In-Home Care Visits and Dayhome Placements

How to stay safe during In-home visits

• Keep your phone on you at all times – Make sure that you have access to your phone. Set up emergency contacts that you can call if anything happens.
• Keep valuables out of site – Take as little as possible with you. Keep valuables in the trunk of the car before you leave for the visitation.
• Be strategic – Drive with your doors locked. Park in a well-lit and visible area.
• Set expectations – Discuss expectations before meeting at the home.
• Establish parameters – Make it clear that you have a schedule and are expected elsewhere.
• Be aware of others – Be mindful of others in the apartment/house for confidentiality and safety reasons.
• Ask about pets – Call ahead of time to see if there are any pets.
• Be aware of signs of intoxication – If someone is impaired such as with drugs or alcohol, leave. You can always reschedule.
• Try to keep a clear path to the door – Know your means of exit. You may leave from a way different than the way you came in. Look for all exits in case of an emergency.
• Guard your privacy – Do not give out your personal information and deficit personal questions asked.
• Look for accessible weapons – If you notice anything that could be used against you as a weapon and causes you concern leave to ensure your safety.
• Listen to your internal warning signals – Leave if you don’t feel safe.
• Be aware of escalating anger.
• Be aware of your own and your client’s body language, use non-threatening gestures and stance.

Please note that practicum placements have their own policies regarding in- home visits.

(Crisis Prevention Institute, 2021)