CHHAs provide invaluable patient care, and they give attentive care and support to those who need it the most, particularly elderly patients. In order to become a CHHA you must first complete a state approved school, take a state exam, and become a Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA).
The Home Health Aide can work in personal homes and assisted living facilities, all require the Home Health Aide to act as a liaison between the RN (Registered Nurse) or the LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) and the patient.
CHHAs provide basic patient care under the supervision of the RNs and LPNs. CHHAs spend more time with patients than anyone else on the home health care team and are considered the eyes and ears of the nursing staff. In this course the student will be instructed how to use evaluation and observation to assess the patient’s state of health by using selected skills like history-taking; and physical and social evaluation to help achieve specific and overall patient goals. The assessment skills taught in this class also allow the CHHA to understand what, when and how some changes occur, whether it be medical, physical, emotional, or mental and if necessary the action needed to take. For this reason, communication skills become an important part of the students educational experience. CHHA can easily form lasting connections with patients and their families where the same patients are cared for each day. Therefore, communication skills become an important part of the students educational experience.
Individuals might also consider CNA training if they are interested in working in health care to support their education.