People with health issues who choose to live at home requires the selection of home health aides that are not only reliable, but also qualified and experienced.

Since the aide will be in the home working with the patient on an up-close and personal basis, their personality traits and how they interact are primary concerns.

At the interview for potential home health aides, consider these areas as top priorities when asking questions.

• Genuine Caring Attitude – Without this, a home health aide cannot do their job effectively. Caring about the people they’re assigned to help requires a genuine feeling of helping and positive actions to complete whatever tasks are necessary.
• Good Listener and Communicator – Being a good listener is important as many homebound patients need to be heard, not ignored. Communication skills also require that the aide be able to explain things in a clear manner.
• Compassionate and Emotionally Stable – Patience and compassion goes a long way in comforting people who may be scared. A home health aide must be able to relate and empathize with others. Being caring and compassionate means emotions will be involved and the aide must know how and when to stay in control and command of a situation. The patient counts on this.
• Adaptability – Being adaptable in ever-changing situations is like a rollercoaster ride. Situations during the day can change from one hour to the next requiring the aide to adjust and keep things moving in a positive and forward motion.
• Quick Thinkers – Aides must be exert superior judgment skills and have the ability to make decisions in a split second. Being mentally fit in order to handle stress and strain is mandatory.

With these traits in place, a home health aide is equipped to handle the daily routines and activities required for the job.