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If you're in home health aide training and are going to start seeing patients soon, you need to remember a few basic rules for care providers. These principles go beyond the specific treatment procedures and documentation processes you need to follow and should guide you whenever you're providing care. Keep these do’s and don’ts in mind to avoid common mistakes for home health aides.

Do:

Communicate with your patient and supervisor. 

Home Health AideFirst, communicate with your patient about what they need and what they can expect from you. Treat them with respect and compassion. Next, reach out to your agency to report any changes with your patient as soon as they happen. Ask about anything that confuses you or that you're unsure about regarding your patient's care.

Support independence.

While there are some patients who may need you to do everything for them, you may have a patient who can still do some tasks. If they have hobbies they enjoy, such as gardening, allow them to continue performing their hobbies without interfering. By supporting their independence, you’ll foster a sense of happiness and confidence.

Don't:

Break ethics rules.

Caregivers are not supposed to borrow money from patients or accept any valuable gifts to prevent any possibility of taking advantage of patients. You also shouldn't share information about your patient with anyone who is not authorized to know, as this breaks confidentiality laws and the rules of professionalism.

Get burnt out.

One of the reasons caregiving can be hard is that many home health aides forget to care for themselves. Schedule enough time in your day to relieve stress and take care of your own needs. If you're hungry, tired, or upset, take a few moments to collect your thoughts. Practice breathing exercises throughout the day to relieve stress and schedule proper vacation days when you feel like you need to rest. 

 

 

If you're interested in becoming a home health aide, start your training at IGBANS Institute of Vocational Training in Springfield Gardens, Queens. Serving New York City, they offer education in health care, including CNA programs and medical tech training. Their programs include both classroom education and hands-on externships. To get started, call (718) 276-8100.

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