Isaac Prentice
May 31, 2026
Starting a new job as a home health aide raises a lot of practical questions. One of the most common: what do I actually need to bring with me, and who is responsible for providing it?
Home health aides typically need personal protective equipment (gloves, masks), a blood pressure cuff, a thermometer, and basic hygiene supplies for patient care. Most clinical equipment is provided by the employing agency or the patient’s family. Some HHAs also carry a basic first aid kit, a notebook for documentation, and comfortable, safe footwear. For a full overview of the HHA role and what the job involves day to day, read our guide: what is a home health aide?
Standard agency-provided items:
Common patient-home equipment:
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provides guidance on what home health agencies are required to furnish for Medicare-certified patients, which covers the majority of clinical supply obligations.
Basic personal kit:
Comfort and safety items:
These personal items represent a modest upfront investment that pays off quickly in day-to-day preparedness. For a broader look at the skills that make HHAs effective in the field, see our guide on top skills for patient care workers.
HHAs frequently encounter situations that require proper PPE. Following PPE protocols is not just good practice — it is a core part of safe patient care and infection control.
According to the CDC’s guidelines on infection prevention and control, consistent use of appropriate PPE is one of the most effective ways to protect both patients and healthcare workers from the spread of infection.
Standard PPE for home health aides includes:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also provides specific guidance for home health workers on bloodborne pathogens, PPE requirements, and safe handling procedures — all of which are covered in NCOOA’s home health aide online course.
Accurate documentation is one of the most important responsibilities in the HHA role. Care logs, observation notes, and incident reports are all part of the job — and doing them well protects both the patient and the aide.
Most agencies supply their own documentation forms or use electronic health record (EHR) systems. What you bring yourself:
Good documentation habits start in training. NCOOA’s HHA certification course covers care documentation as part of the core curriculum so students are comfortable with the process before their first visit.
The tools you carry as an entry-level HHA are just the beginning. As your career progresses and your clinical responsibilities grow, your equipment needs evolve alongside them.
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) working in a facility setting, for example, will use a broader range of clinical monitoring equipment and may work with more advanced patient care technology. Understanding your current tools well is the foundation for handling more advanced equipment later.
For a full picture of where the HHA career path leads, read our guide: HHA career path — how to advance from home health aide to RN and beyond. And if you are still deciding between HHA and CNA as your starting credential, our comparison guide HHA vs CNA — which certification is right for you? breaks down both paths clearly.
Does the agency provide everything a home health aide needs?
Most agencies provide clinical supplies and PPE for patient care. Some tools, like a personal stethoscope, are optional but useful to own yourself.
What shoes should a home health aide wear?
Closed-toe, slip-resistant shoes with good arch support are the standard. You will be on your feet for much of your shift and may need to assist with patient transfers, which requires stable footing. OSHA’s healthcare safety guidelines include footwear recommendations for direct care workers.
What do HHAs carry in their bag?
A typical HHA bag includes gloves, a thermometer, a blood pressure cuff, a notebook, a pen, hand sanitizer, and any agency documentation forms needed for that day’s visits. Some HHAs also keep a basic first aid kit and a backup mask.
Is PPE training included in HHA certification?
Yes. Infection control and PPE protocols are core components of every accredited HHA training program. NCOOA’s home health aide online course covers standard precautions, PPE use, and CDC infection control guidelines as part of the curriculum.
How much does it cost to set up a personal HHA equipment kit?
A basic personal kit — thermometer, blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, gloves, and a notebook — typically costs between $40 and $120 depending on the quality of the items chosen. This is a one-time investment that serves you throughout your career. For a broader look at HHA earning potential and career value, read our home health aide salary guide.
What other certifications complement HHA training?
Many HHAs expand their credentials with personal care assistant (PCA) or direct care worker (DCW) certifications, which open additional care settings and responsibilities. Browse all NCOOA caregiver certification programs to see the full range of options.
Understanding what tools you need is part of being prepared for the job. Equally important is the training that teaches you how to use them correctly.
