When a loved one begins needing additional support at home, families often have questions about what type of care is right for their needs.
One of the most common questions we hear is: What does a Home Health Aide actually do?
A Home Health Aide (HHA) plays an important role in helping individuals remain safe, comfortable, and independent at home. From assisting with daily routines to providing companionship and observing changes in a client’s condition, HHAs offer meaningful support that can make a significant difference in a person’s quality of life.
At Alliance Homecare, we believe great care begins with understanding the individual’s needs. Our Home Health Aides are an important part of the care team, working alongside registered nurses to provide compassionate, personalized support for individuals and their families.
Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities of Home Health Aides
A quick guide to what HHAs may and may not perform—and when licensed nursing care is required.
HHA SCOPE OF PRACTICE IN NEW YORK
What HHAs may perform vs. tasks reserved for licensed nursing staff
HHAs May Perform
✓ ADL Assistance
Bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, ambulation/transfers, feeding
✓ Vital Signs
Measure and record temperature, pulse, respiration, weight, BP (if trained/assigned)
✓ Medication Reminders
Remind, observe, and report concerns to the RN – not administer
✓ Skin & Ostomy Care
Routine care only, excludes tasks needing nursing assessment
✓ Simple Health Care Tasks
ROM/maintenance exercises, using equipment (walkers, O2) as instructed
✓ Health-Related Housekeeping
Laundry, meals, linens, cleaning patient-use areas
✓ Observe & Report
Report condition or medication changes to the supervising RN
HHAs May NOT Perform
✗ Clinical Assessment
No assessing patients or making clinical judgements
✗ Care Plan Changes
Cannot develop or modify the plan of care
✗ Medication Administration
No giving, withholding, or changing meds or schedules
✗ Sterile/Invasive Procedures
No sterile technique or independent invasive procedures
✗ IV Therapy
Cannot start or discontinue IVs
✗ Drain Management
No emptying/managing surgical drains – report to RN instead
✗ Physician Orders
Cannot accept verbal orders or change prescribed treatment
How Home Health Aides and Nurses Work Together
Home care is most effective when every member of the care team works together.
At Alliance Homecare, Home Health Aides provide essential daily support while Registered Nurses provide clinical oversight, care coordination, and medical expertise.
For example, a Home Health Aide may notice that a client is more tired than usual, has a change in appetite, or is having difficulty completing a familiar routine. The HHA communicates these observations to the RN Care Manager, who can then evaluate the situation, coordinate with physicians, and adjust the care plan appropriately. This communication helps the supervising nurse and care team make informed decisions about a client’s ongoing care.
This team-based approach allows families to feel confident knowing their loved one has both the daily support and the experienced clinical guidance.
The Alliance Approach to Nursing and Home Health Aide Care
Choosing home care is about more than finding someone to help with daily tasks—it’s about finding a team you can trust. At Alliance Homecare, we understand that inviting someone into your home is a deeply personal decision. That’s why every caregiver is selected according to The Grandma Rule®, our guiding philosophy that asks one simple question: Would we trust this person to care for our own family?
Every Alliance Nurse and Home Health Aide is carefully screened, extensively trained, and supported by a collaborative care team that may include Registered Nurses, RN Care Managers, scheduling coordinators, and 24/7 clinical support. While Home Health Aides provide invaluable assistance with daily living, some individuals may benefit from skilled nursing care or a combination of both services. That’s why Alliance Homecare offers both Home Health Aides and Private Duty Nursing, allowing us to create personalized care plans that evolve alongside each client’s needs.
If you’re unsure what level of care is right for your loved one, our team is here to help. Contact Alliance Homecare to learn more about your options and discover how we can support your family with expert, compassionate care.
