20 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.
You usually visit several clients for scheduled shifts: morning, afternoon, or overnight. A typical morning shift includes helping with bathing, dressing, checking pulse/temperature, preparing and feeding meals, and reminding clients to take medications.
Between hands-on care you’ll do light housework (wash dishes, laundry), help with errands or shopping, record observations in Microsoft Word or Excel, and report any changes in condition to a supervisor or case manager via Outlook or SharePoint. Visits often last 30–90 minutes each depending on the care plan.
Yes—employers expect basic skills in Word, Excel, Outlook, and sometimes SharePoint. You’ll write short care notes in Word or an agency form, log vitals (pulse, respiration, temperature) in Excel or a spreadsheet, and email updates to case managers in Outlook.
SharePoint is used at some agencies to upload records or read the client’s care plan. You don’t need advanced features—typing, saving files, and attaching documents are the main tasks.
You can use AI to draft plain, professional care notes, appointment reminders, or simple follow-up messages, but never enter real patient-identifying details (name, address, health ID) into public AI tools. Treat AI like a grammar and clarity assistant only.
After AI helps draft text, copy it into your agency’s Word or Excel template, verify accuracy of vitals or observations, and save/upload to SharePoint or send via Outlook. Your employer’s privacy rules and HIPAA-like laws come first.
Pay varies by state, employer, and certification. Many home health aides start between the state minimum wage and about $16–$18 per hour; union or agency jobs and specific locations can pay more. Look up job postings in your city or the Bureau of Labor Statistics for SOC 31-1121.00 for a local range.
Also check your agency’s job ad or ask HR—they must give you the exact hourly rate, overtime rules, and whether mileage or travel time between clients is paid.
Most employers require a state-approved training program or a nursing assistant (CNA) certificate. Typical training is 75–120 hours and covers bathing, transfers, basic vitals (pulse, respiration, temperature), safety, and infection control.
Many agencies offer on-the-job training for specific tasks like dressing changes, liniment or alcohol rubs, and documentation in Word/Excel. Ask your local community college, state health department, or agency HR for the exact courses and hours your state requires.
A home health aide provides personal care (bathing, toileting, feeding, light housekeeping, companionship) and basic health support like taking vitals and reminding medication. They document observations and report changes to a supervisor.
A personal care aide may focus more on household tasks and companionship and less on vitals or dressing changes. A licensed nurse (LPN/RN) does clinical procedures, advanced wound care, medication administration, and medical decision-making that an aide does not.
Clear, calm communication. Being able to explain what you’re doing, listen to a client’s needs, and record exact observations (pulse, temperature, breathing) makes care safer and builds trust.
Pair that with accurate documentation in Word or Excel and timely emails in Outlook to report changes. Good communication prevents mistakes and keeps supervisors informed when a client’s condition shifts.