/ BLOG

Risk management strategies for professional caregivers

Dec 4, 2023 · 5 minutes to read

As a professional caregiver, your role is essential for patients to live safely and comfortably in their homes. However, working closely with patients in their personal space creates risks. Common hazards in home care—from miscommunications to injuries—can create problems for you and your patients.

Young professional successful friendly female nurse in blue hospital uniform helping supporting physical therapy senior woman patient walking via four legs walker

A healthcare risk management plan could help you manage common hazards healthcare professionals face that can negatively impact you, your business and your patients.

Why is risk management important?

Every business faces risks, such as accidents, mistakes, wild weather and theft. Fixing the fallout of these business hazards can be time-consuming and expensive. Taking steps to prevent and minimize your business risks could save you time and money in the long run.

Hazards in home care may impact more than just the day-to-day running of your business. They can also negatively affect your patients and their families. In this way, healthcare risk management might also play a positive role in patient outcomes.

5 ways that caregivers can manage business risks

Here are five common home health risks and ways professional caregivers and home health care professionals can manage them in their businesses.

1. Keep your certifications up to date

You may need specific education, training, or certifications to work as a professional caregiver in your state. It’s important to keep these required certifications current to protect your patients and your business.

Certifications you may need to renew include:

  • Continuing education to refresh your knowledge of patient care and safety.
  • Training to review work policies and procedures (if you work for a home health agency).
  • CPR, First Aid and other lifesaving certifications.

2. Perform a home safety assessment for your patients

A patient’s home may not be as safe as they think. Those with new injuries and health concerns may be especially unaware of hazards in their own house. Performing a safety assessment can make patients aware of potential issues and provide them with steps to correct them.

Common risks in patient homes include:

  • Tripping hazards – Power cords, loose rugs or carpeting, items stored on the floor in halls or high-traffic areas, etc.
  • Fall hazards – Slippery baths, showers, tiles and walkways are common causes of falls.
  • Stairs – Aging patients and those with injuries may need to avoid using the stairs or install a chair lift to minimize the chances of a fall.
  • Lighting – Dim or dark rooms may make trips and falls more likely and also make it difficult to read medication labels or instructions from healthcare professionals.

3. Keep detailed patient records

Professional caregivers often work with multiple patients at the same time, each with their own healthcare needs. But, even if you only work with one patient at a time, you may find that their medical requirements are complex.

Accurate record-keeping can help you track things such as:

  • Medications – Ensuring patients are taking the correct dosage at the correct times.
  • Health instructions – Care details provided by doctors, nurses, or other health professionals.
  • Diet – What the patient ate and when.
  • Changes in wellbeing – Physical and mental health changes may need to be shared with the patient’s medical team, family, and other carers.

4. Prioritize your physical and mental health

Caregiver burnout is a huge risk in the healthcare industry. Working with people on a personal level every day can take a toll on your mental health. Caregiving can also be physically demanding, leaving you tired and drained at the end of the day.

Healthcare professionals may preserve their physical and mental wellbeing by:

  • Eating well
  • Following an exercise routine
  • Taking regular rest periods and time off to recharge

5. Consider business insurance

Accidents happen, and they can be expensive for professional caregivers. Lawsuits are an unfortunate and common risk in the healthcare industry. Sole proprietor caregivers may especially want to consider insurance to protect themselves financially.

Caregivers often buy insurance policies, such as:

Professional Liability – Protects your business against claims of negligence, misrepresentation or mistake, as well as document or paperwork errors.

General Liability – Protects businesses against the risk of customer injury and property damage.

Business Owner’s Policy – A combination of policies, combining covers such as General Liability insurance and business personal property coverage, to help protect small businesses from costly interruptions to service.

Creating a risk management plan

Every professional caregiver business is unique, and you may face risks beyond what is covered in this article. Making a list of potential risks to your business and strategies for addressing them could help you avoid many expensive claims.

And for the ones you can’t avoid, there may be insurance to help!

Finding home health care insurance to fit your business needs is easy with BizInsure. Compare quotes online or over the phone and buy in minutes—no complicated paperwork required. You’ll receive proof of insurance instantly, so you can get back to caring for your patients with greater peace of mind.

Get started now.

As with any insurance, coverage will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the policy wording. The information contained on this guide is general only and should not be relied upon as advice. The number of quotes provided varies between products, occupations and other underwriting factors determined by the insurers.
© Copyright 2023 BizInsure LLC, 2015 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BizInsure LLC; CA DBA: Simple, Smart, BizInsure Insurance Agency LLC; NY DBA: BizInsure Services LLC; NH DBA: Simple, Smart, BizInsure Insurance Agency; PA DBA: BizInsure Services LLC. 2950 Buskirk Ave Suite 300, Walnut Creek CA 94597. License #0H81929

Let's find

The coverage you need for your business

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance

Get a quote

General Liability Insurance

General Liability Insurance

Get a quote

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Get a quote

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers Compensation Insurance

Get a quote

Let's find

The coverage you need for your business

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance

Get a quote

General Liability Insurance

General Liability Insurance

Get a quote

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Get a quote

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers Compensation Insurance

Get a quote

First of all the agent I spoke with was very kind and helpful. Her name is Andrea. I appreciate the easy and quick online application to purchase my insurance.
I worked with Amy on getting professional insurance and she was fantastic! Some of the best customer service I’ve experienced in a long time. She was diligent and supportive, but never pushy.
The process was smooth and everyone answered questions along the way as needed. Andrea’s follow-up was excellent. Thank you!
Jen was awesome
I have been with Bizinsure for many years and they are always up to date with the latest policy information and the most competitive rates!
My interaction with the agent was very pleasant and she answered my questions. She also responded very quickly when I had questions.
BizInsure understood exactly what I needed and provided an affordable quote. The process was easy and I'm glad I used their services!
Our company has been with BizInsure since 2020. we are very happy with the service they provide.
Just started but the process was easy. Agent was kind and the price was great.I will see how the service is going forward, but starting was very easy and inexpensive.
Customer service was great! I got the help I needed!
Super A rated and affordable coverage.
Dina and Ashleih were so helpful! They made our package work for us. Grateful for the quick service.
I want to thank you for making my insurance search so simple and efficient. I also appreciated the easy communication options, which helped me make the right purchase decision. I'm really grateful for your company's support!.
Jenifer S. was the agent that I worked withi to secure general liability insurance. She was very knowledgeable, helpful and worked diligently to ensure that.my coverage needs were met and for a great price. I would definitely recommend her to others as she was a pleasure to work with.
The agent was very knowledgeable and was very quick in handling my request.
Good customer service
Fast friendly professional service
Jennifer was fabulous. Quick & easy quote for GL/PL coverage and saved me money over previous policy. My wife referred me - she's always right!!
Representative was very kind, helpful, and educated me well. I especially appreciate their professionalism and patience.
Been with this company for about 4 years. They have provided me with excellent coverage, user-friendly technology and very low rate. As an accountant, they are my first choice for my small business clients.
Absolutely the easiest, absolutely the fastest, the best I can tell the lowest cost. For many businesses, Insurance is a dirty word, because it's complicated and we're actually so busy minding our business that when complicated insurance issues get in the way, it slows us down. But not with these guys. Biz Insure LLC has figured it out and thank goodness they have...
Thanks, you for your service
I want to say thank you for all the hard work the agent put in with me. She was glad to hear from me. Very pleasant to deal with and solved my needs
Thank you for your professionalism and patience and helpfulness with my insurance needs for my new business. Thank you, Amy Raley as well for all of your help - you are sincerely appreciated and you are an asset to BizInsure LLC!
I have been using Bizinsure for several years and find the ease of renewing as well as generating additional insured certificates to be easy and useful, especially as a sole prop. thank you
Agent was precise and clear with explanation. Getting a quote was fast and easy. Thank you
Easy to renew Policy
BizInsures insurance is easy and affordable. Employees are well courteous and professional.
The renewal process is fast and efficient.
Easy to get Quote and start insurance with the recommended Insurance company. Not sure yet on services there after.
Yes, super easy!
js_loader
Google Rating
4.7
Based on 358 reviews
×
js_loader





    This will close in 0 seconds