(610) 933-6130
Caregivers in Philadelphia Committed to Patient Safety Awareness Week
Posted by PHC | Uncategorized
Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 8-14, United in Safety #PSAW2015 #ptsafety npsf.org/psaw
As a home health care agency, Personal Health Care is committed to providing quality care to patients so that they may remain safely in the comfort of their own homes for as long as they are able. Patient safety is very important to us, and it is an essential part of our initial and ongoing in-home assessments. We evaluate all areas of the home, from proper temperature, lighting and ventilation, down to food and medication safety.
Two of the biggest areas of concern are fall prevention and medication safety. First, we recommend that all walking pathways and main areas of patient care, including bathrooms and kitchens, have non-skid surfaces, free of obstructions, throw rugs, or other tripping hazards. Second, we review all medications in the patients’ home with the patient and their prescribing doctor(s). We ensure that all medications are up to date, properly labeled and within the patients reach, but out of the reach of children and pets. We carefully review all medication side-effects and interactions with our patients to educate them on the importance of taking their medications when ordered, and so that they can monitor for potential side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness that may cause injury. Also, we strongly encourage all of our patients to use a Life Alert system, so that in the event of an emergency they can call for help immediately.
Patient safety in the home starts with an in-depth assessment followed by close ongoing monitoring of the patients home environment and plan of care. Lastly, one of the easiest ways for health care providers to improve patient safety is to wash your hands! Please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing, to review proper hand washing technique!
Let’s continue to work together to keep our patients safe!
If you or someone you know is in need of home health care in Philadelphia and southeastern PA, please contact Personal Health Care at (610) 933-6130!