Last updated April 16, 2024
When to use:
Staying safe is a priority for all Senior LinkAge Line staff and volunteers who assist clients and caregivers in a variety of settings, under a variety of circumstances, often alone in private dwellings. These guidelines are the minimum requires to provide the services. Area Agencies on Aging may have more restrictive guidelines.
Important:
These guidelines are not intended to be a professional assessment tool to use with people. The intended use is to provide guidance to determine if potential threats or risks exist that may impact an in-person visit. In all situations, staff and volunteers should not enter working situations where they feel their safety and security could be compromised. A common sense approach should be adopted. This may include contacting law enforcement, Minnesota Adult and Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) and/or helping the person connect to resources to assist with infestations, hoarding, chemical dependency or other problematic issues. Use professional discretion, consultation with a supervisor and be mindful of your status as mandated reporter when making these decisions.
Procedures:
Safety Assessment and Risk Reduction
- When making in-person visits:
- The person must be asked if they are comfortable with an in-person visit and give consent.
- Consider the infection rate risk in the county.
- If going to a facility check if they are any restrictions or personal protective equipment required
- Prior to traveling, check to see if there are any weather alerts that could pose travel risks and require rescheduling.
- Have a complete and exact address of the location available to avoid becoming lost.
- Share specific visit location to manager or supervisor.
- Have access to a mobile device to communicate with others if an issue develops.
- Upon arrival for the visit, survey the area for any potential risks or threats, such as:
- Unleashed barking dog
- Groups or individuals congregated in the path to the visit location
- Location known as a high-crime area
- Ice-covered entrance or walkway not shoveled
- At the location where the visit will occur, get a general awareness of the person’s living space. Are there:
- Aggressive pets?
- Other individuals present that were not expected or welcome?
- Liquor bottles or illegal drugs displayed?
- Weapons easily accessible?
- Pests such as cockroaches, rats, or lice?
- Difficulty getting into the location due to hoarding behavior?
- At no time is anyone obligated to stay in an unsafe situation. If you do not feel safe, confirm if the person you are visiting feels safe. If they do not, contact appropriate authorities (i.e. police, MAARC, or a caregiver/emergency contact) and politely excuse yourself.