Safety Tips for Caregivers

When caring for a person with a disability, try to maintain the same kind of safe, healthy environment you would in your own home. Also, keep in mind that some people with disabilities need special protection from potential hazards in the home.

When on the job, keep these tips in mind:

• Wipe up spills and remove broken glass immediately.
• When traveling, always buckle up, no matter how short the distance.
• Make sure infants ride in approved car seats.
• Keep plastic wrappings out of reach.
• Make sure gun cabinets are always locked. Weapons and ammunition should be stored and secured separately.
• Store household cleansers, medicine, paint and paint thinner, detergents and bleaches, and lawn chemicals in clearly marked containers and keep them in locked storage areas. Keep keys hidden, and return keys to a safe place immediately after use.
• Tell the family if an appliance or household furnishing is broken so that it can be repaired or discarded.
• Keep stairways and floors free from toys and other items.
• Learn to safely operate equipment, such as van lifts.

Other things to discuss with your employer:

• Learn what you should do in case of accident, illness, fire, bad weather or other emergency.
• Learn the family's escape plan in case of fire. Does the fire department know that a person with a disability lives at the address?
• Learn how and which medications to administer.
• Learn about seizures or other unusual medical conditions.
• Learn what to do if a seizure, fainting or spasticity occurs.
• Learn about special eating needs, food preferences or allergies.
• Become familiar with and know how to use special adaptive equipment.
• Learn the typical daily schedule the family expects you to keep.
• Make sure you learn how to perform your duties. Know what degree of assistance will be needed in various situations