Above and Beyond the Call of Duty

Abstract

Compared with urban areas, rural areas tend to have higher poverty rates, older residents, less preventative care, and fewer healthcare options.

Safety Considerations for Home Care Providers

“…Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved. 2021; McMillan et al, 2022;Polivka et al, 2015).…”

“…The presence of firearms creates uneasiness for HCPs who feel unprepared to deal with this potential threat (Bien et al, 2021;Kritz, 2018;Macdonald & McLean, 2018;McMillan et al, 2022). This becomes an even bigger concern when a patient has diagnoses such as dementia or depression.…”

“…Some HCPs encounter illicit drugs in the home or family members who approach them about obtaining drugs or needles (Bien et al, 2021; McMillan et al, 2022; Polivka et al, 2015). The presence of firearms creates uneasiness for HCPs who feel unprepared to deal with this potential threat (Bien et al, 2021; Kritz, 2018; Macdonald & McLean, 2018; McMillan et al, 2022). This becomes an even bigger concern when a patient has diagnoses such as dementia or depression.…”

“…HCPs are advised to ask about the presence of guns in the home prior to a visit and request that all guns be securely locked up during visits (Kritz, 2018). McMillan et al (2022) suggest providers take an inventory of all guns (working or not) in the home at the time of admission. De-escalation and self-defense training should also be included in employee safety training (McMillan et al, 2022; Small et al, 2020).…”

“…McMillan et al (2022) suggest providers take an inventory of all guns (working or not) in the home at the time of admission. De-escalation and self-defense training should also be included in employee safety training (McMillan et al, 2022; Small et al, 2020).…”