Starting a new career can be exciting, but you might also be nervous. Becoming a home care aide or home health aide may be especially worrying. Your work will directly impact the health and wellbeing of your patients, so you probably want to do your best.
There are many home health tips available to aspiring home care aides. Here are six home health aide dos and don’ts that could help you start your career on the right foot.
1. Do be a team player
As a home care or home health aide, you are part of a patient’s larger medical and support team. Working well with doctors, nurses, and specialists is an integral part of the job. However, you may also need to communicate with their family, friends, and the patient themself.
Collaborating with healthcare professionals and family members can help your patients get the best care possible. Your patient may have better peace of mind and better outcomes knowing that the people caring for them are working together.
2. Do listen to your patients
Every patient is different, and their needs are different too. Listening to their concerns and answering their questions to the best of your ability can help build trust and confidence in your home health aide skills. Your patients will know that they are getting individualized care and that their needs are being respected and carefully considered.
3. Do manage your time well
Home care aides work with the chronically ill, elderly, and patients recovering from serious injuries. The care you provide is essential to their health and safety. It’s vital that you provide that care on time, as a missed medication dosage or late bandage change could have serious consequences.
Time management and planning are essential home health aide skills. These abilities are crucial if you accompany patients to medical appointments or work with multiple patients.
4. Don’t forget to protect yourself
Accidents happen even when you’re being careful. An innocent mistake or miscommunication could negatively affect your patient’s health and lead to a claim or lawsuit. You could be liable for their medical bills or other financial losses regardless of whether you’re directly responsible or not.
Home health aide insurance, including General Liability, could help you protect yourself while you work. Your coverage would help cover the cost of common claims and lawsuits that home healthcare professionals often face. That way, your paycheck stays in your bank account while your patient is compensated.
5. Don’t think you know everything
You may feel confident after completing your home health aide training. While this is important, you should also remain humble throughout your career. A lot of learning happens on the job as you gain valuable real-life experience. Things will also change throughout your career, and ongoing training could help you stay on top of changes in healthcare and home care best practices.
6. Don’t sacrifice your own wellbeing
Home health care work is often physically and mentally demanding. You may need to help a patient in and out of bed one minute and be the person they vent their frustrations to the next. It’s important to care for yourself, so you can better care for others.
Taking care of your physical and mental health may make you a better home care aide. Exercise, a good diet, and knowing when to take a break may be important ways of maintaining your own wellbeing.
Learn more about home health aide insurance from BizInsure. Compare quotes today!
