Home Care Safety Services can help people deal with a variety of chronic health problems and special needs. People who receive home care services often find that they are able to live a more independent life. For many, the cost of ongoing home care is not covered by insurance. If you or a loved one are considering receiving inhome care, the following resources can be helpful.
A new report from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation explores the importance of safety in home care. The report identifies the most common adverse events experienced by Home Care Safety Services recipients. These events include falls, infections, adverse drug events and mental health issues.
In this study, a panel of experts from IHI and the Gordon and Betty Moore
Foundation reviewed the most important clinical and safety concepts. Their findings reveal that safety in home care is a complex issue, which requires thoughtful attention from everyone involved.
As part of the study, the team conducted a home safety assessment, which aims to reduce the risk of falls in patients' homes. They determined the need for assistive devices and adaptive equipment. This information can be used to make improvements in the home.
An important part of creating a safety culture is to encourage employees to participate in safety training. Some strategies to keep workers safe may be learned in a new employee orientation or through violence-prevention training. However, a well-rounded education is essential.
Homecare agencies and other providers have a role to play in building a safer workplace. This includes providing an active safety program, having a safety manager and conducting regular safety assessments. It's also important to engage employees in testing new models of team-based care.
The IHI and the Gordon and Betty Moore foundation recently completed a two-part research project to learn more about the home care industry. In the first part, they convened a panel of home care experts, including Home Care Wyndham nurses, to discuss the most important health and safety issues in this field. Afterward, they published a report.
The second report focused on the most important quality improvement strategies for improving the safety of home care. One example is a mobile app designed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Using the app, caregivers can learn tips on safely handling threatening behaviors.
The CDC Homecare Safety app is available for download on the Apple and Google Play stores. It's designed to teach users how to identify and avoid the most common hazards in the home and in patients' lives. Other helpful tips include how to avoid a fall from a chair, and what to do in the event of an emergency.
To be safe in home care, a wide range of best practices should be adopted. These include a formal safety training program, a safety committee and a comprehensive infection control and prevention plan. Also, a safety-oriented manager should be assigned, and escorts for staff in high crime areas should be provided.
