Over the last decade, the number of Americans who have reached the age of 60 has increased by 26 percent. As that number grows, the number of healthcare professionals will grow from 1.7 million in 2008 to 2.5 million by the end of 2018.


Home health aides are a valuable part of the local community and medical field. A home health aide will go to an individual home and provide in-home therapy to deliver help to the elderly, ill, or disabled. A home health aid may also provide care in hospice care programs as well.


Home health aides will follow a patient’s schedule and help them bathe, eat, move, and go to the bathroom depending on the disability or physical restrictions. They may also travel with them to run errands such as groceries and doctor’s appointments. Those who have taken nursing assistant classes or similar classes may help with monitoring vital signs and administering medications, although these instances are rare.


Although there is no formal education required to become a home health aide. It is greatly beneficial to take CPR classes and home health classes in order to be prepared for any situation that might arise. In order to work for an agency, a home health aid must complete at least 75 hours of training along with 16 hours of supervised work and completion of a competency or state evaluation, depending on location.


Some home health aides are certified nursing assistants (CNAs). There are also some home health aides who start in the home health service and move on to become CNA’s. Without a doubt, anyone in the home health care service will benefit from taking nursing assistant classes either online or at a local college.

There are many benefits to becoming a home health aide. The industry is growing which means that there is more opportunity for jobs and growth within the industry. Since there is little training required it is easy for people who want to help other people dive into a very rewarding job. It is a great stepping stone for those who are considering a career switch into the medical field and great patient experience for those already taking nursing assistant classes.