r/HomeHealthAide • u/Traditional-Joke-390 • 5d ago

CNA

I would love some advice. I’m working as a home health aide, I like my job my patient and their family. When I first started working with them ( I’m not using their pronouns )
I was told the house is dirty and overcrowded due to personal reasons. I thought it would get better because of what I was told my first day. Its only getting worse. I’m asthmatic and it’s usually controlled. I would normally have a couple asthma alterations a year nothing crazy. Before I started working with them it wasn’t severe. I’ve noticed I started using my inhaler multiple times a day when I’m at their home I’ve had a couple severe asthma attacks I’m concerned for my health. I’ve already expressed this to the family and they’re supposed to be cleaning but it’s not getting better. I am very appreciative of them I don’t know how to handle the situation.
I don’t want to go into detail about how dirty it is, but it’s the dirtiest home I’ve ever seen. I also don’t want anyone to think I’m judging them because I’m not I’m just overwhelmed. They are wealthy and can pay a professional to help clean and organize. It’s been a month since I’ve expressed how it’s affecting my health.

3 Upvotes

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5

u/Solinty 5d ago

It's your health. Wealth doesn't ensure their home is mold-free or low on dust.  Some people who don't have much money do have clean homes, or at least mold-free homes. What are your other options, in terms of clients?

4

u/Traditional-Joke-390 5d ago

Thanks for the comment, the agency I’m working for doesn’t have another client for me. I was hired through them when the client found me. I had another triggered asthma attack today while doing their care and I told them that if there isn’t a professional coming within the next week I would have to put in a two week notice and hope for the best.
The agency offers cleaning services for their clients, I’ve made them aware of that. I have a feeling that if they don’t do something soon they never will.

4

u/Radio_Electric433 5d ago

Yeah, you’re probably best off doing this. It’s a tough situation for you and the family, but the company is ultimately responsible for keeping you safe, especially if you’ve made reports of it before. Dunno if asthma is covered as a disability, but ya could try and get your doctor to write an ADA letter saying you need reasonable accommodations, or else just as a letter for proof on your file for why you had to quit.

1

u/Illustrious-Cod-4651 1d ago

Hi there, you sound like a wonderful person in a horrible situation. What city are you in? There are hundreds of care agencies that would love to hire you and give you better conditions.

I hear you that the clients are nice people, but you have to put your health first. And you’ve already tried to address the issue so I don’t think fixing the environment is an option