Workplace violence is escalating at an alarming rate. The home health care field is a particularly vulnerable area because services are provided to a cross-section of the community, and the care is provided within the community rather than within a contained structure. Home health care employers are encouraged to develop effective workplace violence prevention programs that include control measure strategies within the office and in the field, coupled with diversified education programs. Educating staff and maintaining open communication with all employees will serve to contain the costs of the agency as well as to allay staff anxieties, thereby maintaining productivity.
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