You may think that a Home Health Aide (HHA) and a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) do the same job, but the two roles have important differences that affect the level and type of care your loved one receives.
In this guide, we’ll break down what makes HHAs and CNAs different, including their training, job duties, work settings, pay scales, career opportunities, and how to decide which is best for your loved one’s needs.
If your loved one needs extra support to remain safe and independent at home, contact Premier Home Care today. Our home health aides and non-medical caregivers provide personalized care to help older adults age gracefully in place.
What Is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?
A CNA is essentially a home health aide with a higher level of education. CNAs must attend school to obtain a license and perform all the duties of a nursing assistant.
So what are those duties? CNAs can take vital signs, monitor symptoms, report changes in condition to nurses or doctors, assist with medical equipment like catheters or oxygen tanks, and help with mobility and physical therapy exercises. Additionally, they provide bedside support, including changing linens, assisting with hygiene, and helping patients move safely.
CNAs are more commonly found in hospital settings than in personal care environments. Often, there isn’t enough nursing staff on a floor to assist every patient with bathroom needs, hydration, meals, and other essential tasks.
CNAs fill in the gaps that nursing staff may not have time to cover and provide one-on-one care for patients. They work in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, independent living facilities, and even home settings.
What Is a Home Health Aide (HHA)?
A Home Health Aide (HHA), sometimes referred to as a Direct Care Worker (DCW), cares for a person in a hospital, a skilled nursing facility, or, more commonly, in their own home.
Unlike a CNA, an HHA does not need to obtain a formal license. Certifications are available, but training requirements are far less intensive than those for CNAs.
Key Differences Between CNAs vs. HHAs
Simply put, the difference is licensing. A CNA must go to school for a longer period and earn a different degree than an HHA.
Work Opportunities
A CNA license presents more opportunities for employment in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and independent living facilities. These healthcare settings are more likely to hire CNAs over HHAs due to their formal training.
Pay Scale
CNAs undergo more schooling and invest time and money into their education, so they generally earn a higher salary than HHAs.
Job Responsibilities
A CNA is responsible for medical tasks and often handles medical equipment and patient monitoring. Their duties include setting up medical devices and observing changes in a patient’s health status. A home health aide, on the other hand, focuses more on personal care tasks. Their responsibilities include grooming, bathing, light housekeeping, and meal preparation.
How Are CNAs and HHAs the Same?
Despite their differences, CNAs and HHAs share several overlapping responsibilities, particularly in personal care.
Both CNAs and HHAs can:
- Assist with bathing, grooming, dressing, and hygiene
- Help with mobility and transfers
- Provide companionship and emotional support
- Work in home care settings
However, home health aides are more commonly found in home care settings, while certified nursing assistants are more commonly found in nursing homes and hospitals.
Hiring a CNA vs. an HHA: Making The Best Choice for Your Loved One
The right caregiver depends on your loved one’s needs.
A CNA may be the best choice if your loved one:
- Requires regular medical care (e.g., monitoring of vital signs, wound care)
- Uses oxygen, feeding tubes, or medical equipment at home
- Has limited mobility and needs advanced assistance
- Is staying in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or rehab center
An HHA may be suitable if your loved one:
- Needs help with personal care but does not have serious medical conditions
- Requires assistance with meal prep, housekeeping, and companionship
- Wants to stay independent at home but needs some support
- Does not require medical monitoring or skilled nursing
Find the Right Caregiver For Your Loved One with Premier Home Care
Your loved one deserves respectful, attentive care, whether they need daily assistance or advanced medical support. Premier Home Care will match them with a home health aide, registered nurse, or non-medical caregiver to keep them safe and comfortable at home.
Contact us today to learn more about our home care services and find the perfect caregiver for your loved one.