QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

1.         High school graduate or equivalent, with one-year previous experience as a home health aide.

2.        Maintains license as a Certified Nurse's Aide from the State of Michigan.

3.         Maintains current BLS certification.

4.        Completes the Home Health Care Aide Skills Assessment Test and Skills Demonstration with a passing score of 80 percent or better.

5.        Experience with issues concerning the terminally ill, and death/dying, and pain and symptom management.

6.        Presents a negative TB skin test and/or chest X-ray and other tests as required by Centrica Care Navigator’s.

7.         Maintains a valid Michigan driver’s license and has the availability of a reliable, licensed and insured vehicle for use on the job, vehicle must be insured in accordance with the State of Michigan.

8.        Remains up-to-date on all routine immunizations required by LARA and agency policy. 

SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Hospice Aide is a paraprofessional member of the Interdisciplinary Team who works under the supervision of a RN and performs various services for a client as necessary to meet the client's personal needs promote comfort and to enable the client to remain in the home by supplementing the client's/family's/caregiver's abilities for home management.  The Hospice Aide is responsible for observing the client, reporting, and documenting these observations and care performed.

The Hospice Aide will be assigned in a manner that promotes quality, continuity, and safety of a client's care.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Responsibilities of the Hospice Aide, but not limited to, the following:

1.         Performs personal care needs after given a client's assignment and attending to their requests promptly.  If unable to perform a certain task, report to the Hospice Nurse or designee immediately.

2.        Meets safety needs of client and using equipment safely and properly (footstools, side rails, O₂, etc.)

3.         Provides or assists clients in all aspects of personal care, including baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos, changing bed linen as part of the Plan of Care.

4.        Assists in dressing and undressing and feeding the client as assigned.

5.        Plans and prepares nutritious meals and other household tasks, which are part of the Plan of Care. 

6.        Takes and records oral and axillary temperatures, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure when ordered (within the training limitations of the aide).

7.         Provides proper care and observation of client's skin to prevent breakdown of tissue over bony prominence.

8.        Reports on client's condition and significant changes to the appropriate Interdisciplinary Team member.  Also aware of the caregiver or other individuals living with the client and interpersonal issues.

9.        Assists in ambulation and exercise as instructed by the Hospice Nurse or Therapist.

10.    Offers and assists with bedpans and urinals.   Provides assistance as assigned with light laundry needs.

11.     Performs range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service as ordered (within the training limitations of the Aide).

12.    Provides respite for clients/families/caregivers when on-site, as appropriate.

13.     Keeps client's living area clean and orderly, as assigned.

14.    Respects of client/family/caregiver environment and client's personal needs.

15.    Attends Interdisciplinary Team meetings as requested.

16.    Stays informed about changes in the field of Hospice care; shares information with appropriate Hospice personnel and administrative personnel.

Promotes Hospice referrals in the community; maintains a good standing in the community.