Today, October 18, is Health Care Assistant (HCA) Day in British Columbia. The name Health Care Assistant is used to describe several different positions including residential care aides, community health workers, long term care aides, home health aides, home support workers, personal care aides and continuing care assistants.
Strong and efficient yet gentle and caring, Health Care Assistants or Health Care Aides (HCA) are professionals who provide care and support to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, and patients’ homes. They are sometimes referred to as Resident Care Attendants (RCA).
Working with teams of other health care professionals, HCAs help individuals and families face their unique challenges, from the common – such as ageing – to psychological and cognitive health challenges, including stress and depression. They also provide acute and special care, which cover post-op, palliative and hospice (end of life) care, and self-care. Just as importantly, Health Care Assistants guide patients towards the goal of leading safe, healthy, and independent lives.
With education and training as a Health Care Assistant, you may also choose to work as a:
- Community Health Worker
- Home Support Worker
- Assisted Living Worker
- Acute and Complex Care or Special Care Provider
- Nurse Aide
Due to our ageing population, there has been an increasing focus on and funding for senior care. Senior-related health care topics include:
- Chronic health issues
- Assisted living
- Home care
- Adult daycare
- Day-to-day hygiene and mobility
Health Care Assistants don’t just work with seniors, however; they aim to understand and support the health requirements and abilities of all patients and clients. Their versatility is one reason why more jobs for Health Care Assistants are being created than for other health care occupations in Canada, even taking into account the general shortage of qualified staff and new graduates in the industry.
The fast-growing need for HCAs makes this an excellent career choice. With further studies and training, you will also have the option of becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN).
Society has a growing need for Health Care Assistants or Resident Care Attendants in all care settings. If you want to help and comfort others with your own hands, if you want to improve the lives of others, especially our elderly citizens, a college program might be the only thing standing between you and a career in HCA.
What is HCA? It’s a challenging, high-demand, and undeniably rewarding career – and it could be yours. Contact us for more information or to apply.
