Home health aides (also known as caregivers or personal support specialists) are responsible for providing routine, personal health care, such as bathing, dressing, or grooming, to elderly, convalescent, or disabled persons in the home of patients or in a residential care facility. Under the direction of nursing or medical staff, they provide health-related services, such as administering oral medications, change dressings, and check pulse, temperature and respiration rates. A few weeks or months of could give you a great advantage when seeking employment. Although a formal education is not always necessary for this profession, Federal law suggests at least 75 hours of classroom and practical training, supervised by a registered nurse.

Before you begin, there are a few important things to consider: Employment in this health care may require you to submit to a physical examination and a background check before you can be hired. Your personality is also important. You should be a person who is patient, understanding, tactful, and a good communicator. Above all, you should have a desire to help people.