Home/Community Hazard Assessment Tool ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Risk Factors Y/N Suggested Controls Risk-Specific Tips Has the closest and safest parking spot been located? Yes – Proceed to the home No – Call supervisor in case of emergency Make sure the vehicle windows are closed and all vehicle doors are locked Is entrance visible from the road? Yes – Proceed to the home No – Call supervisor in case of emergency Map the area prior to visit for potential perpetrator hiding spots (e.g. behind bushes or hedges)? Turn on high beams if necessary Is neighbourhood well lit? Yes – Proceed to the home No – Have phone ready to call 911 if necessary Travel in daylight hours whenever possible Turn on high beams if necessary Is the path from the parking spot to the front door well lit? Yes – Proceed to the home No – Have phone ready to call 911 if necessary Request client/family install adequate exterior lighting and/or repairs Ask that entry area light be on prior to visit Use a flashlight if needed
Have driveways, paths and stairs been cleared to allow a worker to exit quickly if needed? Yes – Proceed to the home No – Call supervisor Ask client/family clear driveways, paths and stairs Are there any uneven surfaces that might impede a quick exit by the worker? Yes – Slow down and call supervisor No – Proceed to the home Ask client repair uneven surfaces Is there a long approach to the road? Yes – Call supervisor in case of an emergency No – Proceed to the home Map the area before visiting the home Has the safest route for returning to the vehicle been determined? Yes - Proceed to the vehicle No – Call supervisor in case of an emergency Carry your keys in your hand Do not sling your purse or bag over your shoulder or around your neck Walk around vehicle, and check back seat before unlocking car Lock doors, keep windows up until underway COMMUNICATION ACCESS Risk Factor Y/N Suggested Controls Risk-specific Tips
Risk Factors Y/N Suggested Controls Risk-specific Tips Is the client able to direct their own care? Yes – Continue to provide client care No – Contact supervisor Involve family and make aware of community resources A1: Client Communication Tips Is the client refusing to accept care? Yes – Contact supervisor No – Continue to provide client care Consider inter-professional referral CHALLENGING BEHAVIOURS Risk Factor Y/N Suggested Controls Risk-specific Tips Has a behavioral assessment such as the VAT been conducted and documented to determine the client’s risk for violent, aggressive, or responsive behaviour? Yes No- Complete the VAT at the first point of contact Is the client and/or family member(s) exercising or threatening to exercise physical force? Yes – Leave the home and contact 911 immediately; contact supervisor No – Continue to provide client care Update VAT when safe to do so and communicate risk to all caregivers (See ) Alert supervisor of potential or an identified problem
Is of the client exhibiting responsive behaviors to communicate unmet needs such as anxiety, pain, invasion of personal space, change in routine and noise while delivering care? Yes – Maintain your personal space. Leave the home immediately and contact supervisor If there is imminent threat of danger, No – Continue to provide client care Update VAT when safe to do so Alert services of potential/identified problems Limit number of care providers going into the home – consistency of caregivers is important Is the client and/or family member(s) showing signs of illegal drug use or drinking alcohol upon arrival?? Yes – Do not enter home and/or leave the home immediately if illegal activities are occurring and contact supervisor No – Continue to provide care Advise client/family that services may be withdrawn if identified occur during provision of care