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5 Safety Tools Every Home Health Therapist Should Know About
Aug 13
3 min read
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This August, we’re spotlighting the essential tools that support quality care in home health therapy. Our monthly focus will cover three key areas: Infection Control Supplies, Safety, and Rehabilitation.
This week, we’re kicking things off with 5 safety tools every home health therapist should know about. We’ll be making a product review of each and sharing why we like it highlighting how it helps in real home health situations, what features stand out, and how it can make your work safer and more efficient.
Why It’s Important: A gait belt ensures safe transfers and walking assistance, reducing fall risk for patients and strain on therapists.
Types & Comparisons:
Cotton: Inexpensive, breathable, and washable at the end of the day. Features a sturdy metal buckle for secure fastening.
Vinyl: Easy to wipe down between patients, highly durable, and ideal for infection control. Often includes a quick-release buckle for convenience.
Extras to Consider:
Handles: Provide extra control and support during transfers.
Extra-Wide Belts: Better for bariatric patients or for increased comfort during use.
Why It’s Important: Vital signs guide therapy decisions. A reliable blood pressure reading ensures patients are safe to proceed with physical activity.
Types & Comparisons:
Upper Arm Automatic Monitors: Most accurate for home use, easy for therapists to operate single-handedly.
Wrist Monitors: Compact and portable but more sensitive to arm positioning, ideal for obese patients.
Manual Cuff & Stethoscope: Gold standard for accuracy — especially with patients who have irregular heartbeats.
Therapist Tip: If the patient is obese and it’s difficult to palpate the brachial pulse, try:
Using a Larger Cuff Size: Ensures the bladder covers 80% of the arm circumference for accuracy.
Checking the Radial Artery (wrist): Can be easier to feel and still allows you to get a manual reading.
Using the Forearm Placement Method: Wrap the cuff around the forearm and place the stethoscope over the radial pulse — adjust reference values accordingly.
Ankle or Lower Leg Measurement: In some cases, the cuff can be applied to the lower leg with the stethoscope placed over the posterior tibial or dorsalis pedis artery (note that readings may differ slightly from upper arm values)
Why It’s Important: Pulse oximeters measure oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and heart rate, providing quick insights into a patient’s cardiopulmonary status. In home health, they’re especially valuable for monitoring during ambulation or exercise.
Types & Comparisons:
Budget-Friendly Models: Reliable for spot checks, small, and easy to carry. Great for therapists needing multiple units or backups.
Premium Bluetooth Models: Offer continuous monitoring with real-time updates on your smartphone — perfect for gait training or endurance testing without interrupting activity.
Why It’s Important: Temperature checks are key for detecting infections early, especially post-surgery or in immunocompromised patients.
Types & Comparisons:
Oral Digital: Affordable and reliable for cooperative adult patients.
Ear (Tympanic): Fast and comfortable but requires correct positioning.
Forehead (Temporal): Non-invasive and quick but can be affected by room temperature.
Infrared Contactless: Ideal for infection control, though brand quality affects accuracy.
Why It’s Important: Therapists often lift, bend, and transfer patients — tasks that can strain the lower back. A supportive brace can help reduce the risk of injury.
Types & Comparisons:
Lightweight Braces: Flexible, comfortable, and suitable for frequent movement between visits.
Heavy-Duty Braces: Rigid panels for maximum support during heavy lifts, though bulkier to wear.
