Senior Care Services – Hand Washing
Most people, especially in senior care services, consider it worthwhile to do everything they can to stay healthy. There are also some steps to avoid infections, and in the case of seniors living at home, their less effective immune systems make it very important for caregivers to help them avoid infections. By observing the recommendations listed below, one can avoid a great many infections. Seniors who may have compromised health systems can enjoy a better quality of life.
Keep hands washed
It’s a known fact that microbes have the ability to live on various surfaces for up to a period of several months. Such disease-causing microbes might be alive and living on almost any surface within the home. These can include light switches, door handles, computer keyboards, and even your television remote control. To eliminate the possibility of transmitting these microbes from those surfaces to your own body, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and then dry with either a clean towel or a paper towel.
Often, seniors’ energy levels and attention to detail decline which can affect their hygiene habits. Someone who was once meticulous about their appearance and home may no longer keep up with chores or bathe regularly. While housekeeping services can help with chores, there is no substitute for hand hygiene. Proper hand-washing is a vital part of infection control, and dirty hands spread viruses and bacteria that can cause respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal illnesses, flu, and coronavirus (COVID-19).
Ways to encourage hand-washing
Instead of telling your loved one to wash their hands, squirt soap in their hands or share your favorite soap because you like the way it smells. Another helpful approach is handing them a soapy cloth or merely giving them the tools to clean their hands.
For a partner who needs help hand-washing, suggesting you need help with hand-washing builds trust and then offers to handwash in turn. Placing a soap dispenser near the sink, for those who’ve had strokes, where they can access it more easily and see it as a reminder is helpful. A sign reminding your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia to wash their hands is helpful. They may not realize they haven’t washed their hands. Singing a song, telling a story, or doing a dance while you wash your hands also works wonders.
Visit our Personal Care Assistance page to see how we can help!
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