There are clear guidelines around hygiene and infection prevention , but the problem lies in the implementation. There is still much room for improvement in nursing homes, residential care centers and home care. Experts from assisted living in Portland OR gives the following 6 tips for better hygiene in elderly care. The tips are particularly suitable for healthcare professionals.
1. Hand hygiene is the most important thing
But be aware: washing or disinfecting your hands for a long time does not mean that you are doing well. You can wash your hands for a long time and still skip your right thumb. This often happens to people who are on the right.
2. No rings and watches
If colleagues wear rings or watches or artificial nails, talk to each other and keep doing that. Even if you observe other things that allow you to pass infections from one client to another.
3. Wear gloves
Wear gloves or just wash your hands well? Non-sterile gloves are also more hygienic than well-washed hands. For example, bacteria always remain under your nails. When you put on gloves, remember not only when you put them on, but also when they need to be taken off, so don't go to multiple clients with the same gloves. If you have a wound on your hands, always wear gloves. But never disinfect gloves, otherwise holes will be created.
4. Explain the reason for gloves and aprons
In home care, clients sometimes resist the use of gloves or aprons. "A client recently said to me, 'Am I so dirty then?' It is then important to explain why you wear it. That requires creativity. For example: “You don't know where I've been before… (!)” With a good explanation you will understand.
5. Do not use waist bags
This is a source of bacteria, because the fanny pack often hangs in a bed. During use: clean at least daily.
6. Be careful with mobile phones
There are special disinfect wipes for this. But, for example, also leave the phone outside the room of clients who are infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
