Should Home Health Aide be present for initial interview?

Question:

When we complete preliminary paperwork with members (Intake, AS, ADL, etc…), this is to be only done with the member and the SC, correct? I have a member that would prefer to have her Home Health Aide present during this time (signed consent form on file). According to her Home Health Aide, she has severe cognitive issues and may not be able to answer various questions accurately. I was under the impression that home health aides cannot be present, but when I looked through my previously weekly meetings notes I couldn’t find this information.

Answer:

They can be present with member consent. I would obtain this consent when the home health aide is not present so that the member doesn’t feel pressure from the aide to consent. Go with your gut on their relationship. If the member truly has cognitive challenges, I would recommend exploring someone other than the aide to be present. Th aide is paid and provides vital services to the member, so there is some power in the relationship.

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