When starting or finishing a placement, a thorough handover will help to safeguard clients, your fellow carers and yourself when delivering care. By the end of a handover, the inbound carer should be comfortable with all aspects of the personal and domestic needs that are required throughout the placement.
You can find a detailed overview of handovers at Elder in our Carer Standards here.
What time do handovers take place?
Handovers at Elder start at 12:30pm, and should typically finish around 2pm. Inbound carers are expected to be on time for the handover, so if you’re starting a new placement it’s important to organise your travel in advance and allow enough time for any potential delays. We strongly recommend that you contact the outbound carer prior to the handover (their details will be available in the ‘Schedule’ section of the Elder Hub 48 hours in advance).
If you are running late for a handover, please inform Elder as soon as possible and let us know what time you expect to arrive. It’s very important to let us know so that we can update the customer and outbound carer, and make alternative arrangements if necessary. If you are consistently late to placements, you may be removed from the platform, so please arrive on time.
What should be prepared before a handover?
Please make sure the household is ready for the inbound carer. Here are the expectations:
Bedroom - fresh bedding and towels are available for the next carer
Kitchen - clean surfaces, cupboard doors, hob etc.
Washing - ensure all linens, towels and clothes are clean
Washroom - clean the bathroom sink, mirror, bath and toilet
Meals - ensure at least one day’s worth of food and supplies are available
Floors - hoover and mop the floors
What should be reviewed during the handover?
Care needs – anything that is not included in the profile
Routines – what does an average day and week look like?
Medication – where to find them and when they’re taken during the day
Family – how does the family involve themselves in day-to-day care needs?
Appointments – are there any social or medical dates in the diary?
Preferences and interests – what are the likes and dislikes of the client?
Meals – what are the client’s food preferences and dietary needs?
Local information – what's the bin collection date, and where is the closest shop?
Household equipment – how to use the washing machine/oven/dryer
Main contact details - family, GP, pharmacist and specialists
Safety - where's the fuse box? Are there any safes or special keys?
WiFi - how to access the internet
Day and night-time - what are the client’s morning and evening routines?
Disclaimer: It's important to comply with Data Protection law by ensuring the customer has consented to have any records about the client/family shared between carers. Please remember to always collect permission before sharing information about your client with others beyond Elder staff.
What should be done when starting a new placement?
Meet and introduce yourself to the client
Familiarise yourself with the Care Profile and associated documents
Understand any changes to the care recipient's health and routine