What is the difference between a home health aide and a companion?
A home health aide receives up to 120 hours of health care training and must pass a competency test. They are called Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). In North Carolina only CNAs can provide personal care. If you call an agency for assistance with personal care, such as providing a full bath, the agency must send you a CNA. Companions are individuals hired by you or through an agency to provide supervision and socialization of your family member, as well as running errands, doing light housekeeping and meal preparation, providing transportation, etc. There is no required training or licensing for companions. Companions and Home Health Aides do not provide heavy cleaning services. They will clean up after the care recipient but usually refrain from doing extensive cleaning. If you are interested in hiring a companion, call the Resources for Seniors office and ask for a Companion Registry or download our online Companion Registry. These workers have been through a training program off
