Manual of Policies and Procedures for Wade Nursing Registry

Personal Safety of the Home Care Aide

In the client's home
DO
  • keep doors locked at all time
  • check with family carefully before letting a stranger, friend or another family member into the home, always ask for ID from anyone who comes to the door
  • Shout, "I'll get it", if you are alone ( so they think someone is there )
  • Hang up if you receive a threatening phone call
  • Notify Wade Nursing and the police about threatening calls, they will tell you what to do and how to chart the occurrence
  • Follow safety guidelines for the home

    DO NOT

  • let strangers in to use the phone, in an emergency offer to make the call for them
  • let strangers into a security entrance of an apartment building
  • give information over the telephone to unknown caller
  • let strangers know you are alone or that the client is sick or disable
  • stay if you feel unsafe in the clients home, get out in a hurry and call for help

    Driving
    DO

  • use your seat belt
  • keep the car in good working order
  • keep a spare tire in the truck with correct equipment to change if needed
  • keep tank full in case of lengthy traffic jam or a possible detour
  • plan your route
  • let a member of your family member know your travel plans that day
  • know where the police and or fire stations are in the area
  • keep doors and windows locked
  • have your keys ready to unlock the door, not at the bottom of your bag
  • look around the car and inside before getting in

    DO NOT

  • keep your purse or valuables on front passenger seat
  • pick up hitchhikers
  • stop to help another driver, go to a phone and call the police and allow them to help
  • get out of your car until you feel safe in the area
  • ask strangers for directions
  • even let a stranger inside your car

    Car Trouble
    DO

  • put on emergency flashers
  • stay in the car, keep doors locked and windows rolled up
  • place "Call Police" sign in the window
  • ask a person who stops to call the police
  • If a person shows up in a unmarked car, make them show you ID before you allow them to help

    DO NOT
  • leave the car and walk alone on the highway
  • get in a strangers car

    Public Transportation
    DO

  • use a busy, well lighted bus
  • wait where there are other people, groups are safer
  • sit near the driver

    DO NOT

  • wait alone at a bus stop
  • exit the bus if you feel unsafe at your stop, speak to the driver
  • talk to strangers, avoid eye contact

    Walking
    DO

  • know where to find a payphone
  • plan your route to use a well lighted or traveled road
  • plan the shortest and safest route
  • walk in the street at night, facing the traffic
  • carry some money ( change ) in your pocket
  • carry a whistle or personal alarm
  • keep a house or car keys in you hand, with one key between your fingers
  • walk with confidence, like you know what you are doing
  • be aware of what is going on around you at all times

    DO NOT

  • walk in alleys, deserted areas, near building or bushes
  • walk with strangers
  • walk alone at night, if possible
  • carry a purse
  • accept rides from a stranger