Do you enjoy helping people? Would you like a job where you can make a difference? If you answered “Yes” to both questions, here’s why you should become a home healthcare aide.
Top Reasons to Become a Home Healthcare Aide
You Can Help a Family in Need
Many older or disabled people prefer to stay in their own homes. However, in many cases, their care places an enormous burden on their families. And this, in turn, may cause their friends and relatives to experience a range of negative emotions from resentment to guilt. Home health care aides make everyone’s life easier. By assisting with housework, errands and activities of daily living, you can give your patient a greater sense of independence. Meanwhile, family members can cherish time with their loved one rather than spending their visits frantically doing work.
You’ll Build Meaningful Relationships
In an assisted living facility or nursing home, you would have the chance to meet lots of people. But unfortunately, you wouldn’t have the chance to get to know them well. On the other hand, home healthcare aides usually work with a few individuals. So, you will have the time to connect with your patients on a personal level. Not only will you be assisting with their care but also, you’ll be their companion. You can learn about their likes and dislikes, listen to their stories, and become part of their world.
You’ll Be Part of the Healing Process
Watching a loved one decline is a heartbreaking experience. In addition to being overwhelmed by the additional workload, family members often don’t know how to cope emotionally. They may feel sad or angry or simply unable to accept the current situation. Working as a home health care aide, you can help everyone make the most out of this new chapter of their lives. You can highlight the positives and show them new ways to make meaningful memories.
How to Become an HHA
Home healthcare aides (HHA) must have a high school diploma or GED and complete a certification program. Requirements vary by state. Most programs include both classroom and practical training, a certification exam, and continuing education. For example, Massachusetts requires 75 hours of training which includes at least 16 hours of practical experience. Then, to keep your certification active, you need to complete an additional 12 hours of education each year. To find an HHA certification program near you, contact local community colleges and trade schools. Non-for-profits, medical facilities, and healthcare staffing agencies offer training too. Just make sure the program you choose meets state requirements before you invest your time and money.
Are You Interested in Becoming a Home Healthcare Aide?
Anodyne is hiring home healthcare aides (HHA) in Quincy, Massachusetts, and beyond. Our recruiters are looking forward to matching you with positions where you can make a difference. Plus, Anodyne provides flexible scheduling, a consistent income, benefits AND free training opportunities for employees. Learn more about the benefits of working with Anodyne today!