Screening is performed by an emergency medical technician (EMT) when called to a home.
Screening items:
(1) Is there the smell of an unusual odor (urine, feces, other)?
(2) Is there extreme disarray or hoarding inside of the home?
(3) Does the living environment pose a health or safety concern (fire hazard, rodent infestation, etc)
(4) Is the patient isolated in the home?
(5) Does the patient appear depressed, anxious or emotionally distressed for reasons other than any immediate medical condition?
(6) Does the patient have poor personal hygiene?
(7) Is the patient inadequately clothed or wearing dirty, torn or soiled clothing?
(8) Does the patient have difficulties taking prescribed medications as directed?
(9) Does the patient appear to be hoarding or saving old medications?
(10) Does the patient have unmet needs for assistance with activities of daily living (eating, toileting, transferring, dressing, bathing)?
Screening items for when a caregiver is present:
(11) Does the caregiver appear to lack knowledge of the patient's medical needs?
(12) Is the caregiver unengaged or inattentive in caring for the patient?
(13) Is the caregiver frustrated, tired, angry or burdened by the patient?
(14) Does the caregiver appear overly concerned (hovering, anxious, etc)?
Interpretation:
• A positive screen was a positive response to any of the items.
