Not All Caregivers Are the Same
If you're hiring for a home care agency, you've seen the acronyms everywhere: HHA, CNA, LPN, RN, Companion. But what do they actually mean for your agency's day-to-day operations? Hiring the wrong type of caregiver for a client's needs isn't just inefficient — it can be a compliance risk.
This guide breaks down the three most common non-nurse caregiver roles: Home Health Aides (HHAs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and Companions. Understanding the differences helps you hire the right people, stay compliant, and serve your clients better.
Home Health Aide (HHA)
What they do: HHAs provide hands-on personal care to clients in their homes. This includes assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and light meal preparation. In Florida, HHAs can also assist with medication reminders (but not administration).
Best for: Clients who need regular assistance with personal care but don't require skilled nursing. HHAs are the backbone of most home care agencies.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
What they do: CNAs have broader clinical training than HHAs. They can perform all HHA duties plus take vital signs, assist with mobility and transfers using medical equipment, provide wound care support, and work in both home and facility settings.
Certification requirements in Florida:
- Complete a state-approved CNA training program (120+ hours)
- Pass the Florida CNA competency exam (written + skills)
- Register with the Florida Nurse Aide Registry
- Complete a Level 2 background screening
- Renew certification every 2 years with continuing education
Companion Caregiver
What they do: Companions provide non-medical support. Their role focuses on socialization, light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, errand assistance, and general supervision. They do not provide hands-on personal care (like bathing or toileting) in most states, including Florida.
Certification requirements in Florida:
- No formal certification required in most cases
- Background screening required
- Agency-specific training recommended
Quick Comparison Table
| HHA | CNA | Companion | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal care (bathing, dressing) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Vital signs | No | Yes | No |
| Medication reminders | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Light housekeeping | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Meal preparation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobility assistance | Basic | Advanced | Basic |
| Clinical tasks | No | Limited | No |
| Certification required (FL) | Yes (75 hrs) | Yes (120+ hrs) | No |
| Typical rate (South FL) | $14–$20/hr | $16–$24/hr | $13–$17/hr |
Which Should You Hire?
The answer depends on your client mix. Most agencies need a blend:
- High acuity clients (post-surgical, chronic illness, complex needs) → CNAs
- Standard personal care clients (ADL assistance, daily routines) → HHAs
- Low acuity or companionship clients (socialization, errands, supervision) → Companions
Finding All Three in South Florida
Whether you need HHAs in Miami-Dade, CNAs in Broward, or Companions in Palm Beach, CaregiverHire lets you filter by role type, location, and availability. Every caregiver in the database is verified with real credentials and a direct phone number.
