Providing non-skilled care in homes means working closely with clients on their day-to-day needs, from companionship and meal preparation to light housekeeping and assistance with activities of daily living. While non-skilled care isn’t clinical, training and supervision are absolutely essential to protect your agency, ensure compliance, and promote quality care.
The Challenge: Minimal State Requirements, But High Risk
In Florida, non-medical caregivers such as homemakers, companions, home health aides (HHAs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) may operate under fewer mandated training rules compared to skilled nurses.
However, once an aide or CNA provides personal care services or assists with self-administered medications, Florida law requires that the agency arrange supervisory visits by a Registered Nurse (RN) to ensure those services are being provided safely and in accordance with the care plan.
That means each agency must take active responsibility for both training and documented RN supervision, even when regulations seem minimal, to maintain high standards and reduce liability.
What Good Training & Supervision Looks Like
Comprehensive Onboarding
From day one, every caregiver should clearly understand:
- The scope of acceptable duties (companionship, light housekeeping, meal prep, and assistance with ambulation)
- Boundaries of non-medical versus personal care tasks
- Client rights and confidentiality (including HIPAA awareness)
- Infection control, fall prevention, and emergency procedures
- Observation, reporting, and documentation protocols
Ongoing Education & Competency Validation
Although Florida may not mandate recurring training, agencies benefit greatly from periodic refreshers on:
- Communication and documentation best practices
- Recognizing and reporting neglect, abuse, or condition changes
- Safe medication assistance techniques
- Working with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and mobility-impaired clients
Agencies should document each refresher or skills validation in the employee’s personnel file, as required under agency policy.
RN Supervisory Visits & Oversight
For clients receiving personal care services, RN supervisory visits are a required and documented part of care. According to agency policy:
- Supervisory visits are performed in accordance with the client’s authorization, direction, and agreement to pay any applicable charge for the visit.
- RN supervisors document their findings on agency forms, signed and dated, and file them in the client’s record,
- When aides or CNAs assist with self-administered medications, clients are encouraged to authorize more frequent supervisory visits to ensure safety and compliance with Florida Statutes.
- In some cases, supervisory reviews may be conducted virtually or by phone if the client declines in-home RN visits.
Aides’ work should be periodically reviewed to confirm:
- Care is being delivered safely and as assigned
- Proper communication and documentation are occurring
- Infection prevention policies are followed
- Any deviations or client refusals are promptly reported to the RN
Mentorship, Feedback & Performance Monitoring
Beyond compliance, mentorship helps develop stronger caregivers. Pairing new hires with experienced aides, conducting ride-along evaluations, and implementing performance feedback sessions fosters growth and retention.
Documented evaluations, especially those conducted during home visits, should be included in the employee’s personnel record with the client’s consent.
Why This Investment Pays Off
- Reduced Risk
Proper training and RN supervision prevent unsafe practices and compliance violations. - Improved Quality
Structured oversight leads to better client outcomes and satisfaction. - Higher Retention
Supported caregivers feel valued and stay longer. - Reputation & Referrals
Consistent supervision builds community trust and strengthens your agency’s standing.
Building a Supervision System That Works
Effective supervision in non-skilled home care isn’t just a best practice, it’s a regulatory requirement in Florida for any aide providing personal care or medication assistance. Whether your agency is expanding services or refining compliance procedures, establishing clear policies and documentation systems is key.
HomeSights Consulting can help you design compliant, efficient supervision processes that protect your clients, your caregivers, and your agency’s reputation.
Contact us to learn how we can help you build a stronger, safer care program.