Home Health Aide Course

Currently, the home health care market in India is estimated to be a $ 2 billion to $ 4 billion opportunity a year.

What is the role of a home health aide?

• Provide basic personal care, especially for elderly and paralyzed patients at home.

• Provide personal care such as bathing, dressing, and grooming the patient.

• Monitor or report changes in the patient’s health status.

• Assist patients in their daily tasks and prescribed exercises.

• Administer prescribed medications on time

• Maintain a safe environment for the patient.

The primary role of the Home Health Aide (HHA) is to attend to all the needs of patients and to ensure their comfort and needs. People opt for such a treatment plan considering its convenience, logistics, and as an economical option. It is a noble profession in which you get the benefit of having a home environment. The people who usually choose HHA are the aging population. Since there is also an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the need for better quality postoperative and primary care, people seek the help of HHA, so that the patient can receive care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week , while staying in the comfort of your homes and with your family.

It is important to create a good relationship with both the patient and his family in order to have a functional relationship with them, since the HHA has to dedicate the maximum of time. The HHA has to facilitate the patient and provide personal care such as bathing, dressing and grooming the patient. If the patient requires it, the HHA has to help him in his daily exercise and also in some of the daily tasks.

What are the minimum qualifications to apply for the HHA course?

Even though the minimum education qualification to become a home health center is eight standard passes, it is important that you be able to study all relevant subjects. In the course, you will be asked to study basic human anatomy and physiology, a topic that would be useful in your practical experience. Students will also be taught about medical waste and how it should be disposed of properly. The duration of the course is usually 4 months.

The course curriculum covers the following topics:

• Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology

• Hygiene and general health

• Understand the needs of a patient

• Special skin care for pressure ulcers

• Caring for the visually impaired

• Role of a patient care assistant

• Daily care of a patient

• Bathing a patient

• Feeding a patient

• Administration of medications according to prescription

• Basic nursing skills

• Disposal of medical waste

• Understand body mechanics

• Handling, lifting and transferring patients

• Restrictions and care for the prevention of falls

• Emergency first aid

• Communication with patients and their careers.

You must have good adaptability in a family setting and be eager to learn various medical subjects in a short period of time.

Scope in India

HHA’s reach in India is currently growing. Due to the change in demographics, currently, the population over 60 years of age is increasing rapidly, which is more than 300 million people. With ailments and illnesses, the older population sometimes find it more comfortable to stay at home, and since family members are not always available or are not always experts in comprehensive patient care, people turn to HHA for help. Sometimes in Tier II and Tier III cities, hospital facilities are not up to par or are not affordable, they are in high demand.

What are some of the downsides of the profession?

HHAs have become an integral part of the healthcare industry. However, there is still a lack of government recognition. Many hospitals are urging the government to recognize the service and profession of HHA as it has been embraced by Western countries. Although the accreditation of hospitals is increasing, this has not necessarily translated into the home health aide industry, they are still under the control of hospitals.

Home healthcare is a growing industry as it has been viewed as a very attractive option by more than 300 million people. With the increase in the number of older people in the population and a drastic increase in the workforce, more people are opting for this service. It is a noble profession and you can help a person in need of medical attention, as well as help carry out even the simplest tasks. Hospital chains, family doctors, and even government-run primary health care centers are beginning to add home health care service to their treatment plans. You can become a part of a bigger and better healthcare provider and work in a home environment. Portea Medical, a Bangalore-based home health care company, is an example of companies serving and employing home health care aides.