IS it better to work in a nursing home or for a home health agency?

[moncj66]

OK, I have interviews in two places but not sure which one i should take if I am offered the job. I like the home health b/c its one on one contact so I won't have too many patients, but its less pay $7.50/hr, also no one to ask for help. I also have to cook meals. While the nursing home, more patient interaction, i can ask co workers for help, and more pay $9/hr.

Any advice, what kind of facility do u work in?

[Student179]

What does a CNA do at a homecare agency? My first day is tomorrow and I am going in with a blindfold b/c I have no idea what to do.

[beauty1216]

I went with a blind eye too. However, since I have Nursing Home experience, I already had an idea of what to do for the client. (You learn to assess people and their situations. Can they walk steady or at all? Mindset? Is there family that lives with them?) Normally, the agency you are with will tell you what that particular client needs. Some need someone just to be there for emotional support. Others may need you to prepare a meal for them. Assist them with getting washed and/or dressed. Helping them with or giving them medication. Ambulation and range of motion. Having healthy conversations. Possibly some light housekeeping like dusting, sweeping, vacuuming and washing their dishes. Remember you are there for them. You are their caregiver-not their personal housekeeper-however you are expected to do light housekeeping if the client cannot. Especially if they live alone. Cleaning up helps the time go by-especially if their meds put them too sleep! (This does not mean going outside and climbing on a ladder to clean the outside of their windows! lol:nono:)

Sometimes you may be expected to go shopping for or with the client. Take them to doctor appointments. If you are expected to run errands in your car, see if the company or individual in charge reimburses you for gas mileage. Some do not. So I say keep the errands to a minimum if they do not reimburse or if mileage is not included with your pay. HTH