Should I have to do this?

Jolie, BSN · Feb 26, 2012

Does your stated job description include providing transportation, escorting the gentleman and maintaining his safety during activities outside the home? If so, then yes, it is your job. I am not an expert on home health, but based upon experiences with my own family members, it is my understanding that patients who are considered "homebound" are able to leave their homes for health care appointments and religious activities without losing their eligibility for services.

What is it that you object to doing? Transporting him in your vehicle? Being away from his home? Exposing yourself to a religious service that may not be of your choosing?

The man does not have to give up participating in his religion due to illness. If you are made unbearably uncomfortable by being present in his house of worship, then perhaps it would be best if you respectfully requested another assignment.

AddisonLawrence03 · Feb 26, 2012

Usually, another family member takes him to church but this person is in rehabiliatation, so now I take him on my shift. I've had a few homehealth jobs assignments here and there, and I've never had to take a patient to church and sit through service with them. So this is new to me. I don't enjoy this at all. I thought my duties as a homehealth aide were to help around the house, and maybe run a few errands like pick up some groceries. I didn't know I had to do all of this. The agency didn't even make me aware of this

Ev1987 · Feb 26, 2012

One of the duties that I have been doing for my patient is taking him to church. And if I refuse to take him, he gets really combative.

Kinda strange that he gets violent if he doesn't attend church, huh?

AddisonLawrence03 · Feb 26, 2012

Kinda strange that he gets violent if he doesn't attend church, huh?

Argumentative would be a better word lol

canigraduate · Feb 26, 2012

Can you take him, drop him off, and pick him up after? Maybe sit in your car during the service? Or do you have to physically be in the same room as him? If so, perhaps you can take something to read, a puzzle book, or something so you don't have to listen to the service.

kids · Feb 26, 2012

There is a difference between "home health" and home care" though most agencies provide both services and most people don't realize there is a difference. Home care aides provide a lot of homemaker/companion type services (housekeeping and errands) that really don't require a CAN unless the contract for services includes some personal care.

Home care doesn't have the homebound qualifier.

If the the level of service the client has contracted for includes a companion to accompany them to activities outside the home then yes, you 'should' have to do it if you want the assignment. If you don't want to accompany the client to church tell the agency so you can be reassigned, in the mean time stop arguing with the client.

nguyency77, CNA · Feb 26, 2012

I'm sorry, but I don't really see the problem. I would love to get paid to sit and do nothing for 2 hours.

JDZ344 · Feb 26, 2012

I'm sorry, but I don't really see the problem. I would love to get paid to sit and do nothing for 2 hours.

I would be very uncomfortable sitting in a place of worship that I did not choose to go to. And you really are sitting there doing nothing- you can't really read, or listen to your iPod in Church.

I wonder if it's possible that the Church community could pick him up and take him? Our Church here provides lifts for people who are frail and elderly to get them to mass.

AddisonLawrence03 · Feb 26, 2012

It's a twelve hour shift and he requires a lot of work just getting him in and out of the car. He has cerebral palsy

Merlyn · Feb 26, 2012

Right now I am doing part time homehealth aide work. One of the duties that I have been doing for my patient is taking him to church, and I sit through the 2 hour service with him until its done. Just curious, do you think that I should talk to the company about this? I really don't think I should have to do this at all. And if I refuse to take him, he gets really combative.

If your this is part of your duty then yes you have to take him, If it says no then you don't have to take him. But taking him builds up brownie points and a better reference from the family. If it gets to much for you talk to the company.

Nursein2011 · Feb 27, 2012

I do feel that if you are so uncomfortable with doing this then you should request a different assignment as others have mentioned. The way I look at it is people have to give up a lot when they become ill. This is something that the client actually has to look forward to doing still. I am sure there are other workers at your agency that would be more than happy to help him hold on to and enjoy this activity. I understand that you may not share his religious views, but you are there getting paid to help him. It is about him. Again, if you feel you can't do so then speak up. I would feel honored to assist a client in being able to attend church or whatever activity. I know I would want someone to do the same for me.