Senior Home Care Agency Policies and Procedures

This is a sample of typical Policies and Procedures a Senior Home Care Agency will require for employment. Agencies will expect you to represent them in a professional and caring manner.

In the Client's Home

1. Client Introductions: A Supervisor or Case Manager should introduce you to the client and family on your first assignment.
2. Always call the client by their last name (i.e., Mrs. Smith), unless the client gives you permission to call them by their first name.
3. Your first task upon arriving at a client's home is to get acquainted and to make them feel comfortable.
4. Review the Care Plan Book with the client if they are able and decide where to keep it in the house.
5. Discuss meals and favorite foods with the client. Plan nutritious meals with them. Utilize the Care Plan Book to record any information that may be helpful in the future.
6. With their permission, check refrigerators and cabinets for spoiled or outdated food.
7. Sit with the client during meals, even if you are not eating.
8. Encourage fluid intake to avoid dehydration.
9. Encourage exercise such as short walks or arm and leg lifts if they are capable. Be sure to monitor and stabilize the client while they ambulate.
10. Never touch pills or medication including non-prescription drugs. Contact the office immediately if you notice that the client isn't taking their medication properly.
11. Monitor bathing for safety and water temperature; if needed, prepare bath water for the client.
12. Observe safety problems in the home — frayed rugs, loose wires, bad lighting. Call the office immediately. Do not fix things but pull them out of the way.
13. Call 911 first for emergencies, then call the Senior Home Care Agency office immediately.
14. Keep all client information regarding their identity, phone number, address, and health and lifestyle confidential.
15. Always arrive on time or a few minutes early for your shifts. Call the office immediately if you are running late to allow them to notify the client.
16. Be neatly groomed with clean clothes at all times. Shoes should be well kept. Use minimum perfume. Use deodorant and breath fresheners.
17. Smoking is not allowed indoors, even if the client does smoke. Ask the client for permission to smoke outside.
18. If your Caregiver replacement is late, call the office immediately for instructions.
19. If there is a disagreement with the client or others, call the office immediately. Do not walk off and leave an assignment.
20. Do not give a client your home phone number. If your family needs to reach you at work, have them call the office and the office will call you.
21. Make daily notations in the Care Plan daily documentation log, as necessary.