The job responsibilities of a private duty caregiver include assisting people with a range of daily tasks and activities that allow them to live a more independent life. These duties include bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, managing and monitoring medications, shopping, preparing meals, light housekeeping, mobility assistance, companionship and emotional support, transportation, household chores, and laundry.

In Hillsborough County, Florida, the average hourly pay rate for home health aides and caregivers is north of $16.00 per hour. However, hourly pay can be up to $21.00 per hour depending on the specific assignment you are given.

In order to become a paid home health aide at a state licensed home health agency in Hillsborough County, Florida, you must undergo fingerprinting, background checks, and either complete at least a 40-hour training course that’s approved by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs or successfully complete a competency test administered by the licensed home health agency. Once you’ve met all of the requirements, you’re eligible to begin working as a home health aide (HHA). When you join our caregiving team at Care Team Home Healthcare, we provide you with the required training that you need to begin your new career as a home health aide at our state licensed home health agency.

To become a certified nursing assistant (CNA), a 120-hour training program must be completed and competency exams must be successfully passed. The training required to become a CNA should be adequate to pass the competency test we are required to give all of our prospective caregivers and home health aides.

No, you don’t need a license to provide non-skilled home care services as a home health aide or certified nurse assistant. However, before you can be employed and sent out on assignment, you must pass a competency test. The agency hiring you will evaluate your knowledge and skills utilizing the competency test and provide additional training as needed before you are given assignments as a caregiver.

Whether you have proof of successful completion, or you need training, it must comply with Florida state caregiver training requirements, which include: 12 hours of professional caregiver training by an accredited/state-approved training center (the best programs offer closer to 40-hours of education and training). In addition, the State of Florida does require additional training before assignment and annually thereafter on certain healthcare topics, which is usually about 12 hours per year. Florida also requires training about Alzheimers and basic life support before you can be given an assignment.