Failure of clients to answer door

Purpose

To outline procedures for situations wherein clients do not answer their doors, resulting in the inability of personnel to gain entry.

Policy

Aquamarine Personalised Home Care requires that all its personnel follow specific procedures when clients do not answer their doors due to emergency, non-emergency and other situations.

Procedures

If the client does not answer the door and the door is unlocked:

The Home Care Worker shall:

i. enter the client’s home, calling out his/her name;
ii. if the client does not respond, check the house to determine if he/she is there;
iii. if the client is not at home, leave and close the door;
iv. check with the neighbours to determine if they have any information regarding the client's whereabouts.

Call Aquamarine office on 0422 867 111 and advise that:

− the client is not home and provide the reason for his/her absence; or,

− the client is not at home for unknown reasons.

If the client is absent for known reasons, Aquamarine office shall give direction to the Home Care Worker.

Please don't leave until the clients home until advised to by Aquamarine office.

If the client does not answer the door and the Home Care Worker cannot gain access:

The Home Care Worker shall:

Look through the letterbox, windows, side and back of house and basement,

etc. to determine if the client can be seen.

If the client cannot be seen, check with the neighbours to determine:

− if they have any information regarding his/her whereabouts; and/or,

− if they have a key to the house.

If the neighbours do not have any information regarding the client’s

whereabouts or do not have a key, telephone the Aquamarine office 0422 867 111 for further instructions.