An answer to this question lies in your choice- What would you like to do, and How do you want to provide care to people? With so many different types of caregivers available, it can be challenging to decide which one to become! Before you enroll yourself for HHA or PCA courses, make sure you know what their duties are!
The process of finding the best caregiver for an elderly loved one at home can seem overwhelming. Many people are unaware of the different types of caregivers. Are you planning to enter the healthcare industry as a caregiver? If so, do you know what the difference between a personal care aide and a home care aide is? If not, you are at the right place!
Many people are unsure exactly what level of care they want for their loved ones. Even people planning to enter this career need to be made aware of what these two professionals are required to do.
Here we provide detailed information about Personal care aides or Home health aides that can help you decide which career would be better for you!
PCA vs. HHA- What’s the difference?
Both professionals are known to deliver essential services. But there are significant differences between their job roles and responsibilities. Keep scrolling through this post to learn about them.
Personal Care Aides
People hire personal care aides when they notice that their loved ones are finding it difficult to perform their everyday tasks. They can assist them in their daily activities and make life easier for seniors at your home. Elderly people with mobility issues can enjoy maximum benefits from their services.
If you are interested in becoming a personal care aide, you can consider getting a PCA course from the nearby institute and learning the required skills.
Here are a few primary duties of a personal care aide-
They can assist with everyday household tasks, including personal-care duties. They might help with other household chores as well, like shopping, laundry, running errands, cleaning, preparing meals, and much more!
They can even provide great companionship to your loved ones. They can assist your elder member in visiting hospitals for medical appointments or walking in the nearby park etc.
Do you need to enroll yourself in the necessary training before stepping into this career field?
Generally speaking, training is not a requirement. But gaining the required knowledge through a PCA course can only help you learn the necessary skills. Having the right skill sets can help you get a better job with a good salary package.
Remember, these professionals do not offer medical treatment.
On the other hand, home health aides are known to offer health care services. That’s perhaps the biggest difference between these two professionals.
People looking for someone who can also deliver health care to the elderly can hire HHA. Continue reading this post to learn who these professionals are, and their job responsibilities-
Home Health Aides-
They are professionals who can assist people who need some level of medical care. They can offer some basic medical services while ensuring that the needy person is well-cared for at home.
Here are a few primary duties of a home health aide-
Unlike personal care aides known to deliver holistic care service, HHAs are more committed to ensuring the good health and safety of the person they serve. Their duties might involve assisting clients with their daily tasks, including bathing, cooking, grooming, etc. But they may not help a person run errands and perform heavy household tasks.
A home health aide can measure a client's vital signs, provide him with medicines and assist with medical equipment. He can offer support with artificial braces or limbs. In addition, he can help the client manage his special dietary requirements.
Training requirements-
If you are planning to enter this profession, here is some information for you. A person can become a home health aide after completing the required education and training.
Generally, there are no such blanket qualifications necessary to enter this field. But an HHA who works for a medicare certified health facility should meet certain job requirements. For example- he should have completed the training program through a state board-certified institute. And if you want to become a certified professional, you should pass the state’s certification exams.
Personal Care Aide vs. Home Health Aide- Which Career Option Is Better?
As we have already described the difference between these two professionals, what are their job duties, and what are the necessary educational requirements? Now, it’s your turn to choose the one career option among these two.
Each profession has its own benefits! But both professionals are known to deliver care to needy people and help them live better lives.
If you are among those who love helping people, both these career paths are excellent choices for you! Whatever option you choose, make sure to enroll yourself in the related HHA or PCA course before starting your career as a caregiver.