SAFETY CONCERNS THAT IMPACT AN INDIVIDUAL WISHING TO LIVE IN THE COMMUNITY
July 25th, 2006 by RespiteMatch.comINDIVIDUAL CAPACITY ISSUES
Competence and decision making capacity of the person
Ability of the person to self-direct
Non-compliance
Balance – frequent falling
Memory impairment
Self-medication
Sensory deficits
Unstable clinical condition
Mental health concerns
Lack of education e.g. affecting ability to read instructions
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Unsafe housing
Lives alone
Lack of support
Lack of understanding of individual’s situation
Homelessness, housing availability and accessibility
PROVISION OF SERVICE ISSUES
Geographic location
Availability of services as a factor in determining discharge potential
Lack of transportation
Lack of equipment and supplies at home
Drug and alcohol abuse
Criminal activity
Costs of services and perceptions of costs
Funding constraints and inadequate financial resources.
Insurance coverage (individual’s assumption of risk may affect scope of coverage)
Potential abuse in home
Inappropriate use of resources
Fear of raising issues/concerns earlier
Language/cultural barriers
Refusal to accept services
Definition of safety
Medical perspective of safety needs
Perception - actual liability concerns
Interpretation of standards/regulations
Fear of litigation
Safety of aides – have aides been exposed to criminal behavior or sexual harassment while on the job in this person’s home in the past?
Lack of coordination between discharge planner and home care agency concerning acceptance/capacity
Consideration of the facts of a “difficult patient’s” care before determining Home Care Agency’s compliance with
