As scientists, researchers and developers improve the medical technologies and interventions that we have access to, our life expectancies are climbing. With an aging population, it’s no surprise that demand for home health care is on the rise. Currently, 811,500 people are living in assisted living facilities, and 1.3 million people are living in nursing homes in the U.S. And the number of nursing home residents could double by 2030 if current trends continue. Meanwhile, the number of elderly people who have physical or cognitive disabilities is expected to grow between 2015 and 2065 by 150 percent.
But our aging population isn’t the only reason why the demand for home health care is rising. Access to home services is now better than ever before. Home care is typically less expensive but as effective as the care provided in hospitals. And many people feel more comfortable receiving care in their own homes.
As a result of this widespread preference for home health care, our population needs more and more support from health care workers who can provide services in patients’ living environments. Therefore, those working in the home health care sector are essential to our aging generations’ health and well-being.
Those hoping to pursue a career in home health care can take University of Phoenix’s RN to Bachelor Science in Nursing degree program or one of the University’s other nursing programs, all of which allow candidates to develop and enhance their nursing skills and experience.
Here, we’ll explore what a home health care job can look like, the responsibilities of home health care workers, average salaries in the sector, and how you can study to become a home health care worker with University of Phoenix.
What Does a Home Health Care Job Look Like?
Home health care encompasses roles in rehabilitation services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language therapy, medical social services and skilled nursing. Home health care workers can include registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, therapists, social workers and other health aides, all of whom work in interprofessional teams to support rehabilitation in service users’ homes or assisted living facilities.
Once physicians, nurses and therapists have drawn up a plan of care for a patient, including details of the home health care support that the patient needs, workers from a home health care agency fulfill the relevant needs included in this plan, all while complying with Medicare and state regulations.
A patient may need short-term home care services while they recover from an illness or injury, or they may need long-term care while they manage a chronic illness. Either way, the home care professionals should promote the highest quality of life and independence possible.
What Are Home Health Care Workers Responsible for?
Home health care workers fulfill a variety of responsibilities to protect the physical and emotional health of patients. They often treat these patients when they are at their most vulnerable and work sensitively with people of all ages, backgrounds and temperaments.
Home health care worker responsibilities may include developing a health care plan with a physician, providing ostomy or wound and catheter care, administering medication, flushing and maintaining IVs and PICC lines, monitoring recovery and other tasks relating to the plan of care.
Meanwhile, home care workers can also teach family members and other caregivers how to provide the rehabilitative care the patient needs. They can also take a first-hand assessment of how the patient is living in their home setting and the medications they are taking. Even a medication as easily accessible as ibuprofen can interfere with some prescription medications. When a home care worker has the full picture of how a patient is living, they can offer the most effective plan of care for that individual.
What Salary Can You Expect in the Home Health Care Sector?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2021, the national average salary for home health aides was $22,290-$37,010. And employment is set to grow by 33 percent between 2020 and 2030. Meanwhile, the average salary for registered nurses was $59,450-$120,250. Employment is set to grow by 9 percent between 2020 and 2030. And the average salary for licensed vocational nurses was $37,150-$63,790, with employment also set to grow 9 percent between 2020 and 2030.
How Can You Qualify as a Home Healthcare Worker?
As home health care encompasses a variety of job roles, there are several paths you can follow to work in this sector.
- Those hoping to become home health aides usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some agencies require additional training or testing.
- Those hoping to become licensed practical or vocational nurses usually need to complete a state-approved program and obtain a license.
- Those hoping to become registered nurses must complete an approved nursing program, such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). They must then pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and acquire a state license.
University of Phoenix offers a variety of nursing degrees to suit candidates hoping to work in the home healthcare sector.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is committed to helping adult and nontraditional learners meet their educational goals and navigate the career options and degree programs that best suit their interests. The University’s degree programs link to a plethora of in-demand career paths including careers in cybersecurity, nursing and business. The University also provides flexible start dates, online classes, and numerous scholarship opportunities so anyone can earn the degree they need. In addition, University of Phoenix’s Career Services for Life® commitment provides active students and graduates with the resources needed to be prepared when entering the workforce for no additional charge. These resources include resume and interview support, career guidance and education and networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.