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Lone Working
Many of our carers work alone in clients' homes. While this is a normal part of domiciliary care, it requires specific awareness, preparation, and communication to ensure your safety at all times.
What is Lone Working?
Lone working means carrying out your duties without direct supervision or the immediate presence of a colleague. In home care, this is common — you will often be the only member of staff in a client's home. First Choice Healthcare has a dedicated lone working policy to protect you, and you must follow it at all times.
Your Lone Working Responsibilities
Staying Safe
Managing Risk
Risk assessments are carried out for every client and their home environment. These assessments identify risks relevant to lone working, including the neighbourhood, access arrangements, pets, and any behavioural concerns. Read the risk assessment before your first visit to any new client and report any changes in circumstances to your manager.
Communication Protocols
- Check in with the office or your manager at the start and end of each shift
- If you cannot reach your manager, contact the 24/7 support line on 0330 016 4609
- If you are running late to a visit, inform the office before the scheduled start time
- Report any incidents, near-misses, or concerns during lone working immediately
If You Feel Unsafe
Your safety is the priority. If you feel threatened, intimidated, or at risk during a lone visit, leave the situation calmly and immediately. Do not confront anyone. Move to a safe location, call your manager, and if necessary call 999. You will never be penalised for removing yourself from a situation where you feel unsafe.