Qualifications:

Experienced in providing care for the elderly and disabled, including Alzheimer and dementia patients. Six months of experience in a healthcare environment caring for the elderly, such as in-home, nursing home, or assisted living facility is highly desirable. Must be state-certified as a Home Care Aide or be willing to take a state-approved class to obtain Home Care Aide training. Must complete the class within 120 days from the date of hire and successfully pass the state exam to receive certification. Skills must include knowledge of transfers, gait belts, food preparation and proper storage; nutritional needs of the elderly; bathing assistance; monitoring health and mental status of clients; medication assist, and light housekeeping. In addition, must have current CPR and First Aid or be available to take a class within 30 days after employment. Must be able to bend, twist, lift, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, push/pull at least 25 lbs., grasp, complete repetitive motion movements and combine standing/walking for up to 2-hour intervals. Must possess a valid driver’s license and auto liability insurance. Must be able to clear a federal-level background criminal check. This is a variable hour position.

Functions/Duties:

• Assist or performs activities of daily living for client, such as bed bath, showering, oral care, and/or shaving;
• Provide for grooming hair and nails to assure cleanliness;
• Provide passive range of motion movements/exercise as needed or directed;
• Assist client with dressing as needed
• Provide appropriate skin care and prevention of pressure sores/ulcerations—not to include foot care for diabetics; only filing of nails is allowed—no clipping!
• Perform light housekeeping on a weekly basis or as needed to ensure clean, neat, and safe environment. This may include light snow-shoveling;
• Plan, prepare and store meals and snacks that provide safe, healthy and nutritious meals on a consistent basis;
• Do laundry weekly, or as needed;
• Provide grocery or miscellaneous shopping as outlined in client’s care plan;
• Supervise clients to ensure safety and prevent falls;
• Remind clients when medication is due and assist as legally appropriate;
• Provide companionship, game-playing, walks, or outings as requested by the client;
• Legibly and clearly document services provided to the client on the time-sheet and progress notes reflecting the plan of care;
• May be required to lift up to 50 lbs without physical limitation;
• Be knowledgeable of and consistently utilize universal/infection control precautions.
• Be able to assist the client with ambulation via a Gait Belt if needed, use transfer techniques appropriately or use a Hoyer Lift correctly (after appropriate instruction).