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How to Become a CHHA in New Jersey

What is a CHHA?
Certified Homemaker–Home Health Aides (CHHAs) provide essential assistance to individuals who need support at home. They help with personal care tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility, while also fostering companionship and trust. CHHAs are a vital part of the home health care system, often working closely with nurses and other professionals.

Key Roles and Benefits of a CHHA
Becoming a CHHA comes with important responsibilities and professional advantages:

• Personal Care Support: Assisting clients with hygiene, mobility, and dressing to promote independence.
• Household Assistance: Helping with meals, light housekeeping, and errands to maintain a supportive home environment.
• Team Collaboration: Working alongside nurses, physicians, and family members to ensure consistent care.
• Career Opportunities: Entering a growing healthcare field with flexible work options and steady demand.
• Community Impact: Playing a direct role in supporting individuals and families within New Jersey communities.

CHHA Training in Middlesex
At Home Care With Love, Inc., we offer CHHA Training in Middlesex to help students build the skills needed to begin a career in home health care. Our program is NJ Board of Nursing–approved and led by experienced registered nurses. Learn more here to see full details about the course.

Medicaid vs Private Pay: What’s Covered?

Understanding the difference between Medicaid and private pay helps families make informed choices about care options. Below is a breakdown of how each works in New Jersey.

1. Program Basics
   • Medicaid is a joint federal–state program. According to Medicaid.gov, states must cover mandatory benefits such as hospital, physician, lab, and home health services, and may offer optional services like prescription drugs and therapy. (Link it HERE.)
   • In New Jersey, Medicaid is administered through NJ FamilyCare, which sets state-specific rules for coverage and eligibility. (Link it HERE.)
2. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
   • According to Medicaid.gov, states can provide HCBS so individuals receive care at home rather than in institutions.
   • In New Jersey, Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) expands HCBS through NJ FamilyCare, coordinating services like care management and home supports. (Link it HERE.)
3. What NJ Medicaid May Cover
   • NJ MLTSS programs may include:
     • Respite care
     • Care management
     • Home or vehicle modifications
     • Home-delivered meals
     • Personal emergency response systems
     • Assisted living or nursing facility care (based on need)
   • According to NJ DHS, these benefits are defined in the state’s MLTSS Services Dictionary, which outlines available service categories.
4. Private Pay (Out-of-Pocket)
   • According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Administration for Community Living (ACL), families often pay directly when public programs don’t cover specific supports, or until Medicaid eligibility is approved. (Link it HERE.) | (Link it HERE.)
   • Private pay offers flexibility in provider choice and scheduling, but costs are covered by personal or family funds rather than public assistance. (Link it HERE.)
5. Applying in New Jersey
   • Applications begin at the NJ FamilyCare portal or by calling 1-800-701-0710 (TTY 711)
   • Families may also apply at their local county welfare office, where in-person support is available. (Link it HERE.)

Qualities of a Great Caregiver

1. Clear, Respectful Communication
   • According to the National Institute on Aging, speak to older adults as fellow adults, confirm understanding, and include the person in discussions with clinicians; this builds trust and accuracy. (Link it HERE.)
   • The CDC highlights health-literacy strategies such as plain language and checking understanding to improve outcomes across care teams. (Link it HERE.)
2. Infection-Control Habits
   • The CDC emphasizes hand hygiene as one of the most effective ways to prevent germ spread; follow the recommended steps or use alcohol-based sanitizer when appropriate. (Link it HERE.)
   • For clinical settings, CDC’s Clean Hands Count campaign provides posters and job aids for consistent practice. (Link it HERE.)
3. Privacy and Documentation
   • According to HHS, the HIPAA Privacy Rule gives individuals rights over their health information and sets standards for use and disclosure; caregivers must protect confidentiality and handle records appropriately. (Link it HERE.)
   • HHS also details the right of individuals to access their health information, reinforcing accurate documentation and timely sharing with authorized parties. (Link it HERE.)
4. Organization and Coordination
   • The NIA provides caregiver worksheets for medication logs, appointment tracking, and task coordination, helping families streamline daily routines and communicate effectively with providers. (Link it HERE.)
5. Observation and Escalation
   • During medical visits, NIA recommends including the person receiving care in conversation, noting changes, and sharing accurate observations with clinicians; step out if privacy is requested. (Link it HERE.)

Training note: Through CHHA Training in Middlesex at Home Care With Love, Inc., new aides practice these skills with RN instructors and scenario-based coaching to prepare for real-world home visits. Read more here to learn more about the details.