Health Care Aide

Overview

The Health Care Aide provides direct client care and environmental support within established standards of care, policies and procedures. The Health Care Aide functions in meeting the special and changing needs of clients and assisting them in reaching and maintaining optimum health and independence within the limits of their abilities under the direction of the team leader.

• Assist clients in activities of daily living, striving to maintain self-respect, dignity, and independence of clients by encouraging and allowing clients to care for themselves within the limits of their abilities as described in the client’s record. Integrate the resident Bill of Rights (Long Term Care) into care.
• Follow individualized clients’ care plan, provide feedback to improve care and communicate/report client changes to the team leader.
• Document care according to policy.
• Document observations and care provided in the client’s health record and/or appropriate flow sheet as per policies and procedures (i.e. Clinical Documentation, fluid balance record).
• Provide or assist the client with personal hygiene as per care plan to include bathing, grooming, skin care, oral care, dressing, and handling of personal belongings and clothing.
• Provide or assist the client with elimination as per care plan (e.g., assistance to bathroom, bedpan or urinal, changes of incontinent briefs, perineal care, and urinary drainage system as per procedure).
• Provide or assist the client with mobility as per care plan, including feeding dependent clients and encouraging nourishment intake.
• Provide or assist with ostomy care demonstrating proper technique and safe use of ostomy care supplies; replace an established ostomy system and notify the team leader if signs of skin breakdown.
• Provide or assist with observation and measurements as per care plan (e.g., report changes, update BM sheet, weigh client, record intake and output, document care).
• Provide or assist with the application and care of compression stockings, tensors, braces, and splints as directed according to client care plan.
• Provide or assist with safety measures (e.g., side rails, seat belts, wheelchair pedals), respond to call lights, and perform hourly observation rounds as indicated by the care plan.
• Demonstrate appropriate application of restraints and monitoring of clients with restraints as per policies and procedures.
• Position and/or assist the client with eating in a manner that promotes dignity and safe feeding techniques as required by the care plan.
• Maintain a safe environment by distributing/storing equipment and maintaining cleanliness.
• Provide or assist with vital sign measurement, documenting and communicating results to the team leader as directed by the care plan.
• Provide or assist with the application of oxygen therapy (portable oxygen, concentrators, wall mount) as directed by the care plan.
• Provide or assist with the emptying of closed suction medical systems and related drains, documenting and communicating results to the team leader.
• Provide or assist with the application of prescribed creams, ointments, and/or oil-based lotions following medication safety principles.
• Provide or assist with validation and orientation techniques while maintaining client privacy and confidentiality regarding their condition and family affairs.
• Assist in admissions, transfers and discharges of clients, including care of the body after death, and manage client valuables during admission and discharge.
• Promote and maintain proper hand hygiene and infection control practices, including the appropriate use of personal protective equipment.
• Maintain a clean environment including equipment cleaning, changing linen, replenishing supplies, and reporting accidents or breakages promptly.
• Follow procedures for collecting, labeling, handling and transporting specimens as applicable.
• Order and stock unit supplies (e.g., linen and food).
• Encourage and assist client participation with activity programs; organize and facilitate leisure activities for individuals and/or groups on evenings and weekends.
• Demonstrate the safe use of medical equipment applicable to the client service area.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Entry level

• Full-time

• Health Care Provider

• Hospitals and Health Care