Home Environment Risk Assessment Template
v2.5
Purpose. Case managers and senior support workers use this template to assess the hazards in a client's home before the first service and after any change, so that workers arrive knowing the risks and the controls.
1.When to complete
Complete this assessment before the first service in any home, after any incident in the home, when the person's mobility or health changes, when someone new moves in and at least every twelve months. The assessment must be uploaded to the Client Register and any risk flag entered before a worker is rostered.
2.Walking through the home
Walk through every area a worker will use with the person or their family. Look at access, lighting, floor surfaces, steps, bathroom layout, electrical safety, heating, smoke alarms and storage of medications and chemicals. Ask about pets, smoking, firearms, visitors and anyone in the home who has been aggressive.
3.Manual handling
Record the transfer methods needed, the equipment in the home and whether it is serviced, the space around the bed, chair and toilet, and whether two workers are needed. Where an occupational therapy assessment is needed, request it before the service starts.
4.Rating and controls
Rate each hazard as low, medium or high using the Willow risk matrix and record the control for every medium and high hazard. Controls include equipment, two workers, daylight-only visits, pets secured during visits, and referral to home modification services. Where a hazard cannot be controlled, the manager must decide whether service can start.
5.Discussing with the person
Explain to the person why each control is needed and record their agreement. Where the person declines a control, record the discussion and the person's decision, and escalate to the manager for a dignity of risk decision.
6.Review
Set the review date and record the assessment reference in the Client Register. Workers must report any change in the home in their progress notes so that the assessment stays current.