What is Home Health Aide?

A Home Health Aide (HHA) is a healthcare professional who assists individuals with daily activities and basic health needs in their own homes. HHAs work with clients who may be elderly, disabled, or recovering from illness, helping them maintain their independence and quality of life. More than just a caregiver, an HHA is a key part of the healthcare team who observes the client's condition, provides crucial support, and offers companionship.

An HHA's duties are a blend of personal care and health-related tasks, all conducted under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Key skills for this role include active listening, service orientation, and social perceptiveness. Common responsibilities include:

• Assisting with personal hygiene and grooming, such as bathing and dressing.
• Monitoring vital signs like blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.
• Assisting with mobility, transfers, and prescribed exercises.
• Recognising and reporting changes in a client's physical or mental condition.
• Performing light housekeeping tasks and preparing meals.
• Providing emotional support and companionship.

Home Health Aide Salary and Job Outlook in Indiana

The average salary for a Home Health Aide in Indiana is $32,690 per year, which is equivalent to an hourly wage of $15.72. While the demand for in-home care remains strong, recent analyses of the Indiana workforce suggest a softer job market with lower overall hiring activity in 2025-2026 compared to previous years.

There is no publicly available, statewide data ranking the top employers by job posting volume for HHAs in Indiana. Job seekers will typically find openings with a wide range of local and national home health agencies operating throughout the state.

How to Become a Home Health Aide in Indiana?

To work as an HHA in Indiana, you must meet specific requirements set by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) and federal regulations. The process involves completing training, passing an evaluation, and being listed on the state's official registry.

Step 1: Meet the Foundational Requirements

Before you can begin training, you must meet the basic state requirements. You must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and be able to pass a mandatory criminal history background check. Once you confirm you meet these prerequisites, you are ready to find an HHA training program near you.

Step 2: Complete a State-Approved HHA Training Programme

Your next step is to enroll in and complete a 75-hour Home Health Aide training programme. In Indiana, the IDOH does not certify individual training sites; instead, home health agencies are responsible for creating and delivering training that meets federal and state rules.

Key training details include:

• Total Hours: The program must include at least 75 hours of training.
• Clinical Hours: A minimum of 16 hours must be supervised practical (clinical) training.
• Classroom Prerequisite: You must complete at least 16 hours of classroom instruction before beginning your clinical training.
• Tube Feeding Module: As of January 1, 2024, HHAs who will perform gastrostomy or jejunal tube feedings must complete a separate, mandatory IDOH-approved module. This consists of 4-8 hours of classroom training and 2-4 hours of practical training with an RN.
• Cost: The total cost for HHA training in Indiana typically ranges from $450 to over $1,650, which includes tuition and other fees like the state competency exam.

Agencies may offer portions of the classroom training online, but the clinical hours and the mandatory tube feeding module must be completed in person.

Step 3: Pass the Competency Exam and Get on the State Registry

Upon completing your 75-hour training, you must pass a competency evaluation provided by your home health agency. This evaluation includes both a written or oral test and a practical skills demonstration to ensure you can safely perform all required duties. There are no publicly published statewide pass rates for the HHA competency evaluation in Indiana.

Once you successfully pass the evaluation, your training provider or employer will submit your information to the Indiana Department of Health. You will then be placed on the Indiana Aides Registry with an HHA designation, making you eligible for employment at any licensed home health agency in the state.

Step 4: Apply for Home Health Aide Jobs in Indiana

With your HHA designation active on the state registry, you are ready to start your job search. Update your resume to highlight your new HHA status and any other relevant credentials, such as CPR/First Aid or the specialised tube-feeding certification.

You can search for job openings directly on the career pages of home health agencies in your area. Many training providers have partnerships with local agencies and may offer job placement assistance. When applying, be prepared to discuss the key skills employers seek, such as customer service, communication, and monitoring patient conditions. It is important to note that there are no official statewide job placement rates published for HHA graduates in Indiana.

Step 5: Pursue Career Advancement and Specialisations

Your HHA certification is an excellent entry point into the healthcare field and can serve as a foundation for further career growth.

Many HHAs choose to advance their careers by becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), which opens up opportunities in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. From there, you can continue your education to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN).

You can also pursue specialisations within the HHA role. For example, completing the state-mandated tube-feeding module provides you with a specialised skill that can make you a more valuable candidate for agencies serving clients with complex needs. Continuing education is also a requirement, as HHAs must complete at least 12 hours of in-service training each year.