Not having a good feeling about HHA case

[Ms. Nurse Assistant, LPN]

I got hired as a HHA with a local agency. The patient is a guy who is in his early 40s. I spoke with him to see if we could arrange a schedule to meet his needs, and as we were talking he ended up telling me his whole life story. He tells me that he doesn't want his ex wife to know about "me" because she is violent and physically abused him, and will probably be upset to see another aide taking care of him. (she previously used to be his caregiver) And he seems to want a maid moreso than a HHA. I am very cautious about taking on this case because the whole thing seems skeevy.

what is everyone's opinion on this case?

[caliotter3]

Any time that you feel that a case is too off the wall or out of your parameters for feeling at ease, just voice your concerns to the agency and refuse the case. They can not force you to go where you feel ill at ease. It is better to avoid problems when you can. When a male patient tells you he doesn't want his wife to know about you, that is a big red sign telling you to stay away from this case. The agency can find you another case to work on. Don't let them bully you into this case. However, don't turn down everything they offer you either. Have a good reason to turn down work or ask to be removed from a case. You have to look out after you. No one else will.

[Ms. Nurse Assistant, LPN]

This case seems suspicious because no one else has taken it, and I am new to the agency. He's been with the agency for awhile.

I just think he's a bit skeevy and wants to see a young woman walking around doing things for him. I just don't get a good feeling at all. As bad as I need the money I will pass..

[caliotter3]

Any case that has been with an agency for a long time and has no current caregivers working there is a sure sign that all previously assigned caregivers left the case for some good reason. If a case is a good case, you usually can't find an open shift there. Your description sounds as if you hit the nail on the head. Good that you are staying away. There is other work out there for you.

[asun21ta]

I totally agree with Caliotter3. Any time you feel a situation is shady, you MUST address it. You have the right to refuse any case with HH Agencies. If you feel your life is in danger by caring for this person, it may be in your best interest to decline. As a matter of fact, I highly recommend it....if you feel unsafe.

Not to long ago, and HH Aide cared for a middle aged female client. The client had a violently abusive ex-husband that sometimes popped up unannounced. When he saw the male caregiver, he instantly thought the caregiver was a new boyfriend. He physically assaulted the caregiver. The caregiver had to be hospitalized.

I am not trying to scare you. I just urge you to think ahead. I heard this story a week after I was hired to do HHA. It made me think twice about some of the cases I was asked to do. I tell everyone, with Home Health, you are in their home. You are not in a controlled environment with multiple staff and possible security. If you feel the situation at hand is unsafe, don't take the job. No amount of money is worth your health or your life.

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

Yeah, I think "the client warned me about his violent ex-wife" is a perfectly legitimate reason not to take the case, even if the real reason is that he seems like a sexist creep.