Imagine this… You graduated from your Health Care Aide program, and you’ve just received a job offer to work as a home care aide. You accept the job offer and get excited to start a new career.
Maybe you get a little nervous too.
Starting a new job can be stressful, but don’t worry. You are going to do great. Here are 5 things you should do to be successful in a job as a home care aide.
1. Stay humble.
Remember that as a home care aide, you’ll be helping people who are going through a challenging time. They might be dealing with an illness, chronic condition, or unexpected accident.
You are a guest in their house. Yes, you help them do many things. But they can help teach you things too. A big part of being a home health aide is forming relationships, getting to know people and their families.
2. Be a part of the team.
Home care aides are a part of a larger group of medical professionals that all work together. They support one another and exchange advice.
You will also get to know the people you help and their families. Many family members are caretakers, too, and will talk with home care aides.
Knowing how to collaborate with all of these people will help you a lot. The client will have greater healing and peace of mind knowing that all the people they care about are working together.
3. Be compassionate.
Many people choose to stay at home instead of at a hospital because they are more comfortable there. When a health care aide comes into their house, they are putting their trust in that person. That’s why it’s so important that you make a good impression.
As a health care aide, you should always be compassionate. When you enter someone’s home, make them feel comfortable, and treat them with kindness. When you help clients, you’ll be forming a bond with them, and they’ll count on you.
4. Always go to work on time.
Being a home care aide is a special type of job. You work with people who are vulnerable or sick, and they rely on your help to get them through the day. When you’re scheduled to be at their home, they count on you to be there.
Being reliable helps the client feel more peace of mind and trust. It also helps you look professional and build a good reputation.
5. Know how to keep things private.
Home care aides see the most intimate and private parts of people’s lives. They help people through very tough challenges and get to know them and their families. It’s important that health care aides always remember that what they do is confidential (private.)
Forming a trusting relationship with your client will be very meaningful. You will get to know your clients on a deeper level, and it will help you understand how to make their lives better.
Ready to get started in your Home Care Aide role?
The demand for certified Health Care Aides to work as home care aides over the next decade is expected to be very strong, driven by the aging baby boomers and the desire for in-home healthcare services.
Learn more about work as a Health Care Aide HERE.