Upon completion of the program, students will be able to...
- Describe a direct care worker’s/home health aide’s role in a private home or community setting
- Apply ethical and legal rules and regulations for direct care workers
- Demonstrate oral and written communication skills for speaking with patients, family, medical personnel, and other caregivers using appropriate language and terminology
- Apply standard procedures to maintain clean and safe environments for both themselves and their patients, including residential, transportation, and outside locations
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills in areas of science relevant to the home health aide’s role, including anatomy and physiology
- Apply standard practices to assist patients with the activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, physical movement, and mental exercises
- Assess patients’ physical and mental condition, including vital signs, behavior, activity level, and mental acuity
- Administer medications, prescribed treatments, and basic first aid as directed by patients’ healthcare manager (when appropriate and allowed)
- React appropriately to emergency situations
- Maintain accurate records of patient care, condition, progress, and change
- Create meal plans according to prescribed dietary recommendations and restrictions
- Develop an instructional plan to teach families how to care for patients and react to emotional, medical, and physical situations
- Discuss unique practices and procedures involved with caring for special populations