I took on a HHA Case where the pt is in his 50's with a condition called Fredrick's Ataxia (I think I spelled it wrong) and he has a bad case of muscle atrophy and he is rigid all over. He's a small guy but due to his condition it seems like I am moving a 350 lb guy! I dont know if due to Medicare regs they can only pay for one aide, but he has a Hoyer lift and he has a Mon-Fri aide that does this alone, and I was supposed to be his weekend aide. Well half way thru getting his pants on in bed, my body was ready to give out, and he cannot participate in helping to roll one way or the other when it comes to putting the sling on under him for the lift. I was sweating profusely, he and I were frustrated, and my back which is shot to hell from years of wear and tear and a old injury, was sore. I had to call the agency and they in return called the EMT's to help, which ticks me off because it takes away from their real emergencies. Anyways I flat out told the agency I am NOT COMFORTABLE with this case and I told them thru my training and experience a case like this is a two person case and the use of the hoyer should be a two person thing. They understood my concern. I feel bad about this guy cuz he really needs my help, but my body even today still hurts. I have no idea how the other aide could do this SAFELY on her part and the pt's part.
My questions are:
1) Even with Medicare being as dumb as they are, is it right to have 2 aides there just for transferring but not for other things? (bed bath, wash face, mouth care, light housekeeping and feeding)
2) Is there a law (I live in Mass.) about 2 people being present when using a hoyer lift? (this guy has the old school lift and some parts are either broken, or about to break)
Thank you for letting me vent and your feedback is greatly appreciated!
