4 Common Misconceptions About Mobile Caregiver Safety
Home healthcare plays a vital role in keeping patients safe, comfortable, and cared for where they live. This impact would not be possible without the hard work done by mobile caregivers across the country. While the safety and well-being of patients are paramount, the safety and well-being of the caregivers serving them often get overlooked. Too frequently, the risks inherited by these selfless workers are thought to be exaggerated, which is why we’re here to highlight just how real these problems are.
Below, we unpack four common misconceptions about mobile caregiver safety and share the realities every agency leader should understand before sending their team out into the field.
Myth #1
“Homes are just as safe of a working environment as any other setting.”
Reality: Unlike controlled hospital or clinical settings, patient homes can be unpredictable. Research shows that home care workers experience more than double the injury rate compared to all other industries. Hazards range from cluttered spaces and pets to unsafe neighborhoods and unstable family members. For caregivers, “home” doesn’t always mean “safe”.
Myth #2
“Most caregivers know emergency protocols, especially those who work alone.”
Reality: Nearly half (47%) of caregivers don’t know whether their organization has a specific emergency protocol for home-based scenarios, and 16% say none exist at all. This leaves caregivers uncertain about how to respond in an urgent situation, whether that’s a medical emergency, an unsafe environment, or a personal threat. Without clear, practiced procedures, caregiver safety is compromised.
Myth #3
“Injuries are mostly slips or overexertion and can easily be managed.”
Reality: The numbers tell a different story. In 2018, home healthcare aides faced injury rates of 206 per 10,000 full-time workers, which is significantly higher than the national average. Over 26% of these cases required more than 30 days away from work. Injuries don’t just affect individual staff members; they create staffing shortages, reduce morale, and increase costs for the organization.
Myth #4
“Violence against home health nurses is rare.”
Reality: Sadly, workplace violence is far too common. Studies show that between 30-44% of home health workers reported experiencing some form of workplace violence, whether verbal threats, abuse, or physical assault. (NCBI) These incidents may come from patients, family members, or people in the surrounding environment. Ignoring the risk doesn’t make it go away; it leaves caregivers vulnerable.
Taking Action
So how can organizations combat reality? The good news is these risks can be mitigated with the right tools and preparation. Organizations can take steps such as:
Conducting risk assessments before each visit, including patient history and environmental factors.
Developing and training staff on clear emergency protocols for various scenarios.
Equipping caregivers with technology such as KATANA Safety, which allows lone workers to call for help instantly.
Tracking and analyzing incidents to identify trends and improve prevention strategies.
By replacing myths with facts and awareness with action, home health organizations can strengthen caregiver safety and deliver better patient care.
Ready to evaluate your safety readiness? Download our Lone Worker Safety Checklist today.
