It’s common to find certified nursing assistants (CNAs) working in hospitals and long-term care communities. But CNAs can also support seniors in their own homes. In a home care setting, a CNA may work with a senior who has a chronic health condition or is recovering from surgery or an illness.
CNAs, also referred to as nursing assistants, nurse’s aides, or patient care assistants, work under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. With their basic level of education and training, CNAs can provide a unique mix of personal and medical home care services to help your senior loved one age in place.
What are a CNA's job duties?
CNA duties in home care may include the following:
- Assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as toileting, bathing, and dressing
- Caring for minor wounds
- Ambulation support using a transfer belt
- Basic catheter care
- Assisting with mobility or repositioning in bed
- Maintaining accurate documentation of a patient’s vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration
- Setting up and managing medical equipment
- Assisting with meal preparation and feeding
- Monitoring and documenting a patient’s diet and fluid intake
- Maintaining a safe home environment
- Light housekeeping
- Transportation
Keep in mind that a CNA’s exact duties may vary by state and the extent of training they’ve received.
What skills and qualities should a CNA have?
A CNA should have basic medical skills, knowledge of how to care for a patient, and an ethical and moral understanding of care. To earn a CNA certification, most states require that a candidate complete a state-approved CNA training program — which should cover the hard skills needed to complete their job duties. They must also pass either a state CNA exam or the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam.
CNAs must also possess a variety of soft skills, or personality traits, which help them provide quality home care, including the following:
- Empathy
- Compassion
- Time management
- Observation
- Cleanliness
- Organization
- Initiative
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Patience
How do CNAs help seniors live at home longer?
Because a CNA has medical training and works under the supervision of a professional nurse, they’re able to provide some care services that a home health aide or companion may not. A CNA’s increased education and expanded skill set may be better suited to help seniors with moderate health care needs age in place.
For example, a CNA can support your loved one with activities of daily living such as bathing or dressing, but they may also be able to manage and operate some necessary home medical equipment, such as a ventilator or oxygen tank and cannula. With additional training and education, a CNA might also be able to administer medications if your loved one needs assistance with their regimen.
Where to find support for seniors living at home
With several different levels of care for seniors living at home, knowing where to start your search can be challenging. If you think your loved one would benefit from some help at home, but you’re not sure what level of care is appropriate, consider reaching out to a Care Advisor at AgingCare. They can help you compare different home care options and connect you with providers that fit your loved one’s needs and budget.
Reviewed by Amanda Lundberg, RN.
Sources:
What is a CNA? Job description and career guide (https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-cna-job-description-career-guide2008.html)
NNAAP Exam: What Is It & How Do You Prepare Students? (https://www.aeseducation.com/blog/what-is-nnaap-cna-certification-exam)