Home Health Aide

Written By Itz.Tiffany .

Definition: A Home Health Aide ( HHA ) is an at-home healthcare worker. These employees aid their patients with basic tasks such as wound care, driving, and assisted living. Some of the assisted living tasks include bathing, feeding, medicating, and housekeeping for patients who find them difficult to do on their own. (ShiftMed Team)

healthy, fruit bowl, yogurt, water, breakfast, food

But how do I get there?

It’s important to note that depending on the state, you might need a high school diploma or a GED to work as a Home Health Aide. However, it’s also true that some states and companies don’t require any formal education for this position. Please research the laws in your state to understand if formal education is required.

To become a Home Health Aide, you must ( typically ):

  • Be trained in housekeeping tasks

  • Be trained in basic safety

  • Be trained in personal hygiene and basic nutrition

Some states require an HHA license or specific certification, while others don’t. (research your state's laws) Some required certifications include:

  • First aid certification

  • CPR certification

healthcar workers , holding hands, caregivers

What do they do?

HHA’s don’t work unsupervised. Typically, they’re looked over by a nurse and/or another medical professional. HHA’s provide a few basic level health services. Some of which include ( could vary depending on state laws ):

  • Checking pulses

  • Checking temperature

  • Checking respiration rate

  • Giving medication

  • Bathing and dressing

  • Feeding

  • Helping with mobility

  • Certain medical equipment management ( with training )

  • Keep record of patient activity

  • Report changes and/or milestones to supervisor

Other non-medical related tasks include:

  • Homekeeping

  • Driving/managing transportation

  • Organize schedules

  • Shop for groceries and meal prep.

  • Managing social activities

bandage, healthcare, helping others, health

Let’s talk about locations

Home Health Aides can work in a variety of settings, some of which are:

  • Patient’s home

  • group homes

  • disability facilities

  • Elderly facilities

Work Cited

“Home Health and Personal Care Aides.” Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home-health-aides-and-personal-care-aides.htm#tab-2. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

ShiftMed Team. “What Is a Home Health Aide (HHA)? Also Known as a Personal Health Aide (PHA).” Shiftmed Blog, 22 June 2022, https://www.shiftmed.com/professionals/blog/what-is-a-home-health-aide-hha/.

Itz.Tiffany .