07/13/2026
What's the Difference Between a CNA, HHA, and DSP? 🤔
We get this question all the time, so we wanted to clear up the confusion.
At St. Levon Haven, we are licensed and contracted with both AHCA (Agency for Health Care Administration) and APD (Agency for Persons with Disabilities). We provide non-medical services and hire and train Home Health Aides (HHAs) and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). We do not hire CNAs, but many people ask what the difference is, so here's a quick breakdown.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are under AHCA and provide healthcare-related personal care services, primarily supporting seniors and individuals with medical needs. Their duties may include assisting with mobility, bathing, dressing, taking vital signs, providing personal care, and assisting individuals with conditions such as illnesses, injuries, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease.
Home Health Aides (HHAs) are also under AHCA and provide non-medical, hands-on personal care and support to individuals in their homes. They assist with activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, light housekeeping, companionship, medication reminders, and helping clients maintain a safe and comfortable home environment.
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are under APD and work with individuals who have developmental and intellectual disabilities. The goal of a DSP isn't just to provide care—it's to support, teach, and empower individuals to become as independent as possible.
A DSP helps individuals develop daily living skills such as cooking, cleaning, bathing, dressing, grooming, shopping, budgeting, community involvement, and building independence. Depending on required training and authorization, a DSP may also assist with medication-related support.
Individuals served by DSPs may have diagnoses such as:
• Cerebral palsy
• Prader-Willi syndrome
• Spina bifida
• Autism
• Intellectual disabilities
• And other developmental disabilities
The easiest way to remember the difference is this:
❤️ CNAs provide healthcare-related personal care.
🏡 HHAs provide non-medical personal care and in-home support.
🌟 DSPs provide support, coaching, and life-skills training to help individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities become as independent as possible.
All three professions make a meaningful difference—they simply serve different populations and have different goals.
If you're interested in becoming an HHA or DSP, or you'd like to learn more about the services we provide at St. Levon Haven, feel free to reach out!
www.stlevonhaven.com
