GEN104 Enable individuals to maintain the safety and security of their living environment

Overview

This standard covers helping individuals to be as self-managing and autonomous as possible in relation to maintaining the safety and security of their living environment. This standard applies to practitioners who support individuals in maintaining their domestic and personal resources. It will be particularly relevant to support workers or care assistants who support individuals living in their own homes or in group living environments such as residential care or community housing. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 1

Knowledge and Understanding

You will need to know and understand:

1. why it is important for you and others to value difference and promote tolerance
2. the effect which culture, background, beliefs and preferences may have on aspects of daily living
3. the diverse experiences and perspectives of people and the benefits of diversity in a multi-cultural society
4. the assumptions and oppressions which surround different groups what constitutes discrimination, both direct and indirect
5. your own values, beliefs and attitudes, and how they could impact on your work
6. why personal protection and hygiene are important
7. why individuals should be encouraged to be as self managing as possible
8. the meaning of ‘safe' in relation to the living environment, how this may differ for different individuals, and the different forms which safety and security risks may take
9. the safety and security options available to different individuals in terms of the resources which are available, the cost of the various options and how they apply to different circumstances
10. the possible effects of misusing electrical equipment
11. the ways in which environments may be made ‘over secure' and the problems that can result
12. the different forms which security may take such as asking for and providing identification, ID badges
13. the action that should be taken where there are safety and security risks to the individual, self and others

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. agree the level of support required by the individual with them and encourage them to be as self-managing as possible
2. encourage and help individuals to get hold of and act on information about maintaining safety and security in their home
3. encourage individuals to recognise the need for cleaning and to clean to a standard which is likely to maintain the safety of their health
4. support individuals:
1. to select appropriate cleaning materials and equipment
2. to use and store materials and equipment in a manner which minimises risk to self and others
3. in taking appropriate measures to operate appliances safely
4. to dispose of waste in a safe manner and appropriate place
5. to store potentially hazardous substances in a safe place
5. use the individual's preferred methods if you carry out cleaning on their behalf where these are consistent with others' health and safety
6. give information on the use and maintenance of equipment accurately in a manner, and at a level and pace, appropriate to the individual when this is required
7. encourage and help individuals to take appropriate measures to secure their home against unwelcome visitors and intruders
8. clearly inform individuals about when and how to ask for help on safety and security matters
9. take appropriate action in response to anything of concern which may endanger the health, safety or security of the individual or others

Additional Information

This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health. This standard replaced MH31. This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004): Dimension: HWB4 Enablement to Address Health and Wellbeing Needs