Seniors requiring home care typically receive an in-home assessment prior to their caregiver arriving. This ensures safety for both the caregiver and care recipient. However, this is not always the case and many home care agencies fail to provide this beneficial service.
This in-home assessment was conducted on an individual by the name of DS, whose home is a one bedroom apartment within a complex composing of roughly seven apartments. To reach her home within the complex, DS has to climb a small flight of stairs at the front of the apartment complex and open a small gate first. The pavement surrounding the stairs is uneven and creates the potential for falls. A medium size, uncovered, gated pool was also present upon entering the apartment complex and needs to be passed in order to reach the clients home on the first floor. Upon inspecting DS's home I noticed that on the surface the home appeared safe but upon closer inspection I noticed that the home presented several factors that could possibly harm the client. Some problematic items could be fixed immediately with simple interventions but others would require an in depth intervention. On entering the home I noted that the walls were in good condition, free of coverings, and painted white. Electrical hazards were observed. Electrical outlets were not covered with plastic coverings and an extension cord ran under a rug placed in the living room area. The cord created a bulge in the center, highly increasing the likelihood of falls. DS was notified of the risk related to having an uneven rug located in a high traffic area of the living room. She was also advised to remove the cord and find a better extension cord route. The extension cords were not overloaded and appeared to be in good working conditions. The cords did not appear to have extensive wear and were intact. The entire home had ample lighting; light bulbs were of the appropriate size and type for each socket. Curtains and blinds could also be drawn to allow extra light into the apartment during daytime. The home had central heating and cooling. This was tested and determined to be in good functioning order.
No handrails were observed inside the home but were observed throughout the apartment complex, on the stairs. One smoke detector was located in the home and was placed in a passage close to the bedroom, which was approximately 10 feet from the kitchen. A test of the smoke detector judged it to be in good working order. No fire alarms or fire extinguishers were present inside the home; however, they were present within the apartment complex and were approximately 15 feet from DS's door. DS expressed to me that she did not have an emergency evacuation plan since there is only one route for exiting the apartment. The home was covered with carpeting throughout, except for the bathroom and kitchen, which were tiled. The tiled surfaces of the bathroom were covered with a rug, however, the rug was not slick proof and could easily move if enough pressure was applied. The kitchen had slick proof foot mats that did not move when tested. DS was notified of the risk related to non-slip bath rugs and advised to purchase slip-resistant mats or apply tape to the ones currently being used.
The kitchen was approximately 75 square feet, had ample lighting throughout, and had a fume exhaust above the stove which was in good working order. All towels and kitchen appliance cords were located at a safe distance from the stove top. DS was asked about food preparation techniques and expressed that she only prepared meals in short sleeves and preferred to prepare meals during the day so that she could utilize the extra lighting from the kitchen window. All toxic substances used for the cleaning of the apartment were located beneath the kitchen and bathroom sink. Laundry detergent and beach were located in the passage closet. Caps and covers for toxic substances were secure; however, some caps had a safety mechanism which could eventually make them harder for DS to open as she gets older.
Risk of fall inside the home was high due to a number of causes. Improper usage of rugs and bathroom mats, as noted above, were the main factors contributing to fall risk assessment. Risk for fall outside the home but within the apartment complex was also high due to the multiple stairs required to enter the complex and the uneven pavement. Another important factor that increases the risk for fall is the fact that a walk in shower was not present in the bathroom. DS had a tub which she had to straddle to get into. DS expressed that on a couple of occasions, she had difficulty getting into the shower but it is uncommon that she has that problem. The bathroom was also missing grab bars. The neighborhood is safe and crime potential is very low. There were no environmental hazards located close to DS's home. Public transportation access is not good, as the nearest bus stop is two blocks away from DS's home. The home was free of clutter on the floor; however, the desks and book shelves were unorganized. A faint odor was smelled upon entering the home and was determined to be coming from the kitchens wastebasket which was over filled with trash. No rodents were observed; however, roach traps and sprays were present in the home.
The home was secured but no security system was present. A large window approximately seven feet wide was located in the living room which posed a burglary risk; however, the client lived in a safe neighborhood. DS had two telephones within her home, one in the kitchen and another in the bedroom. All prescription medications were stored in the bedroom side table and over the counter medication were stored in the bathroom cabinet. Overall the home was semi safe and habitable for DS at her current stage in life, but by removing the risk factors currently present she will be able to age peacefully inside her home. However, if they are not addressed, specifically the bathroom tub, she will be forced to leave her home as she continues to age or request the help of an outside home care agency to provide ongoing caregiver support for her home care needs.
The individual this assessment consented to this in-home assessment begin posted. The name of said individual has been concealed for privacy.
Exquis Home Care
In-Home Care Experts, Serving West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills & Santa Monica
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