A professional who cares for elderly, convalescent, or handicapped persons in patient's home, performing any combination of following tasks. Respnsibilities include:

• Changes bed linens, washes and irons patient's laundry, and cleans patient's quarters.
• Purchases, prepares, and serves food for patient and other members of family, following special prescribed diets.
• Assists patients into and out of bed, automobile, or wheelchair, to lavatory, and up and down stairs.
• Assists patient to dress, bathe, and groom self.
• Massages patient and applies preparations and treatments, such as liniment or alcohol rubs and heat-lamp stimulation.
• Administers prescribed oral medications under written direction of physician or as directed by home care nurse.
• Accompanies ambulatory patients outside home, serving as guide, companion, and aide.
• Entertains patient, reads aloud, and plays cards or other games with patient.
• Performs variety of miscellaneous duties as requested, such as obtaining household supplies and running errands.
• May maintain records of services performed and of apparent condition of patient.
• May visit several households to provide daily health care to patients.