Safety Issues for Home Health Aides

Home health aides provide non-medical care for elderly and disabled people in their homes. There are many safety issues home health aides need to consider to protect themselves and their patients.

Patient health issues

Home health aides need to protect their patients from injury, especially falls and burns. They need to ensure each patient receives the correct medications on time and that all dressings and clothing are changed regularly.

Patient Privacy

Confidentiality is very important for home health aides and their patients. Medical, financial and other personal information must be carefully stored. Home health aides must not discuss their patients' well-being with anyone other than medical professionals and family members authorized to handle the patient's case.

Aide health

Home health aides must be trained in using proper body mechanics to safely lift and move patients without injuring themselves or the patient. They must have the proper clothing, such as the proper gloves, masks and shoes.

Home health aide safety

Home health aides often care for several patients and their hours may vary. They need to be cautious, especially when working in unfamiliar neighborhoods and when working late-night shifts. They need to protect themselves, their possessions and their patients from harm. The patient and/or his family members may have mental or other health issues that can be difficult to manage.

Training

Many community colleges and vocational schools offer home health aide training, which covers these and other safety issues. Although many techniques can be learned on the job, formal training helps to reinforce skills and ensure patient and aide well being.

References

• The Long-Term Care Nursing Assistant; Peggy A. Grubbs and Barbara A. Blasband; 2005