N2

Low fall risk, safe environment

Skilled safety assessment completed. The fall-risk screen is low — no falls in the past year, a steady gait, no orthostatic symptoms, appropriate footwear, and no high-risk medications. A home walkthrough found no significant hazards, and medications are stored safely and understood. Emergency preparedness is adequate with a working phone, posted contacts, and functioning detectors. Findings indicate a safe environment. RN-level assessment was required to complete the fall-risk and hazard screen and reconcile the regimen given the diagnosis. Ongoing hazard awareness and the warning signs to report reinforced; teach-back accurate. Continued skilled monitoring indicated.

N3

Medication safety established

Skilled safety assessment focused on medication safety completed. Medications are reconciled against the current orders, organized in a clearly labeled weekly system, and stored safely out of reach of grandchildren; there are no duplications and no expired medications, and the patient understands the regimen. No high-risk combination is present. Findings indicate established medication safety. RN-level assessment was required to reconcile the regimen, evaluate storage and organization, and screen for high-risk and duplicated medications. Safe storage and the system reinforced; teach-back accurate. Continued skilled monitoring indicated.

N4

Oxygen safety and emergency prep verified

Skilled safety assessment completed for a patient on home oxygen. The oxygen is stored and used safely — away from open flames and heat sources, with tubing secured to reduce trip risk — and “no smoking” precautions are observed; smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors function, a working phone with emergency contacts is available, and a backup plan for the oxygen concentrator in a power outage is in place. Findings indicate verified oxygen safety and emergency preparedness. RN-level assessment was required to evaluate oxygen safety and the emergency plan given the equipment dependence. Oxygen safety and emergency procedures reinforced; teach-back accurate. Continued skilled monitoring indicated.

N5

Hazards corrected, gait supported

Skilled safety assessment completed after prior hazard correction. The previously identified throw rugs and cluttered walkway have been addressed and remain clear, and the patient ambulates safely with the device on the cleared path; bathroom grab bars are used correctly. Medications remain organized and reconciled. Findings indicate sustained hazard reduction. RN-level assessment was required to confirm the corrections are maintained, reassess gait safety on the modified environment, and screen for new hazards. Ongoing hazard reduction and device use reinforced; return demonstration accurate. Continued skilled monitoring indicated.

N6

Caregiver-supported safety plan

Skilled safety assessment completed. With caregiver involvement, the safety plan is maintained — the home is kept clear, medications are administered by the caregiver from an organized system, and a means to summon help is established; the caregiver demonstrated the emergency plan. No new hazards or medication concerns. Findings indicate an adequate caregiver-supported safety plan. RN-level assessment was required to confirm the plan meets needs, evaluate medication administration, and screen for new risk. The caregiver was reinforced on hazard reduction, medication safety, and the emergency plan; teach-back accurate. Continued skilled monitoring indicated.