Know Who Your Homecare Providers Are
Let’s learn about the types of healthcare workers that provide services in the home and in a long-term care setting.
Companion/Homemaker May do the following: Prepares/serves meals, does housekeeping, and accompany client on errands/trips. The Companion/Homemaker must have some training in topics related to human development and interpersonal relationships, nutrition, marketing, food storage, use of equipment and supplies, planning and organizing of household tasks, and principles of cleanliness and safety.
Home Health Aide (HHA) In addition to the services provided by a Companion/Homemaker, a HHA may provide “hands on” personal care, which includes assistance in the activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, dressing, personal hygiene, eating, and assistance in physical transfer and ambulation.
Some HHA’s can be trained to supervise medication and receive a Home Health Aide Certificate. Training courses are 40 hours and include basic nutrition; maintaining a clean, safe environment; taking vital signs; infection control; and how to handle emergencies.
Most HHA’s have a high school diploma, although it is not required. Florida does not have a state administered test for home health aides. To work for a Medicare or Medicaid home health agency, a HHA must complete 75+ hours of training or successfully complete a competency evaluation given by the home health agency.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) provides the same types of services as the Home Health Aide, but the CNA is certified by
the state, a high school or G.E.D is required, and typically receives a higher rate of pay. The programs are 6-12 weeks in length and include “hands-on” care giving experience.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides
services such as monitoring vital
signs, preparing and giving injections,
enemas, help in evaluation of the needs
of the client, and supervising nursing
assistants and aides. LPN’s can also be
involved in teaching and training family
members in simple nursing tasks.
LPN’s must go through a State-approved
Nursing Program, which typically last one
year and include classroom and clinical
practice. A LPN provides care under the direction of a registered nurse (RN). The RN provides supervision and support for the LPN.
Registered Nurse (RN) work to promote
health, prevent illness, educate patients and families, and develop/manage nursing care plans. RN’s are educated in the science and theory behind the care they are administering and supervising. The RN assessment involves a more holistic approach to evaluating the patient, making sure both their physical and psychology needs are being addressed.
There are three major educational levels
of RN’s: an associate degree in Nursing (ADN), a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN), and a diploma program administered in hospitals. These degrees take from 2-4 years to complete. Periodic renewal of licenses and continuing education are required. A RN may assign portions of client care to LPN’s and HHA’s, but always retains the full responsibility for the care.
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) is a RN who has advanced education and experience and generally requires a master’s level education. ARNP’s diagnose and treat common ailments, perform routine tests, prescribe medications, and work closely with the client. ◙