CHCAC1C Provide support to the older person Chapter 4: Responding to risk

A safe and healthy environment Clients have the right to live in a safe and secure environment, and to be able to move safely inside and outside the home without restriction. Carers need to assess possible hazards for each client and see that risks are as low as possible.

A safe and healthy environment (cont.) As a carer you must follow organisational procedures and protocols to maintain safety in the workplace for yourself, clients and colleagues. Common personal safety needs of clients: –safe environment to prevent falls and trips and wandering off when dazed or confused –good hygiene, medication control and fire protection.

Health and safety in an aged care facility Aged care facilities include: independent living accommodation, community respite centres, hostels and nursing homes. Accredited facilities must comply with legislation – Occupational Health and Safety Act (1984). Training and reporting structures are provided to staff to support them in carrying out health and safety in the workplace.

Health and safety in the home and community Home of the client is also the carer’s workplace and safety audits are initially carried out. The audit identifies safety issues for the client and carer. The home environment must constantly be reviewed for possible dangers. In assisting clients to maintain a safe and healthy environment, it is important that all care workers find the right balance between protection, independence and risk taking.

Identifying risk A hazard is anything – an action, event, lack, or circumstance – which introduces or increases the probability that some harm will occur. A risk is the outcome that is feared, e.g. a wet floor is a hazard because it increases the risk of slipping and falling. Risk can be managed – by reducing or removing the hazards to lessen the likelihood of something going wrong or reducing the extent of actual damage if it does go wrong.

Reporting risks Once identified, report a risk or potential risk to a supervisor and follow organisational procedures to record it. Common methods used for reporting and recording risks include: –verbally by telephone discussion or a face-to-face interview –written reporting in progress notes, case notes, hazard and incident reports, care plans, hazard logs and communication books.

Responding to risk Follow organisational procedures for suggested responses to risks. Carers should be aware of their organisations’ emergency services plan. Responses to risks are often documented in an ‘incident report form’.

Minimising risk An effective risk minimisation process involves: –assessing the risks to decide how serious they are: Likelihood and consequences –managing the risks –monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the risk control.

Sharing information about risk minimisation Risk minimisation is about communication. The identification and management of risk is best carried out through staff members talking to each other about what is observed and experienced in the workplace. Similarly solutions and strategies are also most effective as a result of workplace consultation. Risk management information needs to be recorded and documented formally (e.g. in policy and procedures manuals).

Reporting uncharacteristic or inappropriate behaviour Best assessed by the care worker who knows their client. Needs to be documented and reported to a supervisor. Behaviour changes to be aware of include: agitation, aggression, sleeplessness, depression, perseveration and impulsivity. Care workers in the HACC setting must be particularly careful of this behaviour in terms of their personal safety.

Reporting uncharacteristic or inappropriate behaviour (cont.) Some strategies to respond to this behaviour may include: –treating the person with dignity and respect by acknowledging their frustration or emotions –identifying situations that may have caused the change in behaviour –staying calm and professional –not engaging in argument –active listening and the use of silence when necessary –respecting their personal space.