Client’s Rights

Aroostook Home Health Services Client Information

As a client of Aroostook Home Health Services you have the right:

1. To have relationships with home care providers that are based on honest and ethical standards of conduct providing for mutual dignity and respect.
2. To not to be expected to give gifts to caregivers
3. To receive care provided in a safe manner and in a safe environment with the use of appropriate safety equipment.
4. To have your personal property treated with respect.
5. To participate in the planning of your care or services and to make informed decisions regarding your care or services.
6. To be advised of the cost of care or services, the amount of this cost that will be billed to your payment source and the amount that will be billed to you.
7. To have a State appointed representative to act on your behalf if necessary.
8. To voice a complaint about the care that is or fails to be furnished and regarding lack of respect for property or any ethical issues without fear of discrimination or reprisal for having done so and to be informed of the resolution of such complaint.
9. To be advised of the State’s Home Health Hot Line number for reporting dissatisfaction with the home health care received. The number is 1-800-621-8222. You may call between the hours of 9:00 AM.-3:00 P.M.
10. To file a complaint with the Division of Licensing and Certification, The Bureau of Elder and Adult Services or the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program concerning abuse, neglect, and misappropriation of your property or other violations of your rights. The purpose of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is to advocate for consumer rights and to receive complaints or questions about home health care services. The toll-free number for the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is 1-800-499-0229.
11. To the confidentiality, privacy, and security of your records and any information obtained through your care or services.
12. To formulate advanced directives, to be involved in decisions to withhold resuscitation, and/or to forgo/withdraw life sustaining care.
13. To choose whether or not to participate in research, investigation, or experimental studies/clinical trials.

As a client of Aroostook Home Health Services it is your responsibility:

1. To treat the home care providers with dignity and respect, promoting relationships that are based on honest and ethical standards of conduct.
2. To report to the supervisor if employees are requesting gifts or money.
3. To report to the supervisor if the plan of care is not being followed by the health care provider.
4. To report any verbal or physical abuse from staff, should it occur.
5. To use safety equipment when plan of care indicates.
6. To not give or lend to caregivers.
7. To submit a co-payment if so indicated by your funding source.
8. To maintain your household appliances and equipment in proper working order. (AHHS will not be responsible for loss due to normal wear.)

As a client of Aroostook Home Health services these are the conditions of your care:

1. Any verbal/physical abuse to any staff member from you or your family will result in IMMEDIATE TERMINATION of your services.

1. A contingency Plan is required that is dependable; the implementing of such is not Aroostook Home Health Services’ responsibility (occasionally there may not be coverage due to unusual circumstances, i.e. winter weather conditions. At these times the person named in your     contingency plan will be responsible for your care/services. Please understand that we are not an emergency service, and do not replace family, significant others, nursing home, or hospital)

3. A plan of care will be initiated and complete compliance is required.

At times during the course of your care we will need to send different people at different times to provide your care or services. For your knowledge and safety please note the following:

1. You may ask the employees that come to your home to identify themselves with a nametag (which will have the name of our company, the staff member’s first name, their title, and their picture).
2. The AHHS employee is instructed to be neat and clean, have a simple hairstyle and not be wearing any perfume.
3. The AHHS employee may not receive any tips or gifts from you unless you have cleared it with their supervisor first.
4. The AHHS employee may not request or accept loans or advances of money from you.
5. The AHHS employee may not discuss your financial matters or their personal matters with you. If you need assistance with the payment of your care, the Long Term Care Coordinator (registered nurse) may discuss this with you at the time of her/his visit.
6. The AHHS employee is to bring his/her own food for a meal. If you want them to eat with you, you can call the supervisor and inform him/her.
7. The AHHS employee is not permitted to solicit any money or donations from you for any reason, including the purchase of tickets, i.e. raffle.
8. Registered Nurses (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) are the only AHHS employees that are allowed to administer medications. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA’s), Personal Support Specialists (PSS’s), and Independent Support Services Workers (ISS Worker’s) cannot give you any medications.
9. The AHHS employee is not permitted to transport you in their automobile.
10. The AHHS employee is not permitted to smoke in your home.
11. The AHHS employee cannot be responsible for money/valuables that you have, if you have a memory or dementia problem. Please leave these with your family members.
12. The AHHS employee will have a time sheet for you to sign at the end of their visit. It is your responsibility to note if the time in, time out, and tasks performed are correct prior to signing this. If the staff person is not following your plan of care please notify the office.

Depending on the type care or services you receive from AHHS, you may expect the following:

Registered Nurse (RN): assessment of; general health, vital signs, lung sounds, edema, medications and side effects. RNs may also fill your medication boxes and cut your finger and toenails.

Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA): Bathing, dressing, feeding, filing of finger and toenails, range of motion exercises, assisting with ambulation (walking) and transfers, light housekeeping, laundry, prepare and serve meals, and remind you to take your medications. These employees work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse (RN).

Personal Support Specialist (PSS): Bathing, dressing, ambulation (walking) and transfers, light housekeeping, laundry, prepare and serve meals, and provide respite (relief) for family members. These employees work under your supervision.

Independent Support Services Worker (ISS Worker): May do general housekeeping, clean stove, and refrigerator, wash inside windows, do laundry, and meal preparation. These employees work under your supervision.