Typical Duties of Various Elder Care Workers

Companion - Performs meal preparation and light housekeeping activities to maintain a safe and clean environment. Promotes the physical and emotional well-being of the client.

Personal Care Aide/Assistant  (PCA)  - Performs meal preparation and light housekeeping activities to maintain a safe and clean environment. Promotes the physical and emotional well-being of the client. Performs direct service tasks such as personal care, client ambulation and exercise, assistance with client medications that are usually self-administered, reporting changes in client condition and client needs, and completing necessary client clinical records and program records.

Home Health Aide/Attendant (HHA) - Performs meal preparation and light housekeeping activities to maintain a safe and clean environment. Promotes the physical and emotional well-being of the client. Performs direct service tasks such as personal care, client ambulation and exercise, assistance with client medications that are usually self-administered, reporting changes in client condition and client needs, and completing necessary client clinical records and program records. Assists in the provision of paraprofessional home care services. Conducts insulin injections with prefilled syringes, performance of simple proceduresas extensions of therapy services, blood pressure, enema, irrigation of indwelling catheter and ostomy care. They can also be responsible for changing simple dressings and skin care.

Certified Nursing Aide/Assistant - Responsible for direct patient care, care within the nursing unit, handling of equipment and supplies, observing and reporting, record keeping and assisting with dietary needs. Usually works in skilled nursing facilities (Nursing Homes) or hospitals.