Should I help my client out on this or should I reach out to my agency?

What does she need an aide for ifvshe can do craft shows. I think your duties are what arein your job discription. Yep, a question for your boss.

Nope. Back in 2009 my MIL was working as a companion aid for an agency. She wasn�t supposed to be be doing any housework but the client had her up on a step ladder doing just that. My MIL lost her balance and fell backwards hitting her spine on the corner wall and breaking her back. We didn�t know that she had osteoporosis pretty bad. She had to hire an attorney to handle her Workers Comp claim. She developed an addiction to the opioids. She didn�t rehab well so now is in LTC with chronic back pain. Only do what you are being paid to do. If you don�t know how to handle it if your client pressures you then talk to your supervisor for guidance.

I would say if there is ANY chance that you would hurt yourself then the answer is no.
What are the duties outlined in the contract from the agency? You do those tasks and only those tasks. If you are hurt doing anything else there is a good possibility that the insurance would not cover you.

Your client has hired you through an agency.
What was the agreement as to what you were hired to DO?
In my brother's case, he needed someone to take him grocery shopping in their car. The agency needed to know that so they could check the driver, license, accidents record and etc.
To me, you are hired for so many hours work. If something is too heavy to load then certainly tell the client it is too heavy for you to lift.
I don't see much else needs to be discussed. Do whatever the client likes with your time there. To me, loading the car easier than making food, but that's just me; I no longer like cooking all that much.
If you are in doubt, don't ask a bunch of folks giving opinions on a Forum. Go to your agency. That's what they are there for. Just tell them "Client would like me to ___________blah blah; is that OK?"

A client paid me $40 for a ride across town. I checked him in to a hotel a lugged all of his belongings upstairs. He asked me if I wanted him on the bed. I said "for what?" For a massage and happy ending.

I thanked him but said $40 was for fare not an entrance fee to all you can eat. Then he said "great idea! Drive me to a restaurant!"

I told him ok, ran down the stairs and drove away.

Lesson: they'll eat you alive if you let 'em.

Check your care plan. You should already know what's on this care plan. Your client knows what she signed up for and having an aide risk her safety by lifting heavy objects and craft tables is not one of them. Don't let these clients take advantage of you.

This doesn't sound like this is something you should do. Too many liabilities are at risk here. Your health for one.

Contact your agency and let this agency know what is going on.

If you work for a caregiver agency, you need to contact them as you are hired based on the contract between you and the agency.

When you sign up to work through an agency, it is your responsibility to know what you are signing up 'to do' as a third party employee. Does the contract you signed indicate that you can do 'heavy lifting' as you describe above?

What have you actually signed up to do (it is all in the contract).

I am alarmed that you ask us vs calling the agency that is employing you - Why?
Bluntly, it is your responsibility to know what you are signing up to do. If you do not, you shouldn't be working with any / an agency.

You must READ contract.

If you want to do whatever a person asks - or whatever you want - become an independent contractor. Then, whatever you do is fully your responsibility. You will not have an worker's comp coverage - although if you are lifting furniture, etc., as you indicate, you may not be covered anyway so an injury means you pay for medical with no income due to whatever injury you may incur.

Perhaps I am missing something.

I believe the FIRST thing an agency representative will tell you is:

"call us if any problem or concern."

It seems like you did not / are not doing this - why (not)? You are asking us instead - why?

Gena / Touch Matters

NO. Furniture or any other heavy moving and lifting is for the movers, not the paid caregiver to do. If the caregiver gets injured, worker’s comp will not cover for that work.

I would speak with your agency regarding if this type of work is considered part of your job description. If they say yes, be sure to use proper body mechanics and always call your employer and request extra help for assistance if you feel what she is asking you to lift is too heavy.

Your company has let you down in training if you are not clear about your boundaries with a client.