Not only do your caregivers face an elevated risk of workplace injury — they also continue to face an elevated risk of experiencing workplace violence.

The types of workplace violence against companion caregivers can be wide-ranging, and include verbal, nonverbal and written harassment, bullying, sexual harassment and physical assaults.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, studies of workplace violence against companion caregivers have shown:

  • 18% to 65% of workers experiencing verbal abuse from patients.
  • As many as 41% workers have reported sexual harassment.
  • Between 2.5% and 44% of workers have reported being physically assaulted.

This violence against companion caregivers can lead to negative outcomes for both your employees and your business.

Employees who experience workplace violence may provide diminished quality of care, have lower job satisfaction and increased burnout, abuse drugs and alcohol and experience poor mental health. These challenges faced by caregivers may also impact your business’s productivity and reputation and lead to increased employee turnover.

With these tips from Lockton Affinity Home Care, you can help prevent workplace violence against companion caregivers and implement policies and reporting procedures should an incident occur.

Why Workplace Violence Against Companion Caregivers is Prominent

Caregivers often face higher risks of workplace violence due to the nature of their work, which involves entering patients’ homes and working in isolated settings. This can expose them to unpredictable situations and environments.

Additionally, companion care clients may have a mental illness, dementia or substance use disorder, which can increase the likelihood of violence.

Because the home care industry is projected to grow significantly, the prevalence of workplace violence is expected to increase.

Implementing Training, Policies and Reporting Procedures

To reduce the likelihood your caregivers experience workplace violence, consider implementing clear and thorough guidelines.

  • Collect information to monitor conditions in the environment.

Home care businesses should implement a monitoring and reporting process to demonstrate their commitment to recognizing and mitigating the risks associated with workplace violence.

By proactively managing workplace violence risks, your business can enable staff protection and support, align with regulatory compliance, emphasize a culture of safety, inform data-driven decision-making and contribute to the overall well-being of both employees and clients.

Implementation recommendations include:

    • A zero-tolerance policy towards workplace violence.
    • Policies and rules on the safety of lone caregivers in the field, such as regular cell phone contact or check-ins, and conducting home visits in pairs and/or with security escorts.
    • Rules and strategies related to visits in homes where violence has occurred in the past.
  • Require staff to participate in ongoing education and training.

Many incidents of workplace violence go unreported in the industry. Caregivers may perceive incidents as minor or as part of the job, leading to a lack of action and normalization of such behavior.

Training employees on the types of physical and nonphysical acts and threats of workplace violence can increase awareness and reduce normalization. Additional education and training can focus on how to:

    • Assess the work environment and surroundings for safety, including the presence of drugs of abuse, drug paraphernalia, weapons, and aggressive pets.
    • Recognize signs of imminent violence, including verbal abuse and aggressive body language and/or posturing.
    • Employ verbal de-escalation techniques.
    • Utilize escape and egress techniques.
  • Leaders should create and maintain a culture of safety and quality throughout the organization.

Identify an individual to be responsible for your organization’s workplace violence prevention program. They can implement policies and a standardized process to report and follow up on events or near-misses. Data collection and simple, accessible reporting structures show commitment to providing a safe and secure work environment. Regularly reporting incidents and trends to governance promotes transparency and further establishes accountability for the program.

Post-incident support services can also have great value for home healthcare workers’ well-being. These services may include peer support, formal debriefing, trauma-crisis counseling and employee assistance programs.

The report also offers helpful resources for implementing these requirements, such as tips for identifying risk factors, workplace violence program checklists and more.

Coverage to Protect Your Caregivers

Implementing training, policies and reporting procedures can help protect your companion caregivers and your business, but insurance is still necessary. With coverage from Lockton Affinity Home Care, you have access to crucial policies like Workers’ Compensation, General Liability + Professional Liability and more.

Learn more about the coverage offered by Lockton Affinity Home Care or complete a 5-minute price indication request to see what our coverage will look like for your business.