Home Health Aide

SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Licensed Practical Nurse & Director of
Clinical Operations, will be responsible for providing residents with personal
care and supportive services as needed so they will be able to participate in
the ongoing activities of the facility, carry out the activities of daily living
and maintain good health at the highest possible level of independence.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. GENERAL:
a) Participates in the creation of a positive atmosphere supported by the warmth and personal interest while maintaining a calm environment.
b) Responds promptly to resident needs.
c) Displays actions that communicate respect, kindness, patience and understanding.
d) Acts in accordance with regulatory and established facility standards.
e) Acts in accordance with the privacy standards promulgated by HIPPA.
f) Acts in accordance with the established Code of Conduct.
g) Acts in accordance with policy and procedures established relative to infection control and blood borne pathogens. Follows the established protocol for universal precautions.
h) Observes the working environment and identifies potential hazards. Notifies the appropriate individual(s) regarding these potential hazards.
i) Maintains an adequate level of supplies needed to provide proper resident care.
Ensures these supplies are kept in a neat and orderly manner.
j) Operates equipment in accordance with specified procedures. Makes sure certain general maintenance guidelines are followed and informs the supervisor when equipment does not appear to be operating properly.
k) Acts in accordance with established safety and disaster prevention rules. Actively participates in safety disaster drills.
l) Follows established performance improvement (PI) standards and participates on PI Teams as assigned.
m) Attends all mandatory in-service and other in-services as assigned.
n) Documents cares rendered in Point Click Care computerized chart.
2. PROVISION OF PERSONAL CARE:
a) Provides physical and emotional care to all residents according to the plan of care including the supervision and assistance with but not limited to:
Bathing Dressing Grooming Hair Care
Oral Care Nail Care Toileting Eating
Walking Transferring Positioning Transporting
b) Monitors resident throughout the day and assists as needed to maintain proper hygiene and grooming.
3. SUPPORTIVE CARE:
a) Provides for the care of the residents’ personal belongings and the environment according to the plan of care including:
• Preparing, washing and storing personal laundry according to the resident’s preference.
• Making the resident’s bed.
• Straightening the resident’s room and maintaining a clean and safe environment.
b) Assists in the dining process by:
• Participating in the preparation of the residents for dining and the service of meals in the Memory Support Program.
• Documenting Meal Attendance for all meals in binder in the Memory Support Program.
• Collaborating with the wait staff to monitor attendance at meals in the Assisted Living Program.
c) Escorts residents to activities within the facility and actively participates with residents.
d) Assists in the orientation of new residents upon admission and if the resident desires, assists with the unpacking of his/her personal belongings.
e) Assists with the preparation of residents and their belongings for home visits, transfers or discharges.
f) Observes residents and notes their physical conditions, attitudes, reactions, appetite, etc. Reports any changes in condition and/or unusual findings.
4. RECREATION ACTIVITIES
a) Assists in the provision of recreational activities and redirecting of residents as needed. Interacts with residents on a regular basis to assist in promoting independence and functioning.
b) Conducts planned and spontaneous activities with residents to promote the highest level of functioning.
NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Assists co-workers as the need arises and maintains flexibility in assignments.
2. Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED required. Satisfactory completion of a recognized Training Program for Home Health Aides.
2. Current Home Health Aide certification.
3. Previous experience serving the dementia or geriatric population preferred.
4. Ability to work harmoniously with other staff members, residents, visitors and the general public.
5. Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
6. Excellent communication skills.
7. Ability to problem solve effectively and to make independent decisions within the guidelines of established protocols when necessary.
8. Ability to handle stress.
9. Ability to use computer and other technical equipment.
10. Ability to remain calm and focused when evacuating residents in the event of an emergency.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
1. Flow of work and character of duties involve normal mental and visual attention along with manual coordination.
2. Works in lighted, heated and ventilated areas. Occasional exposure to unpleasant odors and/or noises. May be subjected to some exposure to infectious agents and strains.
3. Subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, visitors etc.
4. Subject to frequent interruptions to work flow.
5. Performance of duties will require regular periods of time involving sitting, standing, lifting, bending or walking.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. All pay rates and bonuses are paid and/ or awarded to employees based on the facilities policy and/ or the CBA, depending on the position.