Home Health Aide
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Job Description
About Hebrew SeniorLife
Hebrew SeniorLife is committed to redefining the experience of aging. Their employees strive to make a difference in the lives of patients, residents, their families, and the broader senior care community through compassion, resilience, and determination. The organization supports its employees’ growth and potential, enabling them to advance their careers and increase their collective impact.
Job Description
Hebrew SeniorLife is seeking dedicated pre-med or healthcare-focused students to join their new innovative respite care program as Home Health Aides. This program, funded by an Alzheimer’s Association grant, offers valuable clinical experience while providing compassionate, in-home care for individuals with dementia and support to their families and caregivers.
Key Responsibilities:
• Complete an in-person training and certification process for Home Health Aide, provided by Hebrew SeniorLife (2 full days, available on weekends).
• Work with the program coordinator to match with a family and establish a customized schedule, typically ranging from 2-4 visits/week, 8-20 hours.
• Provide personal care services to patients, including assisting with daily living activities such as bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and mobility.
• Assist patients with feeding and ensuring proper hydration.
• Help patients with light exercises as recommended by healthcare professionals.
• Build rapport and provide emotional support through conversations, reading, or games.
• Encourage participation in mentally stimulating and meaningful activities.
• Accompany patients on short walks or outdoor activities.
• Monitor patients’ physical and mental conditions and document any changes.
• Report any significant changes in patients’ health status, behavior, or mood to the supervising nurse or care coordinator.
• Maintain accurate records of daily activities, observations, and services provided.
• Assist with light housekeeping duties related to patient care, such as tidying up the patient’s room and changing linens.
• Prepare simple meals and snacks for the patient according to dietary guidelines.
• Help with medication reminders (under supervision; not involving direct medication administration).
• Provide respite to families and primary caregivers by taking over caregiving duties.
• Communicate effectively with family members about the patient’s condition and any needs or concerns.
• Offer guidance on safety measures and assistive devices for dementia care.
• Follow personalized care plans developed by RN to ensure tailored care.
• Actively participate in ongoing training and development programs to enhance caregiving skills and knowledge about dementia care.
• Maintain a professional and compassionate demeanor.
Qualifications:
• Currently enrolled in their senior year of college with a focus on pre-medical studies; or graduated from college with a pre-med background and are currently working or pursuing graduate studies.
• Strong interest in gaining hands-on experience in patient care and working with dementia patients.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a compassionate and empathetic approach to care.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to different care environments.
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel to patient homes.
• Completion of free online training of Homemaker offered by Personal and Home Care Aide State Training (60-hour module).
