As you go through your training you will hear about risk assessment. At first it may be unclear exactly what this entails, so let's have a look at it.
Risk assessment is a term which is used to describe the method for identifying any hazards or risk factors which may cause harm, and then to work out the best ways to remove the hazard or control it to a point where the environment becomes safe.
There are normally five categories used to make an environment safe, namely:
In a live-in care situation, it is vitally important that you can control the risks to both yourself and your client.
Your job as carer is to think about what may cause harm to yourself and your client and then take reasonable measures to prevent harm from occurring.
Companies who employ less than five employees do not need to do this, but companies such as care agencies who employ many carers must by law carry this assessment out. This is the reason why your agency will have compiled a list of factors which may be harmful to your client.
Some things which may be considered high risks are carpets and rugs which are not firmly secured and could cause tripping. Excess wiring from table lamps may also be a risk, as could three-legged tables which are not sturdy for an older person with balance issues.
So, how would you assess the risks in your client's home?
1. Identify the risks. Consider the health and condition of your client and take a walk around the home. Make a note of areas that you think might pose a problem.
2. Decide who could be harmed. If the answer is either you or your client, then consider doing something about it.
3. Decide on the precautions to take. Should you remove the rug entirely or can it be better secured so that it does not cause tripping? Can you remove excess wires, or could they be tied together and placed out of the way?
4. Make a note. As with anything that you change at your client’s house. you should inform your agency of your findings, as well as your solutions. This also serves to cover you in case of an accident.
5. Review your changes. Watch and see whether the risk has been reduced or removed completely. If your client really wants her favourite rug there, it may be better to secure it rather than remove it and cause her to be upset.
Instead of thinking about the paperwork that risk assessment involves, you should rather think about the sensible measures you are taking in keeping your client - and yourself - safe.
To sum up
A hazard is anything that can cause harm to anyone, either mental or physical. Mental risks include such things as extra demands which may be avoided by rearranging the daily schedule so that the day is less busy.
Physical risks include accidents which can be avoided. Tripping over loose wires and rugs are among the most common incidents.
It is to your own advantage that at every placement you find yourself, you do your own assessment on safety. Where you find things to rectify, you should do so in a way which does not offend your client, but rather shows your concern for their well-being.
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