Barriers to Effective Communication • Language or cultural differences. • Poor communication skills. • Sensory impairment – hearing loss, blindness. • Cognitive impairment – confusion, disorientation. Provision of Care Home Health Aide Care Plan • A Home Health Aide (HHA) Care Plan is completed by the RN. This identifies the patient’s/client’s care needs. The aide can only perform the tasks that are checked. • At times, the Care Plan may become outdated. For example, when a patient/client comes home from the hospital, they may only be able to tolerate a bed bath, but as they become stronger and healthier, they may need a shower or bath. The Care Plan will need to be updated. Notify the RN/Case Manager or the supervisor if you feel the care checked is no longer appropriate. • It is very important to check the Care Plan every visit as the RN may have updated and changed the plan. • Vital signs are performed as stated on the Care Plan. The aide should report any findings outside of the parameters. • Any special instructions or precautions should be documented on the Care Plan. If you need explanation or education regarding these instructions/precautions, call the supervisor before performing. • Assigned tasks to be performed will be checked either “every visit” or “patient/client choice.” • Notify the supervisor immediately if the Care Plan does not match the tasks that need to be provided for the patient/client. Remember, any duties which are not included on the Care Plan cannot be performed! Home Health Aide Visit Note • A Home Health Aide Visit Note is completed for each visit. • The documentation should be written in ink and be legible. • Both the aide and the patient/client and/or family validate care has been performed by signing the visit note. • If there are any changes in the patient’s/client’s condition notify the RN/case manager, and document the change and the notification. • Notify the RN if patient/client refuses care or the visit.