Helpful precautions to prevent incidents or accidents involving employees and/or clients in the home are listed below.
Keep all emergency numbers by the client’s phone.
Keep all medicines and medical supplies out of the reach of children, and keep the supplies in a secure area if possible.
Call a pharmacist, nurse, or equipment supplier if any safety questions about medical equipment or procedures arise.
Wheels on beds, wheelchairs, commode chairs, or other assistive devices should be locked when stationary.
Electric beds should be kept in a low position except during direct client care.
Hand controls for electric beds should be kept within reach of a client who is allowed to adjust their own position.
If a client is bed bound, a bell, buzzer, or appropriate noisemaker should be kept in easy reach of the client at all times. The bed bound client should call for assistance when getting out of bed.
If side rails are appropriate to the individual client needs, keep these in the up position at all times.
For clients who are ambulatory- a bell, buzzer, or appropriate noisemaker should be placed in the bathroom for emergency use.
Tubs/showers used for client care should have textured surfaces or non-skid mats.
Always check the temperature of bath water with the back of the wrist before bathing.
Resources for emergency call systems (e.g., Lifeline) are available from the office. Clients who already have an emergency activating system should keep it functional and accessible at all times. Batteries and other functional necessities of such systems should be tested for proper operation weekly.
Uneven floors, throw rugs, cluttered or poorly placed furniture, poor lighting, and other risks that could lead to falls should be corrected.
Any suspicion of client abuse or neglect by caregivers should be brought to the immediate attention of the management staff.
Family members should never leave a client alone in a locked house unless a nearby neighbor or friend has access and is available if intervention is needed.
Family/client should have a plan in place for emergencies/disasters, and must cooperate with the emergency plan completed by the Company upon the initial assessment.
At least two emergency escape routes should be identified, and smoke detectors should be in good working order.
Overloaded electrical circuits, frayed cords, open fireplaces, wood-burning heaters, furniture bedding in close contact with heat sources, and oxygen usage in presence of open flame or cigarette smoking are fire risks and must be corrected or discontinued. Smoking by employees is not allowed in a client’s home under any circumstances. Clients should be strongly urged not to smoke while in bed.
A well lit environment must be maintained at all times.
Medications should be kept in a cool, dry place and out of the reach of children.