talking to "helper" about disability
![Half HR](http://hrforms.blr.com/plugins/DefaultAvatars/design/LBlueAvatar.jpg)
We have a disabled employee whose disability is progressing to the point where we're not sure whether it's safe for her to perform the essential functions of her job. We're having a doctor certify whether or not she can, and then we'll discuss it in depth with our attorney to decide what to do next.
In the meantime, the employee has asked a relative to help her navigate the situation. She wants us to answer any questions the relative asks us and is willing to fill out authorization and info release forms.
Would you discuss anything with this relative, either in writing or in documented conversation? I don't want to even discuss the basic facts of the situation, but the employee feels she isn't able to do it all herself.
What would you do?
Thanks,
Half HR
In the meantime, the employee has asked a relative to help her navigate the situation. She wants us to answer any questions the relative asks us and is willing to fill out authorization and info release forms.
Would you discuss anything with this relative, either in writing or in documented conversation? I don't want to even discuss the basic facts of the situation, but the employee feels she isn't able to do it all herself.
What would you do?
Thanks,
Half HR
Comments
Half HR
Good luck and be accomodating as far as you can, you also may want another company person involved as a witness like your assistant if you have one.
PORK
My God, PoRk. What an affront to everyone's sensibilities to videotape such a benign series of conversations. If you were ill and wanted your elderly sister to assist you, how would you both feel if someone rolled in a tripod and camera?
My husband and I have Power of Attorney with his disabled brother. He is employed, but sometimes has difficulty understanding changes. New leave request rules, for example. There is a copy of the POA on file with the employer and it's updated each year.
Whenever there are documents that need to be signed, HR gives them to Jack in a sealed envelope, he brings them home and we look over them. We help him make insurance coverage decisions, and all that basic stuff.
He understands that he needs help, but it's embarassing for him...and it would only make it harder if the employer didn't work with him and make this easy.