Should You Hire An HHA Or CNA For Senior Care?

I see people struggling to navigate home care solutions every day.

For example, a lot of people get stuck between hiring an (Home Health Care Aid) HHA or CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) to provide care.

These terms can feel like alphabet soup, but they’re not as confusing as they seem.

Simply put, an HHA is trained/certified and helps with personal care like shower assistance and dressing, while a CNA provides both personal care and basic medical support, such as taking vital signs and assisting with medical equipment.

By the end of this, you’ll have all the clarity you need to make the right decision, plus a nudge toward a solution you can trust (spoiler: I know someone who can help).

HHA or CNA: The Overlap (and the Key Differences)

Infographic comparing an HHA or a CNA.

Think of it this way:

Both HHAs and CNAs provide essential care to help individuals live comfortably, often assisting with bathing, grooming, and mobility.

The line in the sand? Expertise.

HHAs focus on non-expert, medical, day-to-day support in home settings like medication reminders,

WHILE CNAs bring additional medical training to handle specific health-related tasks like taking vital signs, wound care, and working under the supervision of a nurse or doctor.

In short, HHAs are your go-to for daily assistance, while CNAs step in when medical needs are part of the equation.

What’s an HHA, anyway?

Caregiver acting as a medication reminder for elderly parent

Think of an HHA as the multi-tasking person of home care.

These folks have formal training and are usually certified, which means they can tackle a mix of personal care and basic health-related tasks.

They have a little bit of medical experience and are great for when your loved one needs health attention while they’re at home.

Here’s what they’re great at:

Personal Care: Helping with bathing, dressing, grooming, and general hygiene.
Medication Reminders: They won’t administer meds, but they’ll make sure your parent takes what they need on time.
Light Housekeeping: They’ll handle things like laundry and keeping spaces tidy.
Monitoring Health: Not in a doctor-or-nurse way, but they can check vitals like blood pressure if needed.

They’re like the middle ground between a general caregiver and a certified medical professional.

Most HHAs work with agencies (like mine!) that ensure they’re properly trained and matched with families.

HHAs are also often compared to PCAs (Personal Care Aids), and rightly so.

“HHAs” are perfect if your parent needs simple help with everyday tasks on their daily routine but doesn’t have specific medical or health-related needs.

What’s a CNA?

An elderly person who can't walk sitting on the bed with a CNA vs caregiver

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are the next level up in the caregiving world. They’re trained to handle more medical tasks alongside personal care:

Taking vital signs, like blood pressure or temperature.
Assisting with medical equipment, such as catheters.
Supporting nurses in more clinical settings (though many CNAs work in home care, too).

Training: CNAs undergo state-approved programs that can range from 4 to 12 weeks, including exams. They’re like a hybrid between a nurse and a caregiver.

Who benefits most from a CNA? If your parent needs medical attention, like wound care or monitoring after surgery, a CNA’s advanced skills can be a lifesaver (literally).

This article explains the difference between Caregivers (in general) and CNAs.

So… HHA or CNA?

Home Health care in Plymouth Ma provided by Global One Home Care

So, here’s the million-dollar question: which one should you hire? Let’s make it simple.

Does your parent need help with hygiene, mobility, or personal care?

An HHA is trained for this and knows how to assist with dignity and respect.

Are they dealing with health issues like diabetes or recovering from surgery?

If yes, go with a CNA. They’re trained for tasks like checking vital signs or managing post-surgical recovery

Do they mainly need a companion to help them with daily activities?

A caregiver is perfect for this role. They’re great at building relationships and helping your parent feel less alone.

Here’s a breakdown of the various types of caregivers that exist today (you may be one of them, if you’re caring for your own parent).

What’s your budget?

HHAs tend to be more affordable than CNAs, so if your parent doesn’t need medical support, you might save some cash with an HHA.

What’s available in your area?

Availability can vary. CNAs are sometimes harder to find for home care specifically, so it’s worth checking with local agencies (ahem, mine included).

Need help finding an HHA or CNA for your Loved One?

Professional Caregiver helping senior in Boston

We’re happy to help you find a vetted and compassionate caregiver to care for your loved one. Get in touch with us and tell us what you’re looking for specifically.
Find My Caregiver Today

Common Questions You Might Have (and the Honest Answers)

1. Can an HHA also be a caregiver?

Yep! Think of an HHA as a specialized kind of caregiver. They can do all the caregiver tasks, plus some basic health-related ones.

2. Do I need to go through an agency or hire someone privately?

Agencies (like mine!) vet and train caregivers and HHAs, so you’re guaranteed someone qualified and trustworthy.

Hiring a professional caregiver privately might save you money, but it requires more work on your part, like background checks and scheduling.

Here are 10 questions we ask every caregiver before we include them in our home care program.

3. Will they live with my parent?

Not usually. Both HHAs and caregivers typically work in shifts. If you need live-in care for your loved one, that’s a different arrangement and worth discussing.

4. What’s the average cost of Care?

Caregiver: Around $15-$25/hour, depending on experience and location. We discuss more about the overall costs of 24/hour home care in this article.

HHA: Around $20-$30/hour, because of the extra training and certifications.

5. What if my parent doesn’t want help?

Oh, this one’s tricky. Resistance is common because seniors often feel like accepting care means losing independence.

Try framing it as “someone to help around the house” rather than “a caregiver.” Start small, like having someone visit for a few hours a week.

Why This Matters So Much?

Look, I know you care deeply about giving your parent the best care possible while balancing your own life. And the truth is, finding the right fit isn’t just about tasks—it’s about trust.

The right caregiver (or HHA) should feel like part of the family, someone your parent can rely on and feel comfortable with.

A Quick Story (This Could Be Your Parent)

A client of mine recently called about her mom, who was recovering from hip surgery. She was torn between hiring a CNA or an HHA.

After talking through her mom’s mobility challenges and need for light health monitoring, we matched her with an CNA who was a total rockstar.

Within two weeks, her mom was not only recovering smoothly but was also enjoying her daily chats with the aide. The client? She got her peace of mind back.

This is the kind of outcome I want for you too.

How We Can Help at Global One HC

Global One Home Care selfie team photo with caregivers in Boston

So, you’re trying to make the best decision on what care option to purchase for your parent with as little stress as possible.

My agency specializes in matching families with caregivers and HHAs who truly fit their needs.

Here’s what I can do for you:

Personally assess your parent’s situation and recommend the best option.
Handle all the logistics, from background checks to scheduling.
Provide someone who’s experienced, compassionate, and reliable.

Your Next Step

Let’s make this easy. Reply to this email or give me a quick call. I’ll answer any lingering questions and, if you’re ready, start the process of finding the perfect caregiver or HHA for your parent.

You don’t have to figure this out on your own, and honestly? You shouldn’t have to. Let’s make sure your parent gets the care they deserve.

Author Profile

Dr. Ella Njike

Founder and CEO at Global One Home Care | Website

Ella Njike is the CEO and founder of Global One Home Care, a Boston-based home care agency that offers compassionate and exclusive in-home care for seniors and people with disabilities; from the very comfort of their homes. Njike Ella believes that true care goes beyond just physical assistance. It's about forming genuine connections and fostering a sense of belonging, where every individual's journey is valued and respected. Njike's commitment is to create a holistic care experience that focuses not only on day-to-day tasks but also on emotional well-being. He embodies the values of warmth, respect, and cultural diversity and understands the importance of creating a nurturing environment that feels like home.

Should You Hire an HHA or a CNA for Senior Care?