Policy on Security of the Service User’s Home

Policy Statement

Westminster Homecare believes that every service user has the right to live their life with privacy, dignity, independence and choice and should be safe and secure in their home. The Company will work in collaboration with all legal and caring agencies to uphold this right and to ensure that our service users are protected from harm at all times.

Aim of the Policy

This policy intends to:

  • Set out the values, principles and policies underpinning the Company’s approach to security of the home.
  • Set out the procedures to be followed to maintain security.

Identity Cards

All staff who have access to a service user’s home will be issued with a Westminster Homecare Identity Card. This must be presented to the client or their representative before entering the home. The identity cards are laminated and display:

  • A photograph of the member of staff.
  • The Westminster Homecare Logo
  • The telephone number of the Company.

Care workers must readily present their identity card and should not be offended if the client wishes to telephone the Branch Office.

Any care worker found not to carry their card, to loan their card to another individual, to use their card to falsify entry or to tamper with the information on their card, will face disciplinary action which may lead to dismissal.

Identity cards should be replaced on an annual basis and must be returned to the Company on termination of employment.

Where a service user is visually impaired, it should be ensured that the client knows the full name of their care worker. A password scheme should be in operation to allow the service user to verify the identity of the caller.

Key Holding Policy

It is not normal policy to hold the keys to a service user’s home. However, in special circumstances the keys may be held providing:

  • The service user or their representative has signed the Company’s authorisation to hold keys.
  • The location of the keys is recorded on the authorisation and is kept up-to-date.
  • Where keys are kept in the office, these are secure and only accessible to authorised members of staff. Keys must be signed for when removed from the office and when returned.
  • Under no circumstances should copies of the keys be made without the service user’s knowledge and consent. Copies of keys must be recorded on the authorisation.
  • Keys must not be labelled with the name or address of the service user.
  • Lost or stolen keys must be reported immediately to the Branch Office. The Company will then take steps to maintain the security of the home.
  • Any employee not abiding by the policy on key holding will face disciplinary action which may lead to dismissal and/or criminal charges.

Key Codes

Where the keys to a service user’s home are held in a key safe the code should be stored as confidential information, available on a need to know basis. The code number should be stored on the client’s record in line with the Data Protection Act1998.

If it is suspected that an unauthorised person has accessed the code number, steps should be taken to change the code.

Care workers should be reminded of the need for confidentiality of information.

Entering a Service User’s home

Regardless of the method of entry to a service user’s home:

  • Care workers should ensure that they always knock or ring the bell/intercom before entering a service user’s home.
  • Care workers should ‘speak out’ to warn the service user that the carer is in the house.
  • Care workers should always introduce themselves to the client, in the manner most appropriate to the individual.
  • The identity card should always be shown.
  • The carer should explain what they are going to do.

Leaving a Service User’s home

  • The care worker should ensure that the service user is safe, having everything they may need within easy reach.
  • Doors and windows should be secured.
  • The care worker should ensure that the service user has a means of escape in the case of an emergency.
  • Keys should be returned to the agreed storage area following a visit.

Training

All staff should be given training in maintaining the security of the service user’s home, protection of the service user and confidentiality as part of the induction process. Existing staff should regularly be updated on the policies relating to the protection of the service user in their own home.

Signed:______

Date:______

Policy Review Date:______

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Security