OCCUPATION THESAURUS

HOME HEALTH AIDE



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HELPFUL TIP:

There’s probably a good reason why your character chose their career. Think about how certain talents and skills, a dominant positive or negative trait, or even an emotional wound might have influenced this decision. And once they're on the job, don't forget about the many work-related conflict scenarios you can throw at them to create tension and add complications.
OVERVIEW:
A home health aide helps clients who are ill, injured, or are unable to care for themselves. Some are live-in caregivers, working round the clock, while others provide care for the client during certain hours; the schedule is often determined by what the client is able to pay and which services their insurance company covers. Working under the supervision of a medical professional (typically a nurse), an aide may provide a number of services for the client:

  • Helping with personal hygiene (bathing, grooming, etc.)
  • Taking care of domestic duties, such as cleaning, doing laundry, shopping for groceries, or preparing healthy meals
  • Transporting the client to and from medical appointments
  • Accompanying them on social outings
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Making sure the client gets adequate exercise
  • Helping with medical tasks (monitoring medication intake, changing bandages, etc.)
  • The aide will also be required to keep careful notes of their services and often may work in cooperation with other professionals servicing the client. They may work independently or be part of an agency, with their hours being scheduled by an administrative employee.

NECESSARY TRAINING:
Training varies, depending on the aide's location. Those working with an agency usually need a high school degree and are often required to acquire certain certifications. Training can be accomplished on the job or through vocational schools and community colleges. Background checks are usually required for people in this position.

USEFUL SKILLS, TALENTS, OR ABILITIES:
BASIC FIRST AID, EMPATHY, EXCEPTIONAL MEMORY, GAINING THE TRUST OF OTHERS, GOOD LISTENING SKILLS, HOSPITALITY, READING PEOPLE

HELPFUL POSITIVE TRAITS:
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EMOTIONAL WOUNDS THAT MAY HAVE FACTORED INTO THIS OCCUPATION CHOICE:
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SOURCES OF FRICTION:
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PEOPLE THEY MIGHT INTERACT WITH:
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HOW THIS OCCUPATION MIGHT IMPACT ONE'S BASIC NEEDS:
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TWISTING THE STEREOTYPE:
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REASONS THE CHARACTER MAY HAVE BEEN DRAWN TO THIS PROFESSION:
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