Home Health and Hospice Aide

Home Health/Hospice Aide

The Home Health/Hospice Aide provides compassionate, safe, and effective personal care and homemaking services to patients receiving care in the home, nursing facility, inpatient unit, or other care environments. Under the supervision of a registered nurse and in accordance with the patient's individualized plan of care, the aide supports the mission of delivering exceptional home health and hospice services. The role is integral to the interdisciplinary team, ensuring dignity, comfort, and support for patients and families while embodying the agency's Core Values of Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, and Appreciation.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide personal care services including hygiene, mobility, nutrition support, elimination, safe transfers, ambulation, and positioning as directed by the plan of care.
• Support independence, companionship, and respite for families and caregivers.
• Perform light housekeeping and meal preparation as prescribed in the plan of care.
• Maintain a safe environment, demonstrating proper use of patient care equipment and practicing universal precautions at all times.
• Monitor and record vital signs, intake/output, skin condition, and changes in patient status; promptly report observations to the RN case manager.

Documentation & Compliance

• Accurately document all care and patient/family responses in compliance with agency policies, state regulations, and Medicare Conditions of Participation.
• Submit documentation timely to support accurate billing and continuity of care.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, state/federal regulations, and agency policies.

Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration

• Actively participate as a member of the hospice/home health interdisciplinary team, communicating changes in patient condition and identifying needs for intervention.
• Collaborate with family, caregivers, and team members to provide patient-centered, coordinated care.
• Support the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and families in partnership with the care team.

Resource Utilization

• Manage caseload efficiently, coordinating travel time for visits while maintaining quality care.
• Use supplies and equipment responsibly to support cost-effective care delivery.
• Maintain regular attendance and function independently while seeking guidance appropriately.

Customer Service Excellence

• Demonstrate the highest level of customer awareness by treating each interaction with empathy, dignity, and respect.
• Offer assistance willingly, accept feedback constructively, and consistently act in a courteous and professional manner.
• Maintain accountability for patient and family satisfaction throughout the care episode.

Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement (QAPI)

• Participate in performance improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities for enhancing patient outcomes and safety.
• Contribute to record reviews, audits, and committee work as requested.
• Engage in continuous learning and skill-building to support agency excellence.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Attend staff, departmental, and interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Complete a minimum of 12 hours of annual in-service training in accordance with state and federal requirements.
• Assist with committees, special projects, and other assigned duties.

Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of a state-approved training program with current certification as a Home Health/Hospice Aide.
• Must demonstrate competency in accordance with 42 C.F.R. §484.80 prior to providing independent patient care.

Experience:

• Minimum age of 18.
• At least one year of direct patient care experience in home care, hospice, or institutional setting preferred.
• Experience in community health and/or hospice strongly preferred.
• Understanding of hospice philosophy and care for the terminally ill.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification:

• Current Pennsylvania driver's license and reliable insured transportation.
• Proof of aide certification in accordance with state and federal requirements.

Core Values

Integrity – We build trust through responsible actions and honest relationships. Respect – We value the potential in each individual and treat all with dignity and compassion. Teamwork – We work together without barriers, encouraging creativity through empowerment. Appreciation – We foster a culture that recognizes and rewards the contributions of each employee.