A home health aide or personal care aide cares for elderly, ill, or disabled patients in their homes.  They perform an integral service that allows patients to enjoy a level of independence within their homes.  Home health aides carry out medical instructions, and may perform various household chores such as changing bed linens, washing laundry, and preparing and serving meals.  The health aide helps the patient with personal hygiene, transfers the patient to and from their bed or wheelchair, and accompanies the patient to doctor’s appointments.  Home health aides should be reliable, patient and compassionate.  They should also be able to work independently with people from all walks of life. 

Areas Of Specialization
Most home health aides work with a variety of patients, though some may choose to work with clients who have specific conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease or Multiple Sclerosis.

Work Environment
Home health aides work for state or county welfare agencies, private home health agencies or on their own. A home health aide provides services primarily in private homes. The job can be physically challenging. Aides are usually expected to provide their own transportation and often spend time driving from one place to another. Night and weekend work is sometimes required.