Training Requirements


New York’s training requirements, which are provided by Able Health Care, are similar to the Federal standard- 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised practical training. An additional requirement is that, at a minimum, fifty percent (50%) of each aide’s supervised practical training must be provided in a patient care setting

. The curriculum includes the content outlined below:

  1. Orientation to home care and the role of home health aides
  2. Understanding basic human needs of individuals and families including understanding the elderly, infants and children, persons with physical illnesses, persons with physical disabilities and persons with mental disabilities
  3. Communication skills
  4. Basic elements of body function
  5. Patient rights and HIV confidentiality
  6. Safety, accident prevention and responses to emergencies
  7. Infection control and universal blood and body fluid precautions
  8. Personal hygiene and grooming including bed, sponge, tub or shower baths; skin, tub or bed shampoos; nail and skin care; oral hygiene; toileting and elimination
  9. Use of prescribed medical equipment and supplies
  10. Rehabilitation including safe transfer techniques and ambulation; normal range of motion and positioning; assistance with use of crutches, walkers, and hoyer lifts; and prescribed exercise programs
  11. Nutrition and fluid intake, to include preparation of meals for simple and complex modified diets
  12. Temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure
  13. Simple test and measurements
  14. Maintaining a clean, safe environment
  15. Assistance with medication administration
  16. Special skin care
  17. Simple dressing changes
  18. Ostomy care
  19. Handling patient’s money, and
  20. Observing, reporting, and recording

Evaluation

After training, Able’s aides ability is evaluated by a registered nurse using the following methods:

  •  A written and/or oral examination that demonstrates the aide’s knowledge of the information presented in the classroom training, and
  • Observation and demonstration by the aide of his/her competency in performing skills in the laboratory or patient care setting.