 246-12-340 – Refund of fees

Fees submitted with applications for initial credentialing, examinations, renewal, and other fees associated with the licensing and regulation of the profession, are non-refundable.

Prometric examination fee paid directly to the Department of Health

Application fee $137

Please note: application and examination fees can be paid together in one payment method.

Certification Requirements

See certification requirements below

Education and examination

Long-term care workers must complete 75 hours of training through a program approved by the Department of Social and Health Services, and must successfully pass the home care aide certification examination.

State license verification

Applicants must list all states where they do or did hold credentials. This list must also include when the applicant has applied for a credential, even if a credential was not granted. The jurisdiction where the applicant is or was credentialed must complete and submit the verification form (PDF). The jurisdiction must send the completed form directly to the department.

Personal data questions

Each applicant must answer the personal data questions. If there is a positive answer, the applicant must send an explanation, and for any conviction or legal proceeding, must also include copies of the original complaint, and the settlement or final disposition. If a case is pending, applicant must indicate status.

Background check

An applicant who is already working as a long-term care giver must have a fingerprint background check done through Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). DSHS will provide results directly to the Department of Health.

Process for approving/denying applications

We finish final review for approval after a credentialing specialist verifies that the application is fully complete, and complies with requirements in chapter 18.88b RCW and chapter 246-980 WAC. We complete background checks and make sure applicants have submitted required fees. Credentialing supervisors and lead workers have the authority to approve routine applications. The disciplining authority may conduct further review if the credentialing supervisor can’t verify the applicant meets all requirements. We’ll formally notify applicants of a denial. Those applicants may request a hearing to appeal the decision.

Renewal requirements

Home care aides must renew their license every year. Credentials expire on the credential holder’s birthday and may be renewed within 90 days of the expiration date.

Continuing education requirements

Twelve hours of continuing education approved by the Department of Social and Health Services is due each year with renewal of the certification. The home care aide must certify that he or she has completed the required continuing education with their renewal. The Department of Health randomly audits home care aides. If you are chosen for the continuing education audit, the department will contact you and request documentation that you completed the required continuing education during the required timeframe.

Home Care Aide Frequently Asked Questions

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Certification General Questions

Who must be certified as a home care aide?

All long-term care workers (unless otherwise exempt) must be certified as home care aides within 200 days of their date of hire. Long-term care workers include:

  • Home care agency caregivers.
  • Assisted living facility caregivers
  • Adult family home caregivers.
  • Respite care providers.
  • Individual providers: Caregivers who contract with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to provide personal care.
  • Community residential service providers: Caregivers in group home services, group training home services, supported living services or voluntary placement services in a residential facility for children.
  • Any other direct care workers providing home or community-based services to the elderly or people with functional or developmental disabilities.
May I work before I receive a home care aide certification?

Yes, once you have completed two hours of orientation and three hours of safety training approved by the Department of Social and Health Services, you may begin working.

You must have 75 hours of DSHS-approved training within 120 days of your date of hire or you must stop working.

You must have your home care aide certification within 200 days of your date of hire or you must stop working.

Were some workers specifically excluded from the definition of a long-term care worker?

Yes, the following are not long-term care workers:

  • Caregivers in nursing homes, hospitals or other acute care settings.
  • Residential rehabilitation center caregivers.
  • Hospice agency, adult day center or adult day health center caregivers.
  • People not paid by the state or by private agencies or facilities licensed by the state to provide personal care services.

Workers not defined as long-term care workers will not qualify for an exemption based on prior work experience.

Which long-term care workers do not have to be certified as home care aides?
  • Exemption based on prior work experience
    People employed as long-term care workers between January 1, 2011, and January 6, 2012, who completed all training requirements in effect as of the date of hire.
  • Exemptions based on Department of Health license or certification
    • Registered nurses
    • Advanced registered nurse practitioners
    • Licensed practical nurses
    • Certified nursing assistants
  • Other exemptions from certification

    Community residential service providers: Caregivers in group home services, group training home services, supported living services or voluntary placement services in a residential facility for children.

    Individual providers, reimbursed by DSHS, who provide 20 hours or less of care for one person in any calendar month, or who provide only respite services and who work less than 300 hours in any calendar year.

    A home health aide who is employed by a Medicare-certified home health agency and has met the requirements of 42 CFR Part 484.36.

    A person with an active special education endorsement granted by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

May I apply for a home care aide certification if I am exempt?

Yes, exempt long-term care workers may choose to apply for a home care aide certification.

Long-term care workers who have certified nursing assistant, licensed practical nurse, registered nurse or advanced registered nurse practitioner licenses, or who are exempt because they worked between January 1, 2011 and January 6, 2012, will not be required to submit verification of training but must meet all other certification requirements. Other exempt workers may need to complete training to qualify for a home care aide certification.

All exempt workers are required to meet all certification requirements, which include passing the certification examination, and submission to a state and federal background check through the Department of Social and Health Services. The Department of Health may require its own background check for workers seeking to qualify for a home care aide certification.

How do long-term care workers who were employed between January 1, 2011, and January 6, 2012, (or their employers) prove they are exempt from the home care aide certification?

The long-term care workers and their employers should have a letter from the employers who employed them between January 1, 2011, and January 6, 2012. The letter should include the following:

  • Date of hire
  • Last day of work, if applicable
  • Job title and job description
  • A description of the training required on the date of hire and verification that the training was completed. If the worker received a certificate of completion for the training, a copy of the certificate will be required.

Individual providers paid by DSHS may use proof of employment from DSHS or the client.

The employment verification form in the application packet may be used in place of a letter.

Do long-term care workers who do not provide hands-on care have to meet training and certification requirements?

A long-term care worker who performs activities of daily living must meet the new training and certification requirements. Activities of daily living (ADLs) are defined as self-care abilities such as bathing, eating, using the toilet, dressing and transfer.

Long-term care workers who perform only instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), such as housekeepers, dining room staff members, or maintenance workers not performing any ADLs, are not required to meet training and certification requirements. Instrumental activities of daily living include activities such as cooking, shopping, housekeeping, doing laundry, transportation to medical appointments and shopping, working and managing personal finances.

If a worker performs both ADLs and IADLs, such as a bus driver for a boarding home who also assists the client with getting in and out of the bus, the worker is required to meet the new training and certification requirements.

Certification Requirements

What are the requirements for the home care aide certification?

Submit a home care aide certification application with the application fee and examination fees to the Department of Health within 14 days of hire. Application and examination fees can be submitted together in one payment method.

Submit to a state and fingerprint-based federal background check through DSHS. If you are not currently working, you are not able to obtain the DSHS background check. The Department of Health may require its own background check.

Seventy-five hours of training through a training program approved by DSHS. Applicants that are part of SEIU will take training through SEIU.

Successful completion of the certification knowledge and skills exam administered by Prometric.

I have questions about the home care aide application and would like to speak to someone before I submit it. Whom may I contact?

You may contact the Department of Health home care aide credentialing unit at 360-236-2700.

The application requires that I certify I have had four hours of AIDS education. I don’t have this because I need to submit the application within 14 days of hire. What should I do?

If you are required to be certified as a home care aide, you will complete the AIDS education and training requirement in the 75-hour basic training course. You will not need to complete this attestation on the application.

If you are exempt from certification and training and are choosing to become certified as a home care aide, you must complete the AIDS education and training attestation.

Who is required to get an OCA number (originating case agency number) and how do I get an OCA number?

All long-term care workers must submit to a state and federal background check through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). If you are an individual provider, an OCA number will be generated on the Fingerprint appointment form you get at contracting. If you work for an agency or facility, you will complete a name and date of birth background check through your employer. An OCA number is generated from this background check. The Department of Health will require the OCA number associated with the fingerprint background check on the home care aide certification application.

Employers can find the DSHS background forms on the Background Check website.

If you are not currently working, you will not be able to obtain the DSHS background check, and Department of Health may require its own background check.

Examination Information

How do I apply for the home care aide examination?

You automatically apply for the examination when you apply for home care aide certification. The application asks for specific examination information that is required. The Department of Health will send your authorization to test to the examination vendor, Prometric, once you have completed training and submitted all required documentation.

Please note: Prometric will not schedule you for the exam without an email address.

  • If you have questions about your application, contact the Department of Health at 360-236-2700.
  • If you have questions about what to expect on test day or related issues, contact Prometric at [email protected] or 800-324-4689.
How will I know where and when to take the examination?

You will receive an “Admission to Test” email from Prometric, which will include the date, time and place of the examination. Once you receive the exam date from Prometric, it’s very important to take the exam on your scheduled exam date. After you have completed the examination, Prometric will send the examination results to the Department of Health.

Where can I find more information about the examination?

Review all the information on the Prometric website. Read all the information in the Candidate Information Booklet (PDF). You will also find links to examination preparation materials as well as a listing of the Washington test sites.

How do I register to retest?

All retesting will need to be scheduled through Prometric. Please see the Prometric website for more information.

How do I request testing accommodations or an individual interpreter?

Print and complete the Testing Accommodations Request packet (PDF) and submit it directly to Prometric. Please see the Prometric website for more information.

Individual interpreters are available only for languages that are not currently offered. Languages that are offered include Amharic, Arabic, Simplified Chinese (written) and Cantonese (spoken), Khmer, Korean, Laotian, Russian, Samoan, Spanish, Somali, Tagalog, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.

Candidates With Limited English Proficiency Who Are Requesting Provisional Certification

Is the home care aide examination offered in foreign languages?

Yes, the home care aide examination is offered in Amharic, Arabic, Simplified Chinese (written) or Cantonese (spoken), Khmer, Korean, Laotian, Russian, Samoan, Spanish, Somali, Tagalog, Ukrainian and Vietnamese. There is an oral and written translation for English and all translated languages.

What if an applicant speaks a foreign language other than English and those listed above?

The Department of Health offers an interpreter to read the home care aide examination for people who speak languages other than those in which the examination is currently translated and offered.

How does an applicant request an interpreter to read the examination?

An applicant who wishes to request an interpreter to read the examination must submit a request for test accommodation directly to Prometric. The form must state the language for which the applicant needs an interpreter.

The test accommodation request form is available on the Prometric website. The applicant will not check a box for a language other than English. The interpreter will translate from the English examination.

If my ability to read, write or speak English is limited, how may I request more time to get certified?

The department may issue a provisional certification to long-term care workers with limited English proficiency to allow them more time to complete the requirements to become certified a home care aide.

To request a provisional certification, check the “yes” box near the top of the home care aide certification application for the question, “I am applying for a provisional certificate which is available for home care aides whose ability to read, write and speak English is limited.”

How may I request a provisional certification if I have already submitted an application to the department?

Please fill out the home care aide provisional certification supplemental form and submit it to the department.

How long may I work with the provisional certification?

The provisional license will be issued to you on day 200 from the date you were hired. This date will be based on the information you submit on your application. The provisional certificate will expire 60 days after it’s issued.

May I renew the provisional certification?

No, the provisional certification can be issued only once, valid for no more than 60 days.

What if my provisional certification expires and I still haven’t become certified as home care aide?

You must stop providing care and will not be paid for services until you complete the requirements and become home care aide-certified by the department.

Nurse Delegation

What is required for a worker to perform nurse delegation in an in-home or community-based setting as allowed by RCW 18.79.260 (3)(e)?

Long-term care workers may perform nurse delegation if they meet one of the following requirements:

  • A long-term care worker with a current home care aide certification:
    Must also have the appropriate nurse delegation certificate of completion to perform nurse delegation.
  • A long-term care worker with a current nursing-assistant certified credential:
    Must also have the appropriate nurse delegation certificate of completion to perform nurse delegation.
  • Long-term care workers who are exempt from the requirement for a home care aide certification:
    Must have a nursing assistant-registered credential, a certificate of completion for either the revised fundamentals of caregiving or the core basic training and the appropriate nurse delegation certificate of completion.
  • Long-term care workers who are still within 200 days of their date of hire May perform nurse delegation only if they have a nursing assistant-registered credential, a certificate of completion for either the revised fundamentals of caregiving or the core basic training and the appropriate nurse delegation certificate of completion.

Renewal and Continuing Education

When does my home care aide certification expire? What do I need to renew my certification?

The home care aide certification expires every year on your birthday. If your next birthday is within three months of the initial certification, your first renewal date will be on the second birthday after initial certification.

A renewal fee is required for renewal. For your first renewal, if your certification was active for more than a year, you will be required to sign an affidavit indicating you have completed 12 hours of continuing education.

Future renewals are due on your birthday. They require both the renewal fee and the signed affidavit indicating you have completed 12 hours of continuing education.

If you let your certification expire and it has been expired for less than one year, you must pay additional fees. If your certification has expired for more than one year, you will need to submit an expired home care aide certification activation application with additional fees. If your certification has expired for three years or more, you will need to retake both the required training and the home care aide certification knowledge and skills examination. If you’re a member of SEIU, check with it for available classes.

Will I be required to prove that I took the 12 hours of continuing education?

The Department of Health will perform random audits of people who hold home care aide credentials. If you’re audited, you must submit proof you have completed 12 hours of continuing education. You may do this by providing a copy the certificate(s) of completion for all continuing education courses you completed. Continuing education courses must be approved by the Department of Social and Health Services. A list of approved continuing education training providers is online.

Am I required to complete continuing education if I am exempt from certification and training?

Yes, everyone working as a long-term care worker must complete 12 hours of continuing education per year. Your employer needs proof of your continuing education. If you are a member of SEIU, check with it for available classes. Otherwise, you can find continuing education classes at the Department of Social and Health Services training website.

Using Home Care Aide Training Toward a Certified Nursing Assistant Credential

May I use my home care aide training to get a nursing assistant-certified credential?

Yes, your home care aide credential allows you to enter a 24-hour “bridge” program. Completion of the bridge program allows you to take the nursing assistant-certified examination. You will also need to apply for the nursing assistant-certified credential.

Review the list of bridge programs, as you will need to contact individual programs for information about schedules and cost.

What is a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)? • BUOM

By Indeed Editorial Team

December 30, 2021

A Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) provides basic patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. In this article, we will discuss what a CNA does, how to become one, and related healthcare jobs.

What does CNA do?

CNAs work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). This role is also commonly referred to as Nurse Assistant, Patient Care Assistant (PCA), or Nurse Assistant. nine0003

Here are some of the tasks that are usually performed by CNA:

  • Help patients swim and dress

  • Help patients eat and drink

  • Transfer patients in bed

  • Transplant patients from the bed to the bed to a invalid stroller and a invalid stroller back

  • Measure vital signs and record results

  • Wound dressing

  • Cleaning and preparing rooms for new patients

Average CNA salary

Average CNA salary depends on location and level of experience, among other factors. For the latest information from Indeed, please click on the salary link below.

  • Usual US salary: $13.68 per hour

CNA Requirements

CNAs typically require a combination of vocational education, on-the-job training, mandatory certification, and specialized skills. nine0003

Education

CNAs must complete a professional program approved by their state. Depending on your state, you may be able to enroll in a program offered by your high school, local community college, or technical school. Most programs include a combination of lectures, clinical experience and practical rotation, as well as a written and clinical examination. Programs typically last a year or less and may include online components.

Training

Most CNAs also receive on-the-job training so they can learn the protocols and workflows that their organization follows. These training sessions are usually paid and can last a week or more, depending on the employer.

Certifications

Each state has its own CNA requirements. In most states, nursing assistants require a certificate to use the CNA title. Earning this certification also allows the CNA to be entered on the public registry, which is a requirement for caregivers working in nursing homes. nine0003

To earn CNA Certification, applicants generally must complete an approved nursing assistance program, complete required training, and pass a state exam. Some states also require CNAs to complete a criminal record check in order to become certified, or to continue their education in order to retain that certification.

Skills

To succeed in this role, CNAs need the following skills:

  • Communication Skills: CNAs are key members of healthcare teams and need good communication skills to work effectively with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare providers. They should be able to listen carefully to patients and colleagues, communicate instructions and concerns clearly, and keep accurate written records. nine0003

  • Compassion: Since CNAs perform daily tasks for elderly patients with limited mobility or serious health problems, they must be compassionate. They must do their job with care and sensitivity.

  • Endurance: Since CNAs do most of their work while standing and perform many physical tasks on an average day, they need stamina. They must be relatively physically fit and able to lift patients. nine0003

Where do CNAs work?

CNAs may work in hospitals or long-term care facilities, including nursing homes. Regardless of where they work, CNAs tend to have physically demanding jobs. They stand, walk and move around throughout the day serving patients throughout the facility. These healthcare workers also constantly use their powers as they transfer patients from beds to wheelchairs and back again.

While some CNAs work standard day shifts, others work evenings or weekends to provide consistent patient care. nine0003

CNA Job Listing

Many CNAs specialize in one area or hold other nursing positions. The following are some general CNA positions and some advanced positions to consider:

1. Home Health Assistant

National average salary: $11.98 per hour cognitive impairment and chronically ill in daily activities at home. Like the CNA, these professionals help people bathe and dress. However, they also help with cleaning, laundry, planning and grocery shopping. Many home health assistants also take their clients to doctor appointments and help them connect with the local community. nine0003

2. Physician Assistant

National Average Wage: $14.80 per hour

Key Responsibilities: Medical assistants support doctors, nurses, and other health care providers in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and other facilities. They measure vital signs, document patient histories, and assist with examinations. These healthcare workers process blood samples, give injections, and give patients medicines prescribed by doctors. Some paramedics specialize in clerical and administrative tasks, while others focus on clinical duties. nine0003

3. Psychiatric Technician

National Average Wage: $23.09 per hour

Key Responsibilities: Psychiatrists provide care to patients with mental illness. They monitor the condition of patients and note any problems. These healthcare professionals assist patients with daily tasks such as bathing and eating, and assist with admissions and discharges of patients. Psychiatric technicians check patients’ vital signs, administer medication to patients, and accompany patients in therapeutic activities. nine0003

4. Licensed Practical Nurse

National Average Wage: $23.58 an hour

Key Responsibilities: LPNs care for patients under the supervision of physicians and RNs. These healthcare professionals perform basic tasks such as taking vital signs, changing dressings, and helping patients bathe or dress. They talk to patients about their condition and treatment, and report problems to their colleagues. In some states, LPNs are also collecting samples for lab tests, starting intravenous drips, and providing medication to patients. nine0003

5. Registered Nurse

National Average Wage: $33.83 per hour

Primary Responsibilities: Nurses coordinate care and make treatment plans for patients. They monitor patients, document their condition, provide medications, and perform diagnostic tests. They show patients and their caregivers how to manage injuries and illnesses during treatment and help coordinate treatment at home. Some RNs specialize in neonatology, public health, drug addiction, or intensive care. nine0003

What is a house helper? Career Guide for Home Care Assistants/Assistants • BUOM

By Indeed Editorial Team

March 16, 2021

Home care assistants are essential to the recovery of patients who have experienced injury or illness. They are trained in basic medical care and also offer assistance to patients with things like mobility and household chores. Working as a house helper can be rewarding and you can improve your competitiveness with experience. In this article, we will discuss the expected homecare aide requirements, what they do, their average salary, and the steps you can take to become one. nine0003

What is a house helper?

Home care aides are professionals who help injured or sick patients with tasks such as mobility, personal care, medicines, and home services. A home care aide visits a patient frequently, either in the hospital or at the patient’s home, and provides services to the individual patient. Some home care aides work full-time at a hospital or home care provider, while others may work part-time or on a contract basis to increase their workload on their own. nine0003

Homecare aides are often supervised by a licensed health care provider who helps them with basic medical tasks. Some assistants only offer care in the patient’s home, while others may travel with the patient to run errands or work duties. Home care assistants can work with all types of patients, including postoperative patients, the elderly, and patients with developmental disabilities. nine0003

Average Salaries for Home Caregivers

Homecare Assistants can expect salaries ranging from $7. 25 to $22.65 per hour, with an average salary of $12.19 per hour from Indeed Salaries, where salaries are updated frequently. Entry-level home care aides can expect to start their careers at the bottom of the range and increase their salary along with industry experience. Home care aides who advance their careers through additional training or certification can expect higher salaries and more job opportunities. nine0003

Requirements for home caregivers

The individual requirements of a home caregiver depend on where they work and the needs of the patient. In addition, home care aide training may affect their expected responsibilities. Home health assistants with more advanced medical backgrounds can help with more medical-related tasks, while other home health assistants may focus more on household tasks and mobility assistance. Household helpers often have the following responsibilities:

  • Help patients with mobility from one location to another.

  • Helping patients with grooming and dressing.

  • Help patients with food preparation and cleaning.

  • Manage and control medications.

  • Transportation of patients to doctor’s appointments.

  • Monitor and record the patient’s vitals.

  • Do household chores, including grocery shopping and getting prescriptions. nine0003

  • Help patients with exercise.

  • Track patient development and progress and work collaboratively with other members of the medical team.

  • Offer patients recreation and fellowship services.

Home care assistants need to be flexible as job requirements vary by patient. A homecare assistant may one day help an elderly patient move around the hospital, and the next day offer cleaning and cooking services to a postoperative patient. nine0003

How to become a home helper

Home care helpers are trained in the basics of health care. While they don’t usually provide medical services, they can help with things like taking medication and dressing wounds. Working as a home helper requires some training. You can become a house helper by doing the following:

  1. Go to school. While a high school diploma is not always a prerequisite for getting a job as a home health assistant, it can make you a more competitive candidate. In addition, graduating from high school with a GED diploma or certificate will entitle you to any additional homecare training, the requirements for which vary from state to state. Coursework in psychology, anatomy, chemistry, and mathematics can be helpful in learning and working as a household helper. nine0003

  2. Full training. Household helpers must be trained before working on their own. The training program required varies by location and employer, but usually includes the supervision of an experienced home helper or licensed healthcare professional. Depending on where you live and where you intend to work, formal training in the form of a local college or technical program may be required. Home care aides who work with Medicare or Medicaid patients must complete 75 hours of training and 16 hours of supervised practice. nine0003

  3. Complete testing. Most states require homecare assistants working with Medicare or Medicaid patients to be tested before they begin work. Testing requirements vary by state, but often involve passing a certification test that spans 12 different areas.

  4. Apply for Household Assistant positions. Once you have completed all the education and training required to become a home care aide, you can start applying for open positions. You will need to write a cover letter and resume and start preparing for upcoming interviews. It can be helpful to review the guidelines for each of these important steps to make sure you’re ready for the hiring process. nine0003

Typical work environment for home caregivers

Home caregivers usually work with patients at home. Their patients may live in a private house, apartment or condominium. Some patients live in nursing homes. The typical work day for a home care assistant varies from patient to patient. A patient who is recovering from surgery may need assistance with mobility and rehabilitation activities, while older patients may need assistance with things such as taking medications and transportation to and from doctor’s appointments. The expectations and responsibilities of home care aides depend on the individual needs of the patient. nine0003

Job prospects for home caregivers

Because an aging population will continue to need home care after medical procedures or chronic illness, the job prospects for homecare aides are positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for domestic helpers is expected to grow by 37% from 2018 to 2028. Thanks to modern healthcare, people are living longer than ever before, and many are choosing to live out their retirement and advanced years in the comfort of their own homes. nine0003

How Home Helpers Can Advance Their Career

Home Care Helpers can advance their careers by following these tips:

  • Additional Training: Advanced training is often available through online educational programs.