Working Alone

When working alone you may face a risk of violence, as the care you are providing may cause a client to feel nervous or agitated. Being exposed to violent or aggressive behavior is not part of your job.

Preventing hazards relating to working alone

Do the following before arriving at the client’s home:

• Scan the area, the neighbourhood and the entrance to the client’s home
• If no concerns are identified, approach the client’s home
• If concerns are identified, go to a safe location and report to your supervisor

Once inside the client’s home

• Observe the client and the behaviour of any other occupant
• Continue to assess both the client and the home environment as you do your work
• If no concerns are identified, continue to do your work
• If concerns are identified, consider the risk to yourself
• If you are unable to reduce the risk and feel threatened, leave and report to your supervisor

Are you prepared?

Before entering the client’s home

• My supervisor has provided me the check-in procedure for working alone
• I have checked the area for hazards
• I have completed the check-in procedure
• I am alert and aware of my surrounding
• I am wearing practical footwear that will allow me to leave quickly if necessary
• I have read the client’s care plan
• I have a mobile phone on, or near me, while I am working so that I can call for help if needed
• I have a clear route that I can take if I need to leave quickly
• I know what to do if I feel threated or unsafe
• I know to contact my supervisor immediately if it is unsafe for me to proceed