Long-term care facilities provide a wide range of services and support for those who are no longer able to care for themselves.  Especially, older adults or disabled adults who are suffering from chronic diseases who need primary care services in their comfort zone. Residential care community residents need the most assistance with bathing, walking, and dressing; almost two-thirds of residents need assistance with three or more activities of daily living, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. In these cases, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Home Health Aides (HHAs) can be utilized. There are many different levels of nursing in which Certified Nursing Assistants and Home Health Aides are front-line care delivery. They can assist and support adults in their day-to-day activities. 

So, let's explore the differences between a CNA and an HHA.  

Training: CNA vs HHA 

CNAs require certification and a license to perform their duties, which vary from state to state. Read about your state’s guidelines on this CNA Location Guide. You can also search for CNA classes near you. CNAs are required to perform tasks under a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse. Some states may permit CNAs to perform some tasks, such as drawing blood if they have the necessary training. In some places, a CNA's ability to perform particular jobs may be limited by the amount of training that person has received.

There is no formal education required for HHA. But, before being hired by an in-home healthcare agency, HHAs should complete hands-on training. Every state in the United States has this requirement. The minimum amount is typically 75 hours but some states require 120 hours. As a result, many vocational schools and community colleges provide training to prepare students for a career as an HHA.

Work Environment: CNA vs HHA

CNAs work in hospitals, adult care hospitals, adult care centers, rehab homes, retirement homes, and medical offices. CNAs tend to numerous patients during their shifts but HHAs typically work with one specific patient at a time.  

HHAs work in their patients’ personal homes and support them in their day-to-day activities. There are many other reasons why one needs an HHA for daily activities. For instance, if an adult is suffering from a chronic illness or injury they may not perform basic tasks as well such as cooking or bathing. Some patients require a full-time HHA who just works and lives with them. 

Daily Responsibilities: CNA vs HHA

The major difference between CNAs and HHAs is their responsibilities and roles. Both have different duties to perform according to the needs of their patient.

HHA

• They are not able to provide advanced medical support to their clients. But, they are familiar with small tasks like helping dispense medication. 

• Their duties involve daily household activities like grocery purchasing, meal preparation, laundry, medication reminders, bathing, and much more. 

CNA 

• CNA duties include tracking patients' conditions and updating the doctors and senior nurses

• CNAs take vitals and measure blood pressure 

• CNAs also maintain a comfortable living environment by helping patients feed during meals, brush their teeth, move into a wheelchair, etc.

Both can cooperate with each other and work together in some cases. For instance, when a patient is recovering from surgery, a CNA will likely see the patient in post-op and at the hospital. In order to recover at home following hospitalization, an HHA will provide basic care, such as general housekeeping, transportation, and grocery shopping, with which the patient person will likely need assistance.

Job Growth: CNA vs HHA

Because CNAs are certified they’re able to promote faster, eventually to a Licensed Practical Nurse and then Registered Nurse with additional school. Recruiters look for several skills and qualifications in a CNA, and CNAs can also specialize in niche departments of healthcare. HHAs are not required to be certified but it can be very helpful to stay competitive. Both CNA and HHA roles are great for someone interested in the healthcare profession but don’t have a lot of time or money to pursue or graduate with an advanced degree in nursing. They are great introductory jobs in nursing.

The need for HHAs and CNAs both has increased after the pandemic situation and it is estimated that the growth of job prospects for CNAs and HHAs is going to increase faster than the average percentage. As per the report of the American Red Cross, there are more than 1.4 million nurse assistants employed, and the job prospects are growing in the near future. 

Author Bio: 

Parth Patel is an entrepreneur and CEO of SyS Creations which is a top healthcare app development company. Which has decoded solutions like Medical practice management software. However, operating in the IT infrastructure of SMEs and startups keeps him on his toes and his passion for helping others keeps him motivated.