Hospice Aide - ALIYA Healthcare Consulting
Chicago, IL
About the Job
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The hospice aide is a paraprofessional member of the interdisciplinary group who works under
the supervision of a registered nurse and performs various services for a patient as necessary
to meet the patient's personal needs and to promote comfort. The hospice aide is responsible
for observing the patient, reporting these observations and documenting observations and care
performed.
The hospice aide will be assigned in a manner that promotes quality, continuity and safety of a
patient's care.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities of the hospice aide include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Performing personal care needs after given a patient's assignment and attending to his/her
requests promptly. If unable to perform a certain task, report to the Case Manager
immediately.
2. Providing patient and family with positive communication techniques, within realm of ethical
and respectful care, including confidentiality.
3. Meeting safety needs of patient and using equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side
rails, O2 etc.)
4. Giving personal care including baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos and changing bed
linen as often as assigned.
5. Assisting in dressing and undressing patients as assigned.
6. Planning and preparing nutritious meals, including shopping, as assigned.
7. Assisting in feeding the patient as assigned.
8. Taking and recording oral, rectal and auxiliary temperatures, pulse, respiration and blood
pressure when ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency.
9. Providing proper care and observation of patient's skin to prevent breakdown of tissue over
bony prominence.
10. Assessing and reporting on patient's condition and significant changes to the Case
Manager. Also aware of the caregiver or other individuals living with the patient and
interpersonal issues.
11. Assisting in ambulation and exercise as instructed by the hospice nurse or therapist.
12. Provide normal range of motion and transfers/positioning as directed.
13. Assistance with self-administered medications as allowed by state regulations, such as
“reminders.”
14. Offering and assisting with bedpans and urinals. Providing assistance as assigned with
light laundry needs.
15. Performing range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service
as ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency.
16. Providing respite for patient's/family/caregiver when on-site, as appropriate.
17. Keeping the patient's living area clean and orderly, as assigned.
18. Adhering to the organization's documentation and care procedures and standards of
personal and professional conduct.
19. Participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
20. Respectful of the patient and family/caregiver environment and patient's personal needs.
The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and
responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to
perform job related tasks other than those stated in this description.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
1. Meets the training requirements of the State.
2. Completed a minimum of 75 hours of classroom and supervised practical training. Sixteen
hours of classroom must be completed prior to a mandatory 16 hours of practical training.
3. At least 18 years of age.
4. Ability to read and follow written instructions and document care given.
5. Understands hospice philosophy, comfortable providing specialized care to the terminally
ill.
6. Satisfactory references from previous employers.
7. Is self-directing with the ability to work with little direct supervision. Secure with issues of
death/dying. Provides a calm manner when in a patient’s home.
8. Has empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail and the impaired.
9. Possess and maintains current CPR certification.
10. Demonstrates tact, patience and good personal hygiene.
11. Licensed driver with automobile that is insured in accordance with organization
requirements and is in good working order.
12. Successfully completes a probationary period. This probationary period is to ensure the
aide is competent in the above qualifications, and is documented by the supervisor and the
employee.