Anyone who grew up watching television shows such as Marcus Welby, M.D., probably has a very quaint concept of the practice of making house calls, both the truth is very different from what we saw portrayed in those shows.
Unlike Dr. Welby, today’s caregivers providing services in the homes do so in an environment where they have little control, and often contains a number of health and safety hazards. These hazards include violence from patients or family members, illegal drugs, aggressive animals, and more.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics recently predicted home health jobs will grow by 22% by 2032, adding hundreds of thousands of new jobs. This growth is attributed to older adults preferring to receive their treatment in the comfort of their own homes. In fact, it is predicted that next year, 25% of all healthcare will be provided in the home. So, this issue is of concern to caregivers and the organizations the work for.
When speaking to home healthcare workers, they often ask for advice on how they can better protect themselves. Here are some of the suggestions I have provided to them:
- Call the patient to confirm the visit and in addition to questions about their care, ask if they have pets in the home and will anyone else be there. Pay attention to the demeanor.
- Research the location you are going to provide care at. This can be as simple as a quick Google search to see if there are any documented events that might be of concern.
- Ensure your cellular phone is charged.
- Wear shoes with laces. Avoid excessive or expensive jewelry, or carrying a purse if possible.
- Use services such as Google Maps to ensure you have accurate directions to the location, and that you are familiar with the surrounding area.
- Always park in well-lit areas, away from obstructions such as bushes, dumpsters, or other objects that people could hide behind. If at a residence, park on the street to avoid being blocked in.
- Avoid leaving items visible in your car seats, floorboards or consoles. Try to secure these items in the trunk of your vehicle.
- Upon arrival, be sure your doors are locked and you look around for anything that appears out of the ordinary or causes you concern.
- Place your cellular phone in your pocket, not in a purse or bag.
- Upon entering the patients’ home, be alert for items such as guns, drug paraphernalia, large amounts of alcoholic beverage bottles or cans.
- Pay attention to where the exits are in case you have to leave quickly.
- Exude a calm, caring and confident demeanor.
- If possible, ensure someone knows when you visit a patient and when you leave.
I also encourage home healthcare providers to take full advantage of any workplace violence training their employers offer and stay informed about policies and procedures related to home visits.
Additionally, leveraging security technologies such as wearable duress alarms, can provide an extra layer of protection, allowing caregivers to discreetly call for help when needed while offering peace of mind.