doing duties I dont think I should be

[jess_v]

So im working for a family member as thier HHA. At first it was ok until their spouse got involved saying I basically get paid for doing nothing! I mean there spouse is there 24/7 so I don't even understand why they qualify for one ! I do what im suppose to do everyday ! So my question is since im only there for that person does that mean I have too cook and clean for the whole family , I know thats what they does for them but does that mean I have to ? Oh and I also do all their laundry ! I mean thats not in my job description since I only work for my patient ..

[mlbluvr]

Why do you care what your duties are? I did HHA years ago and would do 'anything' I could think of to help pass the boring time. Even clean a toilet, or mowing the lawn, I didn't care. I can't stand being idle. You have a job, by the way, because your state has decided that that family can save them money by paying you to go there, instead of a patient being admitted to a nursing home, etc. Be grateful, and think of ways you can make a difference when you go there, instead of complaining. Your alternative is the ever growing unemployment line.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Do you have to? No.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

So im working for a family member as thier HHA. At first it was ok until their spouse got involved saying I basically get paid for doing nothing! I mean there spouse is there 24/7 so I don't even understand why they qualify for one ! I do what im suppose to do everyday ! So my question is since im only there for that person does that mean I have too cook and clean for the whole family I know thats what they does for them but does that mean I have to ? Oh and I also do all their laundry ! I mean thats not in my job description since I only work for my patient ..[/quote']

I would clarify WHAT you are allowed to do. Some agencies are VERY strict in not doing everyone's laundry; however, doing light work, like cleaning up the patients area, may fall into the category of what's acceptable.

I would also suggest you talk to your agency and give a heads up on the spouse, if this continues to be an issue.

The fine line in home health is that while you are there for a client, the family will think it's a great way to put upon the caregiver EVERYTHING, which can be a HUGE risk if that is not within a job responsibility...sometimes down to asking them to hold money, baby sit/tutor kids, etc.

I remember I had a home health aide while reviving from surgery and had wound care as well. She helped with my ADLs..I stayed with my mother, who pretty much has OCD, so most of those tasks were out of the hands of the HHA. :)

I hope you get a confirmation and clarification of what you are there for. Reinforce your responsibilities to the spouse; he may be unhappy, but you are their for their spouse, and have certain responsibilities.

[jess_v]

First of all this patient is NOT OLD. My duties are to tend to her and not everyone one in her house. She is is surly capable of doing things herself. Im not no maid ! And why shouldn't I care ? I care because I don't get paid to take care of her family and babysit while shes outside smoking cigarettes and conversating outside with everybody and there mama

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

No these are not typical duties of HHA you are to take care of your clients needs not the families. Though many cross the line whether they are bored or feel the need to do anything asked. This doesn't mean that it is the best choice to do whatever asked. Mowing lawns, cooking for family, doing the entire family's laundry, etc are not skills necessary of a HHA and technically not reimbursable skills.

Are you hired via agency or directly billing? You should have RN oversight perhaps ask your RN supervisor for clarification of job expectations or your agency. Perhaps since you are family they are having excess expectations...

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Why do you care what your duties are? I did HHA years ago and would do 'anything' I could think of to help pass the boring time. Even clean a toilet or mowing the lawn, I didn't care. I can't stand being idle. You have a job, by the way, because your state has decided that that family can save them money by paying you to go there, instead of a patient being admitted to a nursing home, etc. Be grateful, and think of ways you can make a difference when you go there, instead of complaining. Your alternative is the ever growing unemployment line.[/quote']

Doing tasks outside the job responsibility scope usually leads to liability issues.

[anothergrumpyoldRN]

When you do things outside of the plan of care you have stepped over your professional boundaries.

Is your employer aware?

[jess_v]

I haven't yet , the agency was supposed to come but was a noshow. Im definitely contact them in the am.

[SDALPN]

This could also be considered fraud. Medicare/medicaid says that if you are doing things outside of the care plan that you aren't doing the job you are getting paid for and that is fraud. Talk to your agency and put your foot down. To the others that do things because they are bored, you are putting others who work after you in a position to have to continue those tasks. That isn't fair to them or the pt.

[systoly]

This could also be considered fraud. Medicare/medicaid says that if you are doing things outside of the care plan that you aren't doing the job you are getting paid for and that is fraud. Talk to your agency and put your foot down. To the others that do things because they are bored, you are putting others who work after you in a position to have to continue those tasks. That isn't fair to them or the pt.

yes indeed,

it's fraud, because you are offering services in exchange for getting or keeping the job (this is

how it will be construed )

so you're absolutely right, if it's not in the care plan, don't do it

is the spouse experiencing a change in status ?

[sharpeimom]

I'm sorry you're so angry.

When my husband was in rehab following ankle and foot surgery, I had a HHA and she stayed on for another 4 weeks after he came home, for a total of 8 weeks. While it was only me, she got my breakfast and lunch, did laundry prn, helped me shower, dress, comb

my hair, etc. She also fed the dog, walked him when our neighbor had a schedule conflict, brought in the mail, unloaded the dishwasher, did light housekeeping things like vacuuming and dusting, all of which were authorized by the agency.

Women from church bought in dinner, neighbors walked the dog, set out the garbage.

After my husband returned home, she did the heavy laundry like towels and the king sized sheets and the dog bed covers. My husband or church ladies did the remaining laundry. She vacuumed and dusted and unloaded the dishwasher and grocery shopped. She helped me with adls. All sanctioned.