According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Maintain records of patient care, condition, progress, or problems to report and discuss observations with supervisor or case manager. | 89% |
| Provide patients with help moving in and out of beds, baths, wheelchairs, or automobiles and with dressing and grooming. | 87% |
| Bathe patients. | 85% |
| Administer prescribed oral medications, under the written direction of physician or as directed by home care nurse or aide, and ensure patients take their medicine. | 85% |
| Care for patients by changing bed linens, washing and ironing laundry, cleaning, or assisting with their personal care. | 83% |
| Entertain, converse with, or read aloud to patients to keep them mentally healthy and alert. | 81% |
| Plan, purchase, prepare, or serve meals to patients or other family members, according to prescribed diets. | 80% |
| Care for children who are disabled or who have sick or disabled parents. | 79% |
| Check patients' pulse, temperature, and respiration. | 78% |
| Provide patients and families with emotional support and instruction in areas such as caring for infants, preparing healthy meals, living independently, or adapting to disability or illness. | 78% |
| Accompany clients to doctors' offices or on other trips outside the home, providing transportation, assistance, and companionship. | 75% |
| Perform a variety of duties as requested by client, such as obtaining household supplies or running errands. | 74% |
| Change dressings. | 72% |
| Direct patients in simple prescribed exercises or in the use of braces or artificial limbs. | 69% |
| Massage patients or apply preparations or treatments, such as liniment, alcohol rubs, or heat-lamp stimulation. | 66% |
