Section 240.210  Homemaker Service

Homemaker service is defined as general non-medical support by supervised homemakers who have received specialized training in the provision of homemaker services. The purpose of providing homemaker service is to maintain, strengthen and safeguard the functioning of individuals in their own homes in accordance with the authorized plan of care.

a)         Specific service components of homemaker service shall include the following:

1)         Teaching/performing of meal planning and preparation; routine housekeeping skills/tasks (e.g., making and changing beds, dusting, washing dishes, vacuuming, cleaning and waxing floors, keeping the kitchen and bathroom clean and laundering the client's linens and clothing); shopping skills/tasks; and home maintenance and repairs.

2)         Performing/assisting with essential shopping/errands may include handling the client's money (proper accounting to the client of money handled and provision of receipts are required).  These tasks shall be:

A)        performed as specifically required by the plan of care; and,

B)        monitored by the homemaker supervisor.

3)         Assisting with self-administered medication which shall be limited to:

A)        reminding the client to take his/her medications;

B)        reading instructions for utilization;

C)        uncapping medication containers; and,

D)        providing the proper liquid and utensil with which to take medications.

4)         Assisting with following a written special diet plan and reinforcement of diet maintenance (can only be provided under the direction of a physician and as required by the plan of care).

5)         Observing client's functioning and reporting to the supervisor.

6)         Performing/assisting with personal care tasks (e.g., shaving, hair shampooing and combing, bathing and sponge bath, shower bath or tub bath, dressing, brushing and cleaning teeth or dentures and preparation of appropriate supplies, transferring client, and assisting client with range of motion).

7)         Escort to medical facilities errands, shopping and individual business as specified in the plan of care.

b)         Homemaker service may include transportation to medical facilities or for essential errands/shopping or for essential client business with or on behalf of the client as specified in the plan of care.

c)         Unit of Service

1)         One unit of homemaker service is one hour of direct service provided to the client in the client's home, or while providing transportation/escort to medical facilities, or running errands and/or shopping in behalf of the client.

2)         For services which the provider was unable to provide due to either the client's absence without prior provider notification or refusal to admit the worker into the home to provide service (see Section 240.350), one unit of documented homemaker service per occurrence will be reimbursed to the provider at a maximum of 2 units per client per State fiscal year.

(Source:  Amended at 18 Ill. Reg. 609, effective February 1, 1994)