Are attendant care providers allowed to perform routine lawn care?

Are attendant care providers allowed to perform routine lawn care?

• A. No, routine lawn care is prohibited
• B. Yes, with permission
• C. Only on weekends
• D. Only if trained

Answer: (A)

Routine lawn care is outside the duties a direct care worker is expected to perform. Direct care tasks focus on helping with daily living activities, personal care, and supports outlined in the person’s plan of care. Lawn maintenance—mowing, edging, using power tools, handling pesticides or fertilizers—carries safety risks for both the worker and the person served, and it requires specialized training and supervision. Because of these safety and scope concerns, routine lawn care is not permitted as part of the attendant care role. If lawn maintenance is needed for safety or accessibility, it should be arranged with a qualified maintenance staff member or contractor, or the plan of care should be updated with proper authorization and training under supervision.

Routine lawn care is outside the duties a direct care worker is expected to perform. Direct care tasks focus on helping with daily living activities, personal care, and supports outlined in the person’s plan of care. Lawn maintenance—mowing, edging, using power tools, handling pesticides or fertilizers—carries safety risks for both the worker and the person served, and it requires specialized training and supervision. Because of these safety and scope concerns, routine lawn care is not permitted as part of the attendant care role. If lawn maintenance is needed for safety or accessibility, it should be arranged with a qualified maintenance staff member or contractor, or the plan of care should be updated with proper authorization and training under supervision.