HOME VISITING SAFETYAdapted from the Idaho Department of

Health and Welfare Family and Community Services: Social Worker

Academy – Worker Safety

Presented By Cora Jackson, Nancy Curtis, Juanita Parker Jones

• What is a home visit?

• What Is the purpose?

• What should not be done at the home visit?

Group Activity

WHY HOME VISITOR SAFETY

• Your safety is as important as the work you do.

• This training is designed to provide you with knowledge to allow you to be safe and effective in your work life.

PREPARING FOR A HOME VISIT

• Schedule home visit with family at least two weeks in advance of visit.

• Always let someone know where you are going. Sign out.

• Plan to go in pairs.

• Visit should last 45 min to an hour.

• Stick to purpose of the visit.

• Limit sharing of personal information.

• Be culturally sensitive.

• Bring resources necessary to stay on task: Community Resource Book Lap Top or Blank Forms including IFPA, Risk Assessment, and cheat sheet.

• Don’t wear excessive jewelry and dress comfortable with low heels.

• Take your ID with you, but do not wear your ID cord around your neck.

• Mentally rehearse the visit and what you want to accomplish.

• Carry a cell phone with you.

APPROACHING THE HOUSE

• Be aware of your surroundings.

• Do not block anyone’s parking space.

• Park your vehicle in a way that you can make a

quick exit if necessary. Lock purse in trunk.

DURING A HOME VISIT• Be aware of exits from home. Keep your self between

client and the door.

• Sit near an exit or facing hallway so you can view other entries.

• Sit in a position that allows you to get up quickly.

• Use non-threatening body language and remain calm and polite.

• Respect the client’s home and their emotions.

Participants Demonstrate Positive and Negative Body Language

• Do not touch the family pet.

• Be cautious and use common sense.

• Leave if you feel threatened or if you notice unlawful or peculiar behavior. Report your concerns to supervisor or police when necessary.

After the Home Visit

•Wash and sanitize your hands to avoid health risks.

•Enter the data as soon as possible.

•Obtain all necessary signatures.

•Follow up with families and chart progress. (Document at least three contacts.)

Be careful out there. Safety First!

The End