How To Control and Prevent Infection at Home
Ever feel like germs are lurking around every corner at home, especially when you’re caring for a loved one? It’s a natural concern. When providing care within the home, whether for elderly relatives, individuals with disabilities, or those recovering from illness, maintaining a clean and healthy environment is paramount. At Onecare World Health, we understand that infection control isn’t just about cleanliness; it’s about creating a safe and comfortable space where your loved ones can thrive.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with practical tips and strategies for effective infection control and prevention in the home care setting.
Why Infection Control Matters in Home Care
Infection prevention is crucial in any care setting, whether at home, surgical site, hospital; but it takes on particular importance in the home environment. Here’s why
- Vulnerable Individuals: Many individuals receiving home care, particularly the elderly and those with chronic health conditions, have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections.
- Close Contact: Home care often involves close physical contact between caregivers and clients, increasing the risk of transmission.
- Home as a Hub: The home, while a place of comfort, can also harbour germs. Regular cleaning and disinfection are essential to minimise risks.
- Preventing Hospital Readmissions: Infections can lead to hospitalisations, disrupting care routines and impacting well-being. Effective infection control helps prevent these readmissions.
- Maintaining Quality of Life: Preventing infections contributes significantly to the overall quality of life for both the client and their caregivers, promoting comfort and well-being.
Impact of Infections: Statistics and Realities
While precise statistics on home care-related infections are difficult to gather, data from related settings highlights the importance of infection control:
- Studies suggest that healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affect millions of people each year. While these statistics primarily focus on hospitals, the principles of infection prevention are relevant in all care settings.
- Respiratory infections, such as influenza and pneumonia, are a significant concern for older adults and those with compromised immune systems. According to the Office for National Statistics, influenza and pneumonia are among the leading causes of death in the UK, particularly among the elderly.
- Gastrointestinal infections, often spread through poor hygiene practices, can also be a significant concern, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems.
These statistics underscore the importance of implementing robust infection control measures in the home care environment.
Key Principles of Infection Control
Effective infection control in home care revolves around several key principles:
Hand Hygiene: The First Line of Defense
Frequent and proper handwashing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections.
- When to Wash: Wash hands before and after providing care, before preparing food, after using the toilet, after coughing or sneezing, and after contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
- How to Wash: Use soap and warm running water. Lather for at least 20 seconds, ensuring all surfaces of the hands are cleaned. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel or hand dryer. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol.
Respiratory Hygiene: Covering Coughs and Sneezes
Respiratory droplets can spread infections like colds and flu.
- Coughing and Sneezing Etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of the tissue immediately and wash your hands. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands
Surface Cleaning and Disinfection
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces can help eliminate germs.
- Cleaning vs. Disinfection: Cleaning removes dirt and germs, while disinfection kills germs. Use a household cleaner for cleaning and a disinfectant solution for disinfection.
- Key Surfaces: Focus on cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, countertops, bathroom fixtures, and remote controls.
- Disinfectant Use: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using disinfectants. Ensure proper contact time for effective disinfection.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Using PPE, such as gloves and aprons, can create a barrier between caregivers and germs.
- When to Use: Use gloves when providing personal care, handling bodily fluids, or cleaning contaminated surfaces. Use aprons to protect clothing from spills or contamination.
- Proper Use and Disposal: Use gloves only once and dispose of them properly after each use. Wash your hands after removing gloves.
Waste Disposal
Proper waste disposal is essential to prevent the spread of infection.
- Contaminated Waste: Dispose of contaminated waste, such as soiled dressings or tissues, in a lined bin. Tie the bag securely and dispose of it according to local regulations.
Laundry Practices
Washing laundry properly can help eliminate germs from clothing and linens.
- Washing Temperatures: Wash contaminated laundry at high temperatures (at least 60°C) whenever possible.
- Separate Laundry: Wash contaminated laundry separately from other items.
Specific Considerations for Home Care
- Medication Management: Ensure proper hygiene when handling medications. Wash hands before and after handling medication containers or administering medications.
- Personal Care: When providing personal care, such as bathing or dressing, use gloves and maintain proper hygiene practices.
- Food Handling: Practice safe food handling techniques to prevent foodborne illnesses. Wash hands before preparing food, use separate cutting boards for raw and cooked foods, and cook food to the appropriate temperature.
- Pet Hygiene: If the client has pets, ensure they are properly cared for and that their living areas are kept clean.
Onecare World Health's Commitment to Infection Control
At Onecare World Health’s, we prioritise the health and safety of our clients and caregivers. We have robust infection control policies and procedures in place, and our caregivers receive regular training on infection prevention best practices.
We believe that by implementing these strategies, we can create a safer and healthier environment for everyone involved in the home care experience.