Health Care Aide

Position Summary 

The Health Care Aide provides direct client care and environmental support within established standards of care, policies and procedures.  The Health Care Aide functions in meeting the special and changing needs of clients and assisting them in reaching and maintaining optimum health and independence within the limits of their abilities under the direction of the team leader.  

Qualifications: 

• Health Care Aide Certificate from a recognized program 

• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Training as per PPG-00002 Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) 

• Other combinations of education and experience may be considered 

• Demonstrated organizational skills, and the ability to work independently 

• Demonstrated communication skills 

• Demonstrated flexibility to facilitate changes in techniques and procedures 

• Ability to display independent judgment 

• Ability to respect and promote a culturally diverse population 

• Ability to respect and promote confidentiality 

• Ability to perform the duties of the position on a regular basis 

Overview: 

• Assist clients in activities of daily living, striving to maintain self-respect, dignity, and independence by encouraging and allowing clients to care for themselves within the limits of their abilities as described in the client’s record. Integrate the Resident Bill of Rights (Long Term Care) into care. 

• Follow individualized client care plans, provide feedback to improve care, and communicate/report client changes to the team leader. 

• Document care according to policy. 

• Document observations and care provided in the client’s health record and/or appropriate flow sheets as per policies and procedures (e.g., clinical documentation, fluid balance records). 

• Provide or assist clients with personal hygiene as per the care plan, including but not limited to bathing (tub, shower, complete or partial bed bath); grooming (washing hands, face, and perineal area; shampooing and combing hair; shaving; nail care); skin care (back rubs and skincare); oral care (mouth care, teeth, and dentures); and dressing/undressing. Assist clients with the care of personal belongings and clothing. 

• Provide or assist clients with elimination needs as per the care plan, including but not limited to assisting with bathroom use, providing bedpans or urinals, changing incontinent briefs, providing perineal care, and caring for urinary drainage systems as per procedure. 

• Provide or assist clients with mobility as per the care plan and assist dependent clients with meals and feeding. Distribute between-meal nourishment and supplements and encourage consumption. 

• Provide or assist clients with elimination needs as per the care plan, including assistance with bathroom use, bedpans or urinals, changing incontinent briefs, providing perineal care, caring for urinary drainage systems, and assisting with ostomy care using proper technique and safe use of supplies. Replace established (chronic) ostomy systems and notify the team leader of any signs of skin breakdown. 

• Provide or assist clients with observations and measurements as per the care plan, including reporting changes in condition to the team leader, updating bowel movement records each shift, weighing clients, recording intake and output as required, and documenting care on applicable flow sheets. 

• Provide or assist with the application and care of compression stockings, tensors, braces, and splints as directed according to the client's care plan. 

• Provide or assist with necessary safety measures in accordance with policies and procedures, including but not limited to side rails, seat belts, wheelchair pedals, management of disoriented or aggressive clients or visitors, responding promptly to call lights, and reporting concerns. Perform minimum hourly observation rounds, or more frequently as indicated by the client’s care plan. 

• Demonstrate appropriate application of restraints and monitoring of clients using restraints in accordance with policies and procedures. 

• Position and/or assist clients with eating in a manner that promotes dignity and interaction, utilizing safe feeding techniques as required by the client care plan. 

• Maintain a safe environment by appropriately distributing and storing equipment. 

• Provide or assist, as directed and according to the client care plan, with taking vital signs, documenting results, and communicating results to the team leader. 

• Provide or assist, as directed and according to the client care plan, with the application of oxygen therapy, including portable oxygen, oxygen concentrators, and wall-mounted oxygen. 

• Provide or assist, as directed and according to the client care plan, with emptying closed suction medical systems, including suction canisters, Hemovac, Blake, and Jackson-Pratt drains, while documenting and communicating results to the team leader. 

• Provide or assist, as directed and according to the client care plan, with the application of prescribed creams, ointments, and oil-based lotions using medication safety principles. 

• Provide or assist clients with validation and orientation techniques, while ensuring privacy and maintaining individual identity and confidentiality regarding client conditions and family affairs. 

• Provide or assist with client admissions, transfers, and discharges, including care of the body after death. Record client valuables and arrange for their storage on admission and return on discharge. 

• Promote and maintain proper hand hygiene and infection prevention and control practices, including the appropriate use of personal protective equipment. 

• Maintain a clean environment, including cleaning equipment, changing linen as necessary, replenishing client room supplies, cleaning spills to prevent injury, and reporting accidents and breakages immediately. 

• Follow appropriate procedures for collecting, labeling, handling, and transporting urine, feces, and sputum specimens. 

• Maintain a safe environment by appropriately distributing and storing equipment. 

• Order and stock unit supplies, including linen and food. 

• Encourage and assist client participation in activity programs. Organize and facilitate leisure activities for individuals and/or groups during evenings and weekends. 

• Demonstrate the safe use of medical equipment applicable to the client service area. 

• Perform other duties as assigned.