Home health aides (HHAs) and the jobs they do play a crucial role in the home health care system. Every town in every state depends on them and the care they provide to homebound patients. Home health care aides in Pennsylvania must be competent, well-trained members of the health care team who are dedicated to their profession and the care they provide to their patients.
There are various organizations in the state of Pennsylvania who want to help you on your path to becoming a home
health aide. Read on to find out what the home health aide requirements are in Pennsylvania.
What Are the Requirements to Be a Home Health Aide in PA?
The home health aide requirements in Pennsylvania meet established federal guidelines. These include a minimum of 17 hours of training as a nurse’s aide, at least 16 hours of training in a clinical setting, and the annual completion of 12 hours of continuing education.
Once you complete the home health aide training process, you must pass a competency test that meets the state requirements.
Pennsylvania Home Health & Home Care Agencies
Pennsylvania home health agencies are a wonderful place to start your home health career. These organizations offer their clients home health care services and various other skilled nursing services like respite and personal care.
Care & Help Home Care in Philadelphia not only offers its clients health care, personal care, medication assistance, light meal prep, and light housekeeping services. We also take pride in our amazing place to work as a home health care aide with one of the most competitive compensation and benefits packages in the Philadelphia area.
Home Health Aide Training Options in PA
Home health aide training options in Pennsylvania are fairly straightforward. There are 3 primary ways to become a home health aide in the state. This allows you to choose the path that works best for your needs while still meeting all guidelines and requirements. The common theme among the options is that regardless of the path you choose, the program must be approved by the state of Pennsylvania.
Nurse’s Aide Certification & Training
Completing a nurse’s aide training and certification program that is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Health is your first option to be able to work in home health.
Complete an Approved Program
The Pennsylvania Department of Health certifies many approved home health aide training programs that you can enroll in to put you on the path to certification.
Pass a Company Competency Test
Another option that you have is to pass a competency test that is developed and administered by the specific home health care agency for which you will be working.
Keep in mind that this path only qualifies you to work for the company who administers your test.
Best Practices for Home Health Aides
Practicing best practices for home health aides can make a huge difference in patient care and satisfaction. With many adults requiring home care at some point, this is a crucial part of the services delivered by home health care agencies and providers.
Come Care With Me
Come Care With Me is a program that makes it possible for lawmakers to shadow direct care workers and patients of different ages. This has allowed lawmakers to get a first hand look at the contributions of home health aides and the role they play in the well being of their clients.
Career Lattice Programs
Career lattice programs support team members who want to increase their knowledge, skills, and career goals. These programs offer things like training and tuition assistance to those who choose to take advantage of them.
Communication Strategies
Home care companies have implemented programs among their staff that teach them effective communication skills. These help home health and personal care aides to better communicate with their clients and avoid unnecessarily stressful situations.
What Is the Average Home Health Aide Salary in PA?
The salary for home health aides in Pennsylvania is expected to increase through 2024. Home health aides in Pennsylvania will earn an average of 12.80 per hour in 2022.
Choose Care & Help Home Care
If you are searching for the best home health agencies to work for in Philadelphia, you have come to the right place. At Care & Help Home Care, LLC we know that choosing a home care provider is a difficult decision.
We’re committed to providing transparent, trustworthy, and professional home care services for our clients and a rewarding, stress-free working environment for our staff. If you’re looking for the best home care services in Philadelphia, contact Care & Help Home Care today.
