Occupation information for

Provide routine individualized healthcare such as changing bandages and dressing wounds, and applying topical medications to the elderly, convalescents, or persons with disabilities at the patient's home or in a care facility. Monitor or report changes in health status. May also provide personal care such as bathing, dressing, and grooming of patient.

Currently Employed: 3,581

Yearly Projected Openings: 300

Typical Hourly Wage: $9.69 - $12.78

Typical Annual Salary: $20,200 - $26,600

• Maintain records of patient care, condition, progress, or problems to report and discuss observations with supervisor or case manager.
• Administer prescribed oral medications, under the written direction of physician or as directed by home care nurse or aide, and ensure patients take their medicine.
• Check patients' pulse, temperature, and respiration.
• Provide patients with help moving in and out of beds, baths, wheelchairs, or automobiles and with dressing and grooming.
• Care for patients by changing bed linens, washing and ironing laundry, cleaning, or assisting with their personal care.
• Plan, purchase, prepare, or serve meals to patients or other family members, according to prescribed diets.
• Accompany clients to doctors' offices or on other trips outside the home, providing transportation, assistance, and companionship.
• Direct patients in simple prescribed exercises or in the use of braces or artificial limbs.
• Provide patients and families with emotional support and instruction in areas such as caring for infants, preparing healthy meals, living independently, or adapting to disability or illness.
• Entertain, converse with, or read aloud to patients to keep them mentally healthy and alert.

• Glucose monitors or meters
• Patient lifts or accessories
• Patient stabilization or fall prevention devices or accessories
• Therapeutic ice packs or pillows
• Urinalysis test strips

• Data base reporting software
• Internet browser software
• Medical software