23 Feb Home Health Care: Playing it Safe and Preventing Violence on the Job

Home health care workers provide care to patients in the patients’ homes, without the protections of a hospital setting. Because of this, home health care workers can be vulnerable as they face an unprotected and unpredictable environment each time they enter a patient’s community or home.

Verbal abuse from the patient, family members or people in the community is a form of workplace violence. During home visits, use basic safety precautions:

1. Be alert
2. Evaluate each situation for possible violence
3. Watch for signals of impending violent assault

The following are tips for managing a potentially violent situation:

Vehicle Safety

• Keep your vehicle well-maintained and in good working order
• Keep your windows rolled up and doors locked
• Park the vehicle in a well-lit area, away from large trees or shrubs
• Keep health care equipment, supplies and personal belongings locked out of sight

On Location

• Consider working with an escort in high-crime areas and schedule visits during daylight hours
• Ensure you have accurate directions to the house or apartment
• Always let your employer know your location and when to expect you to report back
• Check the surrounding location and activity before you exit your car
• Stay in your car and contact your manager if you notice anything that might threaten your security

During the Home Visit

• Notify your employer if you observe an unsecured weapon
• Maintain behavior that helps to defuse anger by presenting a calm, caring attitude
• Avoid behaviors that may be interpreted as aggressive
• If possible, keep an open pathway for a quick exit
• Always trust your judgement
• Avoid situations that don’t feel right
• If you are being verbally abused, ask the abuser to stop. If the abuser does not stop, then leave.
• If you cannot gain control of the situation, shorten the visit and remove yourself from the situation
• If you need help, use your cellphone to call your employer or 911, depending on the severity of the situation
• If you observe a crime, contact the police