Safety Considerations for Home Care Providers

Abstract

Home care is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States, projected to continue increasing as the population ages. However, there are unique safety concerns associated with home care compared to the more controlled hospital or clinic settings, such as driving distractions, potentially dangerous neighborhoods, and in-home risks categorized as environmental, biological, chemical, and emotional. Each home is essentially a new worksite with its own set of safety hazards, increasing the need for home care providers to be aware of safety risks in these ever-changing environments. Ensuring worker safety is essential to the recruitment and retention of home care workers. This article discusses safety risks unique to home care and offers solutions that increase the safety of home care providers. Education around workplace violence, implementation of evidence-based practices, and establishing and adhering to safety policies are paramount.