SAFETY IN THE HOME ENVIRONMENT
Ensuring that your client has a clean, safe, and healthy environment is vital in providing excellent home care services. As the nurse in the home we are to help provide cares and education to clients and family to promote a safe environment.
Every 60 days and as needed a home safety assessment should be completed to ensure that any concerns are addressed in the home. Each client should have an Emergency Plan in place. This should be reviewed at a minimum of annually.
EMERGENCY PLAN
All client emergency plans should include information on their back up caregiver(s), multidisciplinary team, as well as what to do in the event of a fire or natural disaster occurring. As the home care nurse it is your responsibility to help your client develop a safe plan if they do not have one in place. Discuss the details with your client and their family and make changes to the plan as needed.
The following items should be considered when ensuring that your client is in a safe environment:
As the nurse in the home it is your responsibility to ensure your client is safe. If immediate danger presents itself, call 911 and aid in your client’s removal from the environment. If there are concerns about your client’s safety and their environment; the RN Case Manager or On Call RN will assist you in guidance for the next steps.
Some steps that you may be required to take for ensuring client safety:
Provide education on any of the areas of concern to your client and their family. Provide them with resources to ensure that they are able to facilitate a safe environment.
BASIC HOME SAFETY
LIFE SUPPORTING MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (IF APPLICABLE)
Notify the local power company of equipment used.
Check backup batteries and charge regularly.
Use equipment and assistive devices as prescribed.
Have gas engine generator available for backup power (client owned).
BATHROOM SAFETY
Place rubber mats or grids in showers and bath tubs.
Install handrails on all showers, bath tubs and toilet areas.
Use a bath bench or shower chair if you are weak or short of breath.
Use a high-rise seat on the toilet if you have difficulty getting on or off the toilet.
Bathroom is clean and fixtures are in safe working condition
KITCHEN SAFETY
Kitchen and appliances are clean and functioning properly
Refrigerator is at proper temperature
Food is fresh
Garbage is under control
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Cover unused outlets.
Disconnect appliances when not in use.
Check cords for damage before use.
Fit electric plugs snugly into their sockets.
Run electric cords along walls to prevent tripping.
Protect electric devices from moisture.
Do not overload outlets with too many plugs.
FALL SAFETY PREVENTION / FLOOR SAFETY
Wipe up spills immediately.
Secure scatter rugs to the floor with nonskid backing.
Anchor large rugs at the edges.
Pathways and hallways are cleared of toys, excess furniture, etc.
Arrange furniture to avoid an obstacle course.
Wheeled furniture has locking wheels.
Area free from clutter
Area free from rugs / cords on floor
Carpet / Flooring is secure without rips / tears
Rooms and furniture are arranged to allow for safe ambulation / transfers
Ice / Snow is removed promptly from entrances
Adequate lighting in hallways and stairways and night lights in bathrooms and kitchen
Assistive devices are appropriate and in proper functioning order
Stairwells
Use nonskid treads on steps.
Identify changes in levels with different colors.
Check that handrails are present and securely fastened.
Keep stairs clear and lighted.
Lighting Safety
Lighting is adequate throughout the house.
Replace burned-out light bulbs.
Use night lights along areas traveled after dark.
FIRE SAFETY
There are smoke alarms installed on each floor
There is a fire extinguisher
There is a home safety evacuation plan.
Exits are available from all locations in the house.
A smoke detector is located in each of the following locations: attic, kitchen, bedrooms, hallways & basement.
The fireplace has a smoke screen.
Fire extinguisher location is known and is in working order
No smoking signs are posted when oxygen is in use
Oxygen safety education is provided as needed
Maintenance for the fireplace or woodstove is completed on a regular basis.
Keep curtains and other flammable items away from the stove and other open flame areas.
Adequate glass or ceramic ashtrays are available.
GAS SAFETY – IF YOU SMELL GAS
Open windows and doors.
Shut off the appliances involved.
Shut off the gas to your home.
Do not use matches or turn on electrical switches.
Do not use the telephone – dialing may create electrical sparks.
Do not light candles.
Leave your home immediately and call the gas company from a neighbor’s house or cell phone outside of the house.
CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY
Install CO alarms on each floor.
Change batteries regularly.
Symptoms of CO poisoning include shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, headache, sleepiness, mental confusion, unconsciousness.
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get the victim and others out of the house, call 911 and open windows and doors
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SAFETY
Adequate heating is available during cold weather.
There is an air conditioner or other means of air circulation available during hot weather.
Inspections and cleaning are done on a regular basis by a utility expert.
MISCELLANEOUS
Keep the following items in a secured area, out of reach of children or confused individuals: medications, sharp objects such as knives, axes, dangerous tools, cleaning substances, poisons such as bug and weed killers, etc.
Arrange for snow and ice removal.
Hot water is available
Maintain water heater temperatures below 120° F.
Education is provided on hot water burns and prevention
Home temperature is appropriate and comfortable for client
Doors are accessible and in good repair
Bed is clean and in good condition
Bed is functioning appropriately if electric / adjustable
Furniture and Equipment is appropriate to client needs.
Complete the quiz below with 80% or greater for credit.
[QTL-Quiz id=19]