Home Attendants - Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, home health aides:

Have a high level of contact with clients and their families.
Communicate by telephone and in person on a daily basis. They communicate less often by letters and memos.
May work in a group or as part of a team. They often work with nurses, doctors, and other aides.
May occasionally deal with unpleasant, angry, or violent people. Clients may be uncomfortable due to their illness.
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Are responsible for the health and safety of patients.

Often work indoors, but occasionally go outside to run errands or shop.
Regularly wear protective gear, such as masks or rubber gloves.
Work very near patients, often within inches.
May wear a special uniform, depending on the agency or hospital where they work.
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Are exposed to diseases, infections, or contaminants.
Occasionally travel in an enclosed vehicle, such as a van or an ambulance. They may accompany patients to the hospital or doctor's office, for example.

Must be exact in their work. Errors could endanger their clients' health.
Make decisions that affect patient health on a weekly basis. They can make minor decisions without consulting a supervisor, but often consult a doctor or nurse for more serious medical problems.
Can set some tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor, but often consult a supervisor first.
Sometimes have to repeat the same activities.