Iphonenurse13

This question is specifically geared to those working in home health, especially home hospice care. When a CNA is ordered to assist with personal care and ADLs, should the primary caregiver (if able and present) be asked to assist with transfers or turning the patient in bed, particularly with total care patients? My answer is yes, as the CNA is there to assist with care. However, the are other nurses who feel that the CNA should be capable of turning/transferring patients independently in the homes, and should be providing a time of "respite", so to speak, for the caregiver(s). My argument is patient and employee safety is compromised in those situations where he/she may be expected do these activities alone. What are your thoughts????

Yes, caregiver is next of kin.

It is covered by the insurance.

Hello nurses, I'm just curious to know how those of you employed in the homecare setting handle safe patient transfers. We have a patient in our agency who is total care and non-weight bearing. She receives a visit from 2 CNA's daily (simultaneously). During this visit, they initially transfer from the bed to the bedside commode for toileting, then back to bed for the bath. After the bath, she is then lifted into the wheelchair to be fed. After feeding, she is then lifted back to bed. The caregiver is insistent on the transfers being done, and refuses to allow a Hoyer lift to be used for the patient. I should also add that this patient is not "lightweight". Burnout and injury among the CNA staff is a real concern. What are your thoughts on this situation, particularly in regards to staff rights regarding back safety, especially in light of the caregiver's refusal of a Hoyer lift?