Home Health Care Hazards

A recent study done by Cloumbia University found a number of hazardous conditions in home healthcare settings. These conditions are of special concern to both the elderly and their caretakers. More than 700 home healthcare RNs in New York City responded to the survey.

Th noted hazardous conditions identified in the survey included animal hair, excessive dust, mold, cigarette smoke and dampness. Rat, mouse or other vermin sightings were also reported. Poor housekeeping, which could increase the risk of infection, was also a common observation. Nearly 70% of home healthcare patients are 65 years or older, according to the report.

A total of 44% of RNs reported that their patients live in urban settings, and 40% of nurses reported feeling threatened or uncomfortable by a patient’s neighborhood.

The report appears in the Journal of Patient Safety, and was co-funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.