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What Does a Home Health Aide Do? A Day in the Life of a CHHA

The real work behind the title — and why families depend on it.

Starting the Day: The Morning Routine

A typical day for a Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) begins when they arrive at a client's home — often first thing in the morning. The first priority is checking in: How did the client sleep? Are they feeling well? Any changes since the last visit?

From there, the morning routine usually includes:

  • Helping the client out of bed safely (transfers, fall prevention)
  • Assisting with bathroom needs and toileting
  • Running a bath or shower and assisting with bathing
  • Helping with dressing and grooming (hair, teeth, shaving)
  • Medication reminders — prompting the client to take their prescribed medications

Every client is different. Some need hands-on help with every step. Others are mostly independent but need standby assistance for safety. A good CHHA adapts to the client's abilities and preferences.

Personal Care: The Heart of the Role

Personal care is the core of what a home health aide does. It's also the most intimate — which is why trust and professionalism matter so much. Personal care tasks include:

  • Bathing and hygiene — full or partial baths, skin care, oral care
  • Dressing — selecting appropriate clothing, helping with buttons and zippers, compression stockings
  • Toileting — assisting with bathroom transfers, incontinence care, catheter maintenance (external only)
  • Mobility — transfers from bed to wheelchair, walking assistance, repositioning for bedridden clients
  • Grooming — hair care, nail care (non-diabetic), applying lotions

These tasks require training, patience, and respect for the client's dignity. In New Jersey, CHHAs complete at least 76 hours of training covering all of these skills before they're certified.

Meals and Nutrition

Proper nutrition is critical for older adults — and meal preparation is a key part of a CHHA's day. This includes:

  • Preparing meals based on dietary needs and preferences (low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, cultural preferences)
  • Assisting with eating if the client has difficulty (feeding assistance, adaptive utensils)
  • Ensuring adequate hydration throughout the day
  • Light grocery shopping or organizing the kitchen
  • Monitoring appetite and reporting changes to the supervising nurse

A CHHA isn't a personal chef — but they ensure the client eats nutritious, appropriate meals regularly. For families worried about a parent skipping meals or eating poorly, this is one of the most impactful services. Learn more about the full range of home health care services OnVerra Health provides.

Companionship: More Than Just Keeping Company

Loneliness is a serious health risk for older adults — linked to higher rates of depression, cognitive decline, and even heart disease. Companionship is one of the most underrated parts of a CHHA's role.

What companionship looks like in practice:

  • Conversation and social engagement throughout the day
  • Playing cards, puzzles, or other activities the client enjoys
  • Accompanying the client on walks or to the park
  • Reading together or watching favorite shows
  • Escort to doctor appointments, errands, and social outings

For many clients, the CHHA becomes a trusted friend — someone they look forward to seeing. This emotional connection is just as important as the physical care.

Safety Monitoring and Observation

A CHHA is trained to observe and report. Throughout the day, they're watching for:

  • Changes in skin condition (redness, bruising, pressure sores)
  • Changes in behavior or mood (confusion, agitation, withdrawal)
  • Fall risks and environmental hazards
  • Signs of pain or discomfort the client may not report
  • Changes in appetite, sleep, or energy levels

CHHAs report observations to the supervising Registered Nurse, who assesses whether the care plan needs adjustment or if the client needs medical attention. This ongoing monitoring catches problems early — before they become emergencies.

End of Day: Evening Routine and Documentation

As the visit wraps up, a CHHA helps with evening tasks:

  • Preparing dinner or an evening snack
  • Helping the client change into comfortable clothes or pajamas
  • Evening medication reminders
  • Tidying up the living space
  • Making sure the client is safe and comfortable for the evening

The CHHA also documents the visit — noting tasks completed, any observations, and any concerns. This documentation is reviewed by the supervising nurse and shared with the care team, ensuring everyone stays informed.

How to Become a Home Health Aide in New Jersey

If reading this makes you think "I could do this" — you might be right. Here's what it takes to become a CHHA in New Jersey:

  1. Complete a state-approved training program — at least 76 hours covering personal care, safety, infection control, patient rights, and communication
  2. Pass the competency evaluation — written and skills demonstration
  3. Get your NJ CHHA certification — issued by the NJ Board of Nursing
  4. Pass a background check — required by all NJ home care agencies

OnVerra Health is hiring CHHAs and RNs across Union County and surrounding areas. We offer competitive pay ($18–$22/hr), flexible scheduling, and a supportive bilingual team. Visit our careers page to learn more.

About OnVerra Health

OnVerra Health is a licensed New Jersey Home Care Service Firm based in Union, NJ, currently pursuing CHAP accreditation. Our CHHAs provide personal care, companionship, and daily living assistance to families across Union County and surrounding areas — with bilingual staff and RN-supervised care plans.

Request a free consultation or call us at (908) 524-9600.

FAQ — What Does a Home Health Aide Do? A Day in the Life of a CHHA

What tasks can a home health aide perform?
A Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) provides personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting), mobility assistance, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, companionship, and escort to appointments. They cannot administer medications or perform skilled nursing tasks.
Can a home health aide give medications?
No. In New Jersey, CHHAs can remind and prompt clients to take medications, but they cannot administer them — no placing pills in mouths, giving injections, or managing IVs. A licensed nurse is required for medication administration.
How much do home health aides make in New Jersey?
CHHA pay in New Jersey typically ranges from $16–$22 per hour depending on experience, certifications, and the agency. OnVerra Health offers competitive pay starting at $18–$22/hr with a structured raise schedule.
What training does a home health aide need in NJ?
A CHHA in New Jersey must complete a state-approved training program of at least 76 hours, covering personal care, safety, infection control, nutrition, communication, and patient rights. They must also pass a competency evaluation and background check.
What's the difference between a home health aide and a personal care aide?
In New Jersey, a Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) has completed formal state-approved training and can provide personal care under nurse supervision. A personal care aide may have less formal training and typically handles homemaker tasks. CHHAs can do everything a personal care aide does, plus hands-on personal care.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or financial advice. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.