The healthcare industry faces many challenges ahead. As baby boomers continue to age, the proportion of the population considered elderly invariably continues to rise. According to census data, from 1990 to 2000, the percentage of the population 65 years old and older increased from 11.3 percent to 12.5 percent. By the year 2025, 15.9 percent of Hawaii’s population is projected to be at least 65 years of age. With this segment of the population expanding rapidly, increased demand for health services is inevitable.
In an effort to contain the rising cost of healthcare, and given the fact that most patients would probably prefer home-based health care, jobs in the home health care industry should experience sizable employment gains. Two occupations within this field – home health aides, along with personal and home care aides, are ranked among the top 15 fastest growing occupations within the State of Hawaii.
Job Duties
Both home health aides and personal and home care aides provide care for elderly, disabled, or ill persons in their own homes or residential care facilities rather than in a health facility. The patients they serve often need more extensive care than family or friends can supply.
Home health aides mainly attend to the routine healthcare needs of their clients and are classified under healthcare support occupations. Some of their duties include:
§ Helps patients with personal healthcare services such as bathing, dressing, or grooming
§ Administers oral medications as directed by medical personnel
§ Plans and prepares meals in accordance with special dietary needs of their patients
§ Light housekeeping
§ Massages and gives alcohol rubs to patients
§ Maintains records of the patient’s condition
The work performed by personal and home care aides generally combines the duties of caregivers and social service workers and are categorized under personal care and service occupations. Their duties often include:
§ Housework such as changing beds, doing laundry, washing dishes, and preparing meals
§ Advises and assists families and their patients on nutrition, cleanliness, and household duties
§ Assists clients with dressing, and toilet activities
§ Prepares and maintains records of assistance provided
