Essential Safety Tips for Caregivers in Senior Facilities & Homes

Workplace safety for caregivers in different care settings

Did you know that Helpers and in-home caregivers can get hired to care for clients who live in all different types of residences? As an in-home Helper, you may be called to work with your clients living independently in their own house or condo, with a family member in their home, in an assisted living or retirement community, or in a skilled nursing facility.

You can prepare for work in these different settings by following these tips on safety, communication, and other key topics.

Introduction to senior living communities

Many older adults choose to move to communities with dedicated resources to help them as they need more services, while others have moved there temporarily or permanently due to complex care needs that are best supported in a professional setting.

Here are the most common types of senior living communities that caregivers may be called to work in:

• Independent living - These communities cater to older adults who don’t need very much assistance or medical support in their day-to-day lives. Communities may provide some services, such as a dining room, landscaping, maintenance, housekeeping, and social activities, but typically seniors who need more care will hire caregivers.
• Assisted living - Seniors in assisted living are provided with some support with activities of daily living, or ADLS. Medical and care services allow older adults to maintain a level of independence and live on their own, while still receiving support to ensure safety.
• Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)/Nursing Home - These facilities are designed for residents needing full-time care and those with chronic conditions or complex care needs that benefit from 24/hour support from medical staff. Often they will specialize in memory care for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related conditions.
• Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) - These communities blend all three of the above into one location, where residents can get different kinds of care, depending on their needs.

No matter what type of living arrangement your client has chosen, they may decide that they need more assistance than is provided. From companionship to personal assistance with tasks, errands, and caregiving, there are many opportunities for in-home caregivers to make a difference.

Caregiver safety: Best practices for working in senior living communities

Seniors who live in senior living communities have many services provided by their facility, but they still need help from time to time. Rides to appointments or the salon, companionship, help with technology, errands, and home help are often needed.

As a Helper, visiting and working with clients in facilities or communities can come with different requirements. For example, you may need to sign in at the front desk, where a name tag, and follow facility guidelines. But working with clients in facilities comes with great advantages too. It’s a great opportunity to gain loyal clients who will rebook you and recommend you to their friends.

We’ve put together a few key tips for working in the senior care facility environment, so you can help keep yourself and your client safe and comfortable.

7 Safety tips for caregivers working in senior care facilities

1. Check in at the front desk
   Some facilities require you to sign in or out. They’ll also let you know if there are any rules or guidelines that you need to follow with your client.
2. Be aware of your surroundings
   When you enter your client’s room or unit, check the surroundings for tripping hazards such as trailing wires, wet floors, medical equipment, or transfer and mobility aids. Protect yourself by keeping your shoes on at all times. 
3. Wear PPE when necessary
   Some facilities may require you to wear personal protective equipment or PPE, such as face masks or gloves, while on-site, or you may prefer to wear a mask for your own safety and reduced risk of illness, such as colds, flu, and Covid.
4. Dress comfortably and safely
   Working with seniors means you should wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow you to lift, move, and be on your feet. We recommend wearing clothes that feel professional and practical.
5. Keep up your recommended vaccinations
   Protect yourself, your family, and your clients with vaccinations as recommended by your doctor, such as annual flu shots and Covid boosters. Older adults are at increased risk for these serious infectious illnesses. 
6. Come prepared for your shift
   Bring any items that you may need throughout your shift, such as snacks and water, an extra sweater in case the resident’s room is cold, or any other items you may need throughout the day.
7. Your client is your priority
   Even though your client may be in a group setting or may be sharing a room, you should only provide help for your client. You should alert a staff member if you notice another resident needs assistance. 

Best practices for caregivers: How to communicate with facility staff and medical professionals

When you’re working in a senior care facility, you may need to speak and interact with facility staff and care professionals, such as CNAs, physical therapists, or nurses. Occasionally, even in a client’s home you may need to interact with other care professionals, including home health or hospice nurses. Here are our top tips for keeping these interactions smooth and helpful:

1. Do not become involved in any conversations about your client’s medical careAll decisions must be made by your client and their family or designated decision-makers
2. Communicate clearly when needed Often staff and care professionals need to stick to a strict schedule and may have limited time to work with their patient and communicate essential information with you and other members of your client’s family and care team.
3. Be observant when providing personal caregivingKeep notes on your clients’ routines and answer any questions as accurately as possible. Ask your client’s family or care team to keep you in the loop on changes in your client’s schedule, care routine, or symptoms that may need tracking. 

Workplace safety: Caregiving in a client’s home

Helpers often get booked to provide help for a senior who still lives in their own home, house, or apartment. You may see a wide variety in these different types of home environments and the different levels of needs of your clients. Sometimes you may also come into contact with family members or other in-home employees who help with landscaping, cleaning, and other household tasks.

8 Safety tips and best practices for in-home caregiver

For your own safety and that of your client, we recommend following these safety guidelines in addition to any tips your client or their family may have shared with you:

1. Ask questions before your task/shift begins
   Before you start work with a client, ask questions about the home environment, such as who will be there, what kind of space it is, and if there are any household concerns or ongoing repairs you should know about. 
2. Be aware of your surroundings
   Be vigilant about tripping hazards, such as rugs, wires, furniture, and in more serious cases, household clutter and stacks of items that may be unstable. 
3. Wear shoes at all times
   Protect your feet and do not remove your shoes—if it’s an issue of cultural sensitivity, it’s recommended to bring surgical covers to put over your shoes, or bring a clean pair of house shoes with you.
4. Dress comfortably and safely
   Working with seniors means you should wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow you to lift, move, and be on your feet. We recommend wearing clothes that feel professional and practical.
5. Keep up your recommended vaccinations
   Protect yourself, your family, and your clients with vaccinations as recommended by your doctor, such as annual flu shots and Covid boosters. Older adults are at increased risk for these serious infectious illnesses. 
6. Come prepared for your shift
   Bring any items that you may need throughout your shift, such as snacks and water, an extra sweater in case the resident’s room is cold, or any other items you may need throughout the day.
7. Avoid interacting with pets
   Be wary of animals and do not pet, feed, or engage with them unless you’re instructed that it’s safe to do so.
8. Communicate about serious safety concerns
   If you deem that the home environment is unsafe for you or your client due to hoarding, alert your client’s family right away for next steps or call the Adult Protective Services in your state

Top safety practices for in-home caregivers in all care settings

No matter the location of your client, there are a few best practices you can follow to help keep yourself and the person you’re helping safe:

• Use proper lifting techniques
  Use proper equipment and practices with mobility support and other strenuous or repetitive tasks, such as lifting and transferring, to avoid injuring yourself or others.
• Monitor your stress levels
  Working with older adults can be stressful, especially in a high need situation. It’s important to monitor your stress so you can be your best self at work and avoid stress-related health concerns. 
• Prioritize safety
  When you’re working with an older adult showing signs of emotional distress or aggression:
  • Stay calm and keep your emotions under control. Take a breath or count to yourself before speaking, to help check your own feelings.
  • Use passive, non-threatening body language (hands down by your sides), avoid eye contact, and give the person space.
  • Use a calm, clear voice and ask open-ended questions to keep a dialogue going and slowly diffuse the tension.
  • If you or your client is in danger or injured, reach out right away to their emergency contacts and follow their instructions, or call 911.
• Practice self care
  Do your best to take care of yourself and combat caregivers fatigue by getting enough sleep, hydrating, eating nutritious snacks and meals, and stretching/moving your body regularly.

Remember, the best person to stand up for your safety is you! If something doesn’t seem right, ask and find out what to do. Keeping yourself safe and making sure you understand your client’s expectations and routines will help ensure you can provide the best possible care for your client. Learn more about caregiving safety on Herewith.