Aide Home Health/Hospice

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated individual to provide personal care and light housekeeping services to terminally ill patients in various settings, including homes, nursing facilities, inpatient units, and other environments where hospice or home health care is provided. This role involves working closely with a registered nurse to deliver care according to an established plan. As an active member of the hospice interdisciplinary team, you will provide comfort and support to patients while adhering to the hospice aide care plan. Your responsibilities include observing patients, documenting care provided, and reporting any observations or changes in the patient’s condition. You will be expected to maintain accurate and timely documentation of services based on each patient’s care plan.

Primary Duties:

Personal Care and Homemaking Services:

1. Deliver high-quality personal hospice services to patients while supporting their families and caregivers.
2. Assist patients with personal care activities as outlined in the care plan, including hygiene, mobility, and elimination. Report any tasks you cannot perform to the Home Health/Hospice Aide Supervisor.
3. Ensure a safe environment for patients by using equipment safely and correctly, such as footstools, side rails, and oxygen equipment.
4. Practice universal precautions in all interactions with patients.
5. Assist patients and families with home maintenance activities as detailed in the care plan, including light housekeeping and meal preparation.
6. Provide support activities such as encouraging independence, offering companionship, and providing respite for families as outlined in the care plan.
7. Respect the autonomy and confidentiality of all patients and families.
8. Monitor and document patients' fluid and nutrition intake, temperature, pulse, respiration, skin condition, and any changes in body functioning.
9. Practice safe transfer, ambulation, range of motion, and positioning techniques.
10. Identify and report the need for intervention by other interdisciplinary team members to RN case managers.
11. Document care provided and patient/family responses, submitting documentation timely per agency policies.
12. Assist in providing continuity of care in collaboration with the patient, family, caregiver, and other team members.
13. Work with families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary team members to meet the emotional needs of the patient and family.

Resource Utilization:

1. Manage travel time and caseload effectively to deliver cost-effective care, understanding hospice reimbursement methodologies.
2. Maintain accurate records per agency guidelines.
3. Use supplies and equipment efficiently and effectively.
4. Maintain regular attendance and function independently, seeking guidance from supervisors and other interdisciplinary team members when needed.
5. Comply with local, state, and federal laws, Medicare Hospice Conditions of Participation, and agency policies and procedures.
6. Conduct all activities professionally and ethically.

Qualifications:

1. Education:

   • High school diploma or equivalent.
   • Completion of a state-approved training program and certification as a home health/hospice aide or a CNA license required.
   • Demonstrated skills and a passing score on a written competency test per 42 C.F.R. Section 484.36 before working independently with patients.

2. Experience:

   • Minimum age of 18.
   • At least 1 year of direct patient care experience in an institutional or home care setting is required, with community health/hospice experience preferred.
   • Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary setting.
   • Understanding of hospice philosophy and the needs of the terminally ill.

3. Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification:

   • Valid driver’s license and reliable, insured transportation per Pennsylvania requirements.