One of the biggest issues facing home health professionals today is the aspect of Caller ID. Many people have caller ID and refuse to answer any calls from blocked numbers.
While cell phones and pagers make life much easier, they can present a hazard. If you use your cell phone to call a patient, they will have your cell number in their data base if they have caller ID.
Patients and family members should ALWAYS be instructed to contact you through your OFFICE, and NOT directly on your cell phone or pager. This not only protects your privacy, but the agency as well.
For instance, if your patient contacts you directly, and you're off or unavailable, there could be issues involving liability. Most agencies offer 24 hour availability, and although home health is not an emergency service, are you willing to answer your phone 24 hours/ day? If not, who directs the patient's call in your absence? Do you have a message on your phone directing patients to call the agency?
A couple of examples...
The demanding patient who's up at 2 AM and wants to be sure you come at 1 PM and not 1:30, and decides to call you.
This can become annoying at best, but if your agency says it's available 24 hours/day she's entitled to make the call and have it answered.
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The family member who's looking for her parents to be cared for in her absence. Her father requires insulin daily. You taught her months ago to give the insulin and informed her if she needed to leave town for short terms, your agency could give him his insulin.
But you're on vacation too...your cell phone is left behind, and the daughter mistakenly thinks she's arranged care to start tomorrow!!! She only has your cell number because you encouraged her to call you directly.
*********************************** The inconvenience of making an extra phone call or two can save a lot of grief and possibly legal expense in the long run.
Gas Station Precautions
Please be sure to touch the metal of your car each time you get out BEFORE touching the gas pump. Static electricity from the friction of your clothing and your car seat can cause a spark and ignite even the FUMES.
By the same token, the ring of your cell phone can ignite even the fumes in the gas station. Please refrain from using your cell phone in the gas station.
If you leave your car unattended, for example to pay or to collect a receipt, please be sure to check your car for unwanted passengers BEFORE getting back in.
Unpredictable Weather...
Whatever the season you depend on your car. Be sure that you carry food, water, a blanket, towel, sweatshirt or jacket, and an extra pair of (dry) socks and shoes with you.
Your car is your home away from home, and you could find yourself stuck in there. An emergency hammer to break a window, and a battery charger can be very handy as well as a tool kit.
Always keep your car tuned, filled with gas, and all hoses, belts and fluids up to date. Schedule maintenance!! Keep your tires rotated, filled with appropriate level of air, and brakes adjusted.
The demanding patient who's up at 2 AM and wants to be sure you come at 1 PM and not 1:30, and decides to call you. 