This is not possible - these activities may not be assigned to a mobile care worker.
The tasks of a mobile caregiver: What works - and what doesn't? Mobile care workers make an essential contribution to the care and support of people in need of care. Their aim is to maintain the independence and quality of life of their patients for as long as possible. However, there are clear limits as to which tasks they are allowed to perform - and which they are not.
The boundary between permitted and non-permitted activities is not always clearly defined. It can be particularly difficult for relatives to understand why a carer has to refuse certain tasks. However, this clarity is essential to protect both the caregiver and the person in need of care.
Permitted vs. non-permitted tasks: An overview
Rules in mobile care: Clear agreementsare essential
Why is a clear demarcation so important?
Caregivers often work closely with the People in need of care and their families together. This creates a relationship of trust - which is positive, but can also lead to problems.
Without clear agreements it can happen that a caregiver taking on tasks that are not part of their job. This can lead to overwork, dissatisfaction and legal problems. It is therefore important to set clear boundaries from the outset.
"Go be so kind, could you quickly..." - When caregivers have to say no
It's an everyday situation: a request sounds harmless and it only seems like a small task. But if care workers regularly take on tasks that do not fall within their field of activity, this can lead to unclear expectations and stress in the long term.
Example:
- Mrs. Huber asks her caregiver to provide her grandson with food after school.
- Mr. Meier asks if the caregiver could mow the lawn for a moment.
- A relative asks for small repair work in the apartment.
In all these cases, it is important to communicate the boundaries in a friendly but firm manner.
These activities do not fall within the remit of a mobile nurse
Housework outside of nursing activities
Caregivers are not cleaners. While it is normal to do light tidying up after preparing food or personal hygiene, the comprehensive cleaning of a household is not part of a caregiver's duties.
Examples of allowed household tasks:
✅ Washing dishes after a meal
✅ Washing the laundry of the person in need of care
✅ Clean surfaces if they have been soiled during care
Not allowed tasks:
❌ deep-clean or tidy up your home
❌ Doing laundry for the whole family
❌ Doing gardening or handyman jobs
Medical treatments without a doctor's order
Mobile nursing staff may only carry out medical procedures that have been prescribed by a doctor.
Not allowed are:
- Set syringes (except with special qualification)
- Wound care that goes beyond basic care
- Diagnose
- Changing medications without a doctor's order
Example:
Mr. Bauer needs a daily insulin injection. His mobile nurse may only administer the insulin if she has been specially trained to do so. If not, a qualified nurse or doctor must be called in.
How to set boundaries in mobile care?
Clear agreements from the start
It is essential that caregivers and families clearly define all tasks in advance. A written care contract helps to avoid misunderstandings.
Communication at eye level
Caregivers should feel comfortable communicating their boundaries without fear of conflict. Relatives need to be aware that a professional caregiver is not a substitute for a domestic helper or a handyman.
Support from reputable platforms like noracares
noracares provides a platform where caregivers can connect with families to ensure transparent and fair conditions for both sides.
Legal aspects (Austria and Germany):
Liability issues:
- Employees: As an employee, you are usually covered by your employer's liability insurance. However, it is important that you find out about the exact terms and conditions of your insurance policy.
- Self-employed: As a self-employed caregiver, you are responsible for having sufficient liability insurance. Make sure that your insurance also covers damage in the context of your care work.
Labor law provisions:
- Employees: Your employment contract regulates your tasks, working hours and remuneration. Make sure that all agreements are clear and set out in writing. Find out about your rights and obligations as an employee.
- Self-employed: As a self-employed person, you are responsible for complying with all relevant laws and regulations. These include trade law, social security law and tax law.
Complaints in mobile care: Where to find help
Sometimes problems occur in mobile care. Be it due to misunderstandings, dissatisfaction or even misconduct. In such cases, it is important to know who you can turn to.
Austria:
Nurse Advocacy/Patient Advocacy:
In Austria, there are patient and/or care advocacy offices in every federal state. These offices are contact points for people in need of care and their relatives in the event of problems in the care sector.
They offer advice, support and can help resolve conflicts.
The exact responsibilities and contact details vary depending on the federal state.
- A good overview is provided by the Interessengemeinschaft pflegender Angehöriger (IG-Pflege): Patient and caregiving advocacy groups - Interessengemeinschaft pflegender Angehöriger
Attorney General's Office:
The Austrian Ombudsman Board is an independent supervisory body to which anyone can turn if they have problems with the authorities.
The Ombudsman Board can also help with problems with public authorities in the care sector. Volksanwaltschaft.gv.at
Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection:
This ministry is the highest authority in the care sector and can be contacted for general questions or problems. Ministry of Social Affairs.at
Germany:
Care funds and home supervision:
If there are problems with the quality of care or compliance with standards, those in need of care and relatives can contact the responsible care insurance fund or the home supervisory authority.
- The Care Home Inspectorate (also known as the Housing Quality Authority) is responsible for inspecting care facilities.
- You can obtain information on this from the care insurance companies, or from your colleagues at Pflegegüte.
Consumer centers:
The consumer advice centers offer advice and support for problems in the care sector, especially for questions about contracts or billing. Verbraucherzentrale.de
Federal Government Commissioner for Patients:
The Patient Ombudsman advocates for the rights of patients and can be contacted for general problems in the health and care sector.
Independent Patient Counseling Germany (UPD):
The UPD offers free and independent advice on all questions relating to health and care. Patientenberatung.de
Nora's tips:
- Document all problems and incidents in writing.
- Keep all relevant documents (e.g. care contract, invoices) in a safe place. e.g. care contract, invoices) ready .
- Seek support from a trusted person or a lawyer if necessary.
Think about this for yourself as a caregiver, care worker or 24-hour worker:
Imagine you are a lighthouse.
Your task is clear: You are to emit light to guide ships safely through the night. Your cone of light has a specific range and a specific focus. That is YOUR expertise.
One day a ship comes and asks you: "Could you please also light up the rocks under the water? And the coast in the north? And maybe the small harbor in the south?"
What are you doing?
- Protect your borders: You say kindly but firmly: "My light shines in this area to guide the ships safely. There are other lighthouses for the rocks, the coast and the harbor. But I can give you the coordinates of the other lighthouses." (YOU are the expert on YOUR light!)
- Your employment contract is your compass: You point to your job description: "It says here exactly which area I illuminate. That's my job, and I do it with care." (Use YOUR guidelines!)
- Offer alternatives: I can offer to change my light signal at certain intervals to indicate the rocks. Or I can send a message to the other lighthouses to make them extra alert." (Show your willingness to help, but stay within the scope of YOUR tasks!)
- Written agreements: You write down the ship's request and your commitments. "So that there are no misunderstandings, I'll write this down briefly. That way we both have a reminder." (So YOU are covered in case of doubt!)
The moral of the story:
You are the lighthouse. Your light has a specific task. If you know your limits and communicate them, you can fulfill your task with joy and professionalism. And if you offer alternatives, you show your willingness to help without overburdening yourself. So YOU remain the reliable beacon in the night!
Your health in view:
- Your work is demanding. Don't forget to look after yourself. Allow yourself regular breaks to recharge your batteries.
- If the work becomes too much, talk openly with your employer or your clients. Together you're sure to find a solution.
- Exchanging ideas with colleagues or professional organizations can help you feel understood and supported.
- Use offers like supervision or stress-management, to strengthen your mental resilience.
Important for you as a relative:
you are the captain of a ship.
Your ship is your beloved relative. You know it best, its peculiarities, its strengths and weaknesses. But you are not alone on this journey.
You have an experienced helmsman/woman at your side - the caregiver/supervisor. She knows her way around the waters, the currents and the shallows.
How do you navigate safely together?
- Open and honest communication: You tell the coxswain openly where you want to go, what worries you, and what you need. The coxswain will tell you what is feasible, where dangers lurk and what the best routes are. You discuss how you can best work together. (That's the be-all and end-all!)
- Respect for expertise and limits: You trust the helmsman/woman and listen to their advice. You know that she/he is an expert in her/his field. You also accept that she/he can't do everything and that there are limits. (She/he is an important partner!)
- Clear expectations upfront: Before you set off, discuss exactly what everyone has to do, what the coxswain's tasks are and what your responsibilities are. This will help you avoid misunderstandings on the high seas. (So that there are no misunderstandings!)
- Regular feedback and open conversations: During the trip, you exchange information regularly. You give the coxswain feedback on what is going well and where there are problems. She/he does the same. This allows you to react quickly and make course corrections. (This way, discrepancies can be quickly resolved!)
- Comfortable working atmosphere: You make sure that there is a good atmosphere on board. You respect each other, help each other and celebrate successes together. This is the only way you can perform at your best as a team. (So that everyone feels good!)
The moral of the story:
- You are a team on this journey. Only if you work well together can you reach safe harbor. The caregiver is your valuable partner. Treat them with respect and appreciation and you will achieve great things together!
Nora's Additional Thoughts for You:
- Education is key: Keep your expertise up to date to provide your patients with the best possible care.
- Use the possibilities to exchange ideas with other professionals. Online platforms such as noracares offer you a good opportunity to do this.
- Your mental health is just as important as that of your patients. Take care of yourself and don't be afraid to seek professional help if necessary.
The work of a mobile care worker is valuable and should be respected accordingly. A clear demarcation between permitted and non-permitted tasks is essential for fair and professional cooperation.
At noracares, we attach great importance to transparency and fairness in care placement. With us, caregivers can network directly with families and draw up individual care contracts that create clarity for both sides.
Register now with noracares and find the right caregiver for you or your loved ones!
- Basic Care: Support with personal hygiene, nutrition and mobility.
- Treatment care: Medical measures ordered by a doctor.
- nursing: Financial support for people in need of care.
- Household Services: tasks such as cleaning or shopping, which are allowed on a limited basis.
- Wound Care:Proper treatment of injuries or pressure ulcers.
