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If you want to become a home health aide in the State of Maine, this guide will tell you if you’re a good candidate as well as the details you need to get started.
Article Table of Contents
Ideal Candidate
Like many professions, this entry-level healthcare position also has an ideal candidate.
For this position, you’re expected to like interacting with others and especially to offer a helping hand.
You’ll need to have good communication skills with clients and superiors alike, be able to adapt fast to new working conditions and be physically strong.
For some positions, other languages are a plus, including sign language.
Willingness to learn is also a strong attribute of a home health aide, as they need to train before starting working.
Additionally, in some cases, further training might be expected, depending on the need for new patients or clients.
This is needed if the aide will have to learn how to use specific machinery that the client uses, for instance.
Some aides have to work weekends and night shifts as well, something not everyone likes doing.
Training as a Home Health Aide
The training standards for a home health aide in Maine are higher compared to all other states.
This is because home health aides are seen in Maine as a type of a CNA.
These professionals are expected to train for at least 180 hours, which is about the same training as a certified nurse assistant.
It’s worth noting that individuals can train first as Personal Support Specialists (PSS) or Consumer Directed Personal Attendants, and then continue to CNA or HHA education and positions.
All these positions are similar and what sets them apart is the amount of care the person can offer, as well as the type of skills they possess.
The training programs must have:
- 90 hours of theory,
- 20 hours of lab work,
- 70 hours of clinical practice
- An up-to-date resource library
The trainers for these classes are registered, nurses.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Biddeford Adult Education | PO Box 624 W Street Biddeford, ME 04005 |
| Central Lincoln County Adult Education | 767 Main Street Damariscotta, ME 04543 |
| Central Maine Community College | 1250 Turner Street Auburn, ME 04210 |
| Crooked River Adult Ed | 1437 Poland Springs Road Tusco, ME |
| Eastern Aroostoock Adult and Community Education | 75 Bennett Drive Caribou, ME 04736 |
| Ellswood Adult Education | 248 State Street Suite 15 Ellswood, ME 04605 |
| Franklin County Basic Education | 129 Seamon Road Suite A Farmington, ME 044938 |
| Gorham Adult Education | 106 Weeks Road Gorham, ME 04038 |
| Lewiston Adult Education | 156 East Ave Lewiston, ME 04240 |
| Maine College of Health | 70 Middle Street Lewiston, ME 04240 |
| Massabesic Center for Adult Learning | 84 West Road Waterboro, ME 04087 |
| Merrymeeting Adult Education | 35 Republic Avenue Topsham, ME 04086 |
| Mid Coast School of Technology Adult Education | 1 South Main Street Rockland, ME 04841 |
| Piscataquis Valley Adult Education Coorperative | 50 Mayo Street Dover Foxcraft, ME 04426 |
| Portland Adult Education | 14 Locust Street Portland, ME 04101 |
| Region 9 Adult Education | 377 River Road Mexico, ME 04257 |
| United Technology Center | 200 Hogan Rd Bangor, ME 04401 |
There are some requirements to meet in order to enroll in these programs:
- At least 16 years old
- Complete at least grade 9
- Able to read and write in English
The certification is issued to those who apply to the Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants & Direct Care Workers
Individuals who come from other states and want to work in this field will also have to undergo training, unless:
- Their original training was at least 100 hours long
- They also have some work experience
Employment and Salary Information in Maine
Besides training, being on the Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants is mandatory if you want to find employment in this state as a home health aide.
Additionally, a clean criminal record is also mandatory, especially when it comes to health-related acts
There are three main types of employers for HHAs:
- Hospices,
- Home care agencies,
- Assisted living facilities
The average salary for a home health aide in Maine is $24,545 per year, but in many cities, the average income is higher.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Portland | $25,479 |
| Lewiston | $25,224 |
| Bangor | $23,269 |
| South Portland | $25,479 |
| Auburn | $25,224 |
| Biddeford | $25,360 |
| Sanford | $25,761 |
| Brunswick | $25,258 |
| Scarborough | $25,479 |
| Saco | $25,428 |
Regional Salary in Maine
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME | 1,750 | $35,630 | $17.13 | $38,350 | $31,510 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | 1,560 | $36,560 | $17.58 | $43,430 | $31,640 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | 6,060 | $37,220 | $17.89 | $45,020 | $33,270 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
It’s good to know that the working hours of the home health aides are generally more flexible compared to those of a certified nurse assistant.
Duties and Other Information
A home health aide is generally expected to help with:
- Meal preparation,
- Housekeeping,
- Personal care
Many times, other duties and tasks can be assigned to them by a registered nurse as she’s the one performing the job orientation.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Home Health Aide
HHA Schools by State