Home visits risk assessment

[Froglet]

I need to write a risk assessment for a member of staff who will be doing home visits. I’ve got a pretty good idea of what to include but wondered what key things others might include?

[BenTapestrySupport]

I guess the some things to consider would be: 

• Personal Safety
  • Are the staff doing visits alone or in pairs?
  • Stick to a timetable of visits, checking in and out from each one with someone (text), location sharing on mobile device? 
  • What to do if staff members feels at risk - ask to go to toilet and message for support? 
• Travel 
  • Using own car? 
  • Planning routes between visits

I'm sure there are other things to consider too. 

 

[mundia]

I'll add on. 

• We used to have a code word in case of difficulty. Either by call or text depending, thankfully I never needed it.
• Find out about dogs/ pets. I'm allergic to dogs and cats  so I didn't visit homes with those pets. Also with so many deaths from dog attacks, its important to know.
• Consider if its customery to be offered food and drink and therefore consider food allergies.
• Asking if anyone has Covid or is ill. 
• Any mobility difficulties? Eg is the home upstairs.
• Personal alarm
• Find out who is likely to be at home when you visit.

Hope that helps.

[Froglet]

Thanks. Those are really helpful - you’ve given me some wording too. In this instance they are mostly well-being checks linked to attendance so necessarily going in but I’m anticipating the ‘getting to know you’ visits too!