They weren't new then and aren't new now. They are likely becoming more common with the increasing amount of elderly and those on hospice (I worked primarily in hospice). The pay wasn't the best, but it was a few dollars over minimum wage. I know aides now who range $12.00 to $16.00 an hour depending on what they do. Some work strictly as HHA, which is heavy on personal care (baths, feeding, dressing, limited medical care) and others do HCA/Companion work (cooking, cleaning, shopping, errands, longer shiftwork, personal care) and those who do a mix of both. Depending on the agency that staffs them and the laws of the state, the role of an HHA can vary widely.
My clients varied a great deal. I had very, very wealthy clients and I had very, very poor clients. Good life lessons all around. The poor were able to get HHA service through charity (my organization was Catholic) and the rich can afford the 24 hour round the clock care.
I will say, it was the families of the rich who were least likely to take an active part in the care of their family members. It was a very sad reality. In every case, we had to log everything we did, the daily activities of the patient, and the visitors. The rich, many of whom had large families, did not see many visitors. One client was a wealthy matriarch of a prominent family. She had a dozen children and her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren were rarities for visits. Twelve kids, all those grandkids, and she received 24 hour care from the HHA and HCAs and very little family visits. And, yes, they lived in the area.
I stopped working as a HHA in 2001. Most of my clients were elderly and on hospice. The rich ones weren't so much like wealthy people I know today. Their homes were generally smaller and less flashy. They were more involved in charities. They weren't as competitive with the Joneses.....and no reality show socialite type personalities. I don't know if it was the times or the areas where I worked.
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