Assist a client to/from the bathroom; provide assistance with bed pans, urinals, and commodes; provide pericare; or change clothing and pads of any kind used for the care of incontinence.

1. A home services worker may empty or change external urine collection devices, such as catheter bags or suprapubic catheter
2. A home services worker may empty ostomy bags and provide assistance with other client­ directed ostomy care only when there is no need for skilled skin care or for observation or reporting to a nurse.

Assist with transfers only when the client has sufficient balance and strength to reliably stand and pivot and assist with the transfer to some extent. Adaptive and safety equipment may be used in transfers, provided that the client is fully trained in the use of the equipment and can direct the transfer step by step. Adaptive equipment may include, but is not

1. limited to,
2. wheelchairs, tub seats, and grab Gait belts may be used as a safety device for the home services worker as long as the worker has been properly trained in their use. A home services worker shall not assist with transfers when the client is unable to assist with the transfer. Home services workers may assist clients in the use of a mechanical or electrical transfer device only when the following conditions are met:
3. The home services worker must have been trained in the use of the mechanical or electrical transfer device by the licensed agency;
4. The client or client representative must be able to direct the transfer step by step; and
5. The agency must have conducted a competency evaluation of the worker using the type of device that is available in the home.

Assist a client with medication reminding only when medications have been pre-selected by the client, a family member, a nurse, or a pharmacist and are stored in containers other than the prescription bottles, such as medication minders. Medication minder containers shall be clearly marked as to day and time of dosage.

Medication reminding includes: inquiries as to whether medications were taken; verbal prompting to take medications; handing the appropriately marked medication minder container to the client; and opening the appropriately marked medication minder container for the client if the client is physically unable to open the container. These limitations apply to all prescription and all over-the-counter medications. The home services worker shall immediately report to the supervisor any irregularities noted in the pre-selected medications, such as medications taken too often or not often enough, or not at the correct time as identified in the written instructions.

Professional nursing services are provided in accordance with the plan of care and are case managed by licensed Registered Nurses who may also be the visiting nurse assigned. Additionally, case managers may assign LPN’s who service cases under the supervision of the RN and assist in the implementation of the plan of care.

Medical Social Services are provided in accordance with the plan of care and are services by qualified licensed social workers. MSW (and SWA under the MSW) manage the psychosocial needs of patients, assist with financial planning, collaborate with the attending MD to obtain orders, assist with community resources needed by patients, and provide counseling according to the plan of care. Our agency will not prohibit a patient from participating in activities and maintain a schedule that is consistent with the patient’s interest, religious and community activities, assessments and plan of care.

Physical therapy services are provided in accordance with the plan of care and are case managed by qualified, licensed physical therapists who may act as the primary case manager in the absence of the nursing discipline. Additionally, PT case managers may assign PTAs (Physical Therapy Assistants) who service cases under the supervision of the PT and assist in the implementation of the plan of care. PT may develop rehabilitative plans of care, collaborate with the attending MD to obtain orders, provide education to patients and families and set achievable goals to discharge.

Occupational therapy services are provided in accordance with the plan of care and are case managed by qualified licensed Occupational Therapists (OT). Additionally, OT may assign qualified OTAs (Occupational Therapy Assistants) who service cases under the supervision of the OT and assist the OT in the implementation of the plan of care. OT may develop rehabilitative plans of care, collaborate with the attending MD to obtain orders, provide education to patients and families and set achievable goals to discharge.

Speech Therapy services are provided in accordance with the Plan of care and are provided by a qualified licensed speech therapist. ST may develop rehabilitative plans of care, collaborate with the attending MD to obtain orders, provide education to patients and families and set achievable goals to discharge.

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) provides varying levels of care and support to physically and/or mentally disabled individuals who are unable to care for themselves. CNAs care for patients of all ages in hospitals, inpatient mental health. facilities, and clinics.

HHA services are ordered by the primary case manager (PCM) as appropriate to each case. The referral for HHA service is written and forwarded to the Scheduling department for assignment. HHAs assist with personal care and hygiene, assist with ambulation, transfers and exercise programs, provide basic nutritional support, provide light housekeeping tasks related to the patient.