Home Care Assistant

Job Description

Extend the ability of residents to remain living as independently as possible by providing companionship services and personal care assistance, while maintaining the appropriate level of privacy and ensuring a safe environment for each resident. Essential Functions: 1.Provide stand-by assistance or reminders for activities of daily living (ADLs) (i.e. dressing, grooming, and ambulation (monitor for trip/fall hazards), etc.) to the extent required based on the client's capability. Communicate actions to the client so they understand the care that is being provided in order to minimize and/or alleviate any concerns or fear. 2.Build a relationship with the client through regular interaction. Provide emotional support to reinforce communication with others and encourage and/or attend activities (internal and external) selected by the resident that s/he will enjoy and find beneficial. Assure that choices are available for the client and that they participate as much as possible in developing their activity schedule. 3.Provide medication reminders to the client, as appropriate. 4.Assure that the resident appropriately uses any prescribed medical equipment (i.e. wheelchairs, walkers, dentures, hearing aids, etc.). 5.Assist the client with meal preparation and/or arrange or accompany client to restaurants (internal and external) to support their nutritional needs. 6.Provide assistance with consistent home organization, straightening and light cleaning for the client in order to maintain a pleasant living environment and make storing and retrieving items in their home more accessible. 7.Assist the client in preparing shopping and/or errand lists for food, clothing, supplies, or medical appointments and either shop or run errands for the client or accompany the client while they complete their shopping, errands, or appointments. Schedule and coordinate transportation services with the Perfect Fit office. 8.Document the client's activities on a daily basis and note changes in physical or mental status to assist medical staff and family members in assessing the status of the client's care plan. 9.Assist the client with memory impairments by redirecting the client as appropriate. 10.Provide transportation for clients to appointments and or errands. Other: 1.Routinely monitor the client's medical equipment (i.e. wheelchairs, walkers, dentures, hearing aids, etc.) for potential equipment defects and coordinate any needed repairs. 2.Notify the Home Care office of any potential clients who may benefit from the Perfect Fit Home Care Agency and promote services offered to clients who inquire about the program. 3.Perform other related functions as required or as assigned. Experience: •Previous experience supporting adults in a home or institutional environment is preferred Education/Certifications/Licenses: •High school diploma or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience is required •Current CPR and First Aid certification is required •Valid state driver's license is required Job Specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: •Strong communication skills to effectively and empathetically address critical health and end of life issues with a diverse client population and family members •Strong interpersonal skills in order to engage residents in daily activities and to establish rapport and trust with clients •Ability to effectively interact with a diverse leadership team, staff, clients, and third-party associates, including vendors, providers, and visitors •Ability to effectively manage sensitive and confidential communications and information, while maintaining a high level of poise, tact and diplomacy •Solid problem solving and decision-making skills Physical: In order to accomplish the essential functions of this position, the following are required: •Moderate amount of physical exertion including standing, walking, sitting; and occasional requirement for twisting/turning, bending at the waist, lifting above head and shoulders, and routine lifting and transferring/repositioning of the clients with loads of up to 35 lbs.; and pushing wheelchairs with loads of up to 300lbs •Normal levels of hearing and vision, including both near and far seeing, color discrimination, field of vision and depth perception and ability for ordinary levels of communication, both written and verbal •Frequent requirement for normal level of eye-hand coordination •Moderate use of office equipment, online scheduling software, and smart phone •Ability to drive the clients to appointments and/ or errands Conditions: This position is performed primarily indoors in a climate-controlled setting within a client's home. Mental and Emotional Requirements: This position requires: •Understanding and carrying out of oral and written instructions and reviewing/preparing detailed reports, activity logs, and medical records •Planning own work activities