Client’s Safety Rights

Your Health, Your Safety.  Be Involved.

Your health care team consists of you and your family/caregivers as well as your healthcare providers.  Everyone, including you has a role to play in keeping you safe.  Be involved!  Understanding your treatment at all stages will help you maximize your rehabilitation outcomes and minimize any risks to your health and safety.  This section provides tips on things you can do.

TELL

It is important for your health care providers to have a full understanding of your current and past medical history in order to provide you with the best and safest care.  Be sure to tell your therapist or case manager if:

• You have an ongoing health condition.
• There have been any changes in your health or you have been given a new diagnosis.
• You have been in the hospital recently and/or had surgery.
• You are taking any medication (including what those medications are).
• There is someone helping you make decisions regarding your health care.  Introduce this person to your healthcare team.

ASK

They say that knowledge is power.  The more that you know and understand about your condition and treatment, the better you are able to make decisions and participate in your care.  If you don’t understand the information at first, ask again.

• Ask your doctor if you are unclear on your diagnosis.
• Ask any health care practitioner if you need more information about your diagnosis.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your medications – how to take them, what they are for, and any side effects that may occur.
• Ask what a test or treatment involves, what its purpose is, and whether there are any other options.
• Ask your health care team what you should do when leaving the hospital, what to expect when you get home, or if there is anything you should do before your next appointment.

DO

Keep Track of Information

• Write down your questions before appointments, and write down information/instructions given to you by your health care provider.  You can ask a friend or family member to help you take notes.

Advocate for Yourself

• Speak up if you are concerned or have questions about your care.  If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your therapy or experience an adverse event involving your treatment provider or equipment recommendations please contact our Director of Clinical Services (feedback@function-ability.com). We are here to support you!

Protect your Health

• Wash your hands.  This is one of the simplest yet most effective strategies for keeping you healthy.  Proper handwashing helps you stay healthy by decreasing your risk of illness and infection.  Wash your hands before and after each therapy appointment.  Always wash your hands when you come into the house.  Ask each team member to wash their hands before the start of every session.

Prevent Falls

• Maintain a safe home environment by having your Occupational Therapist assess your home and give you specific recommendations and information.
• Keep your floor clear of spills or tripping hazards that could cause a fall.
• Wear non-slip footwear that fits well.
• Use the mobility aid (crutches, cane, walker, wheelchair) recommended by your Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist.  Check your mobility aid regularly to ensure it is in good working order.  Use the brakes on your wheeled walker or wheelchair safely.
• Perform lifts and transfers as instructed by your occupational therapist or physiotherapist to minimize your risk of falls and injury.