In home care agencies, home health aides are supervised by a registered nurse , a physical therapist , or a social worker, who assigns them specific duties. Aides report changes in the client's condition to the supervisor or case manager. The home health aide's daily routine may vary. Aides may go to the same home every day for months or even years. However, most aides work with a number of different clients, each job lasting a few hours, days or weeks.
Aides often visit four or five clients on the same day.
Surroundings differ from case to case. Some homes are neat and pleasant, while others are untidy or depressing. Home health aides generally work on their own, with periodic visits by their supervisor. They receive detailed instructions explaining when to visit clients and what services to perform. Many aides work part time, and weekend hours are common.