At Perfect Care Match, ensuring client and caregiver safety is a priority. We implement a range of measures to identify and mitigate safety risks. Our comprehensive Home Safety Evaluations identify and mitigate risks and hazards and meet the unique needs of each of our clients. We also implement specialized Memory Care Safety Protocols, ensuring the safety and well-being of patients with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Mitigating the risk of falls and other safety hazards is critical for older adults and caregivers. Without proper training, actions such as moving or transferring elderly patients can present serious risks, including falls and fall-related injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of unintentional, nonfatal, and fatal injuries and the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries for older adults (age 65+). In Massachusetts, falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations and Emergency Department visits, as well as the leading cause of injury-related deaths for this age group.
Our commitment to ensuring safety and well-being extends to our caregivers. We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to prevent injury, guard against burnout, and support their health and well-being. This ensures they can be at their best and provide our clients with the highest quality of care.
PCMatch Client Home Safety Measures Include:
- Conducting a Home Safety Evaluation
- Identification and safe or locked storage of sharp objects
- Falls and trip risk prevention, including:
- Securing rugs, exposed cords, and other trip hazards in walking areas
- Marking of stair treads
- Ensuring proper lighting; use of nightlights in hallways and bathrooms
- Handicap accessibility for shower/tub
- Medication organization and lockbox
- Locked storage of home toxins (including cleaning solutions, kerosene, paint, paint thinner, etc.)
It is essential to consult with your doctor and PT/OT Specialists about additional home safety evaluation and measures, including:
- Installation of:
- Grab bars in the bathroom and shower
- Raised toilet and shower chair seat
- Bed guard
Additional Safety Measures Include:
- Medication Reminders and Administration based on individual state regulations for home care
- Assistance with Ambulation and Transfers
- RN Field Supervision and Randomized Home Visits
- Implementation of Dementia Safety Protocols
- Caregiver Safety Training and Protocols
- Caregiver Holistic self-care
Dementia Safety Protocols:
Our skilled team is trained in dementia care and thoroughly understands the needs and challenges associated with these conditions. We implement protocols to minimize risks, help clients maintain a consistent routine, and promote safety. Caregivers tailor these protocols to meet each memory care patient’s specific needs and behaviors.
In addition to our standard home safety measures, Dementia Care Safety Protocols Include:
- Maintain a consistent routine to reduce confusion and anxiety
- Keep medications out of reach and in a secure location
- Dispose of or safely store all old medications
- Use labels and color-coding for easy identification of household items
- Dispose of or safely store all hazardous materials such as cleaning solutions, kerosene, paint, and other materials
- Implement a wander management system, including silent monitors to detect if the patient has gotten out of bed or chair
- Use of GPS locator for patients that are wander-risk patients
- Use of motion sensors and video monitoring
- Installation of safety locks and switches for entrances, exits and stairways
- Remove electric blankets and hot water bottles that can be a safety hazard for a person with dementia
- Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working throughout the home
- Remove fall or tripping hazards
- Install bathroom grab bars
Caregiver Safety
It is vital that caregivers receive comprehensive training and ongoing support to guarantee the safety and well-being of both in-home caregivers and patients. Caregivers should also have consistent access to resources and support services to assist them in overcoming any challenges that may arise while providing care.
When it comes to patient care, we prioritize safety and proper technique.
This Includes Training Our Caregivers On:
- How to safely lift and transfer patients to prevent injuries
- Infection control measures include hand hygiene, personal protective equipment use, and cleaning and disinfection protocols.
- Medication reminders and administration
- Falls prevention strategies
- Emergency response procedures such as CPR and first aid
- How to communicate effectively with patients and their families
- Training in specialized diets such as diabetes, soft foods, pureed foods
We Ensure Our Caregivers Are Trained And Supported
Patient Care:
- Proper body mechanics: Our caregivers are trained to lift and transfer patients safely to prevent injuries.
- Infection control: We educate caregivers on proper hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment, and cleaning and disinfection protocols. Infection control training focuses on preventing transmission through ventilation, source control, and hand hygiene measures.
- COVID Safety: All of our staff complete mandatory infection control training and specialized COVID safety certification.
- Medication Monitoring and Administration: Ensure caregivers are trained to administer medications correctly and safely.
- Fall prevention: Implement strategies to reduce the risk of falls, such as removing tripping hazards and using assistive devices.
- Emergency response: Provide training on responding to medical emergencies, including CPR and first aid.
- Communication skills: Our caregivers are trained in effective communication and interaction techniques for seniors, memory care patients, and their families.
We provide comprehensive Self-Care training and wellness resources to our caregivers, including:
Holistic Caregiver Self-Care
As a Full-Service Holistic Care Agency, PCMatch is deeply committed to the wellness of our caregivers. Our mission is to provide the necessary support for them to maintain their health, prevent the detrimental effects of burnout, and uphold their well-being. This unwavering commitment to caregiver self-care ensures that our caregivers are in their prime to deliver the highest quality care to our clients.
We offer ongoing support, communicate regularly with our caregivers, and promptly address any issues or concerns. Additionally, we ensure that our caregivers can access personal time off and shift coverage to manage their well-being and personal care needs.
At PCMatch, we understand how important self-care is for all individuals, particularly those caring for loved ones or clients. We provide comprehensive Holistic Self-Care training and resources for caregivers to ensure our caregivers’ and clients’ safety, health, and well-being.
Read more about our Wellness and Coaching Resources