As flu season descends upon us, maintaining good hand hygiene becomes more critical than ever. It serves as our first line of defense and is particularly crucial for caregivers and seniors, who are often the most vulnerable to such ailments. Make sure you have the information you need to maintain hand hygiene during the holidays.
Understanding Hand Hygiene
When discussing hand hygiene, we're speaking of more than a quick rinse under the tap. Proper hand hygiene involves thoroughly washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly before meals and after using the restroom. It's a fundamental practice to prevent the spread of infections like the flu, safeguarding caregivers and seniors from illness.
Best Practices for Maintaining Hand Hygiene
Keep these best practices in mind when maintaining hand hygiene.
1. Make Soap Readily Available
A simple yet effective step in ensuring good hand hygiene is making soap readily available at every sink. This encourages regular handwashing, which in turn helps reduce the risk of infection. Using a liquid or foam soap with a mild fragrance can make handwashing a pleasant experience, encouraging regular practice among seniors.
2. Keep Hand Wipes and Sanitizer Handy
Next, consider keeping hand wipes and sanitizer in your car. Traveling subjects us to a variety of surfaces and environments, many of which are breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. Having these products on hand helps maintain hand hygiene when handwashing isn't feasible. Opt for sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content and use wipes that are gentle on the skin but effective against germs.
3. Clean Surfaces Regularly
Last but not least, it's crucial to know what surfaces in the home require regular cleaning. Shared surfaces, such as door handles, kitchen countertops, bathroom fixtures, and remote controls, often harbor a multitude of germs. Regularly disinfecting these surfaces can significantly reduce the chance of flu virus transmission. Use a household disinfectant and pay attention to these areas during your routine cleaning.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Hand Hygiene
In addition to the practices mentioned above, it's important to instill the habit of regular handwashing among seniors. Remember, the key to effective handwashing is doing it properly and often. Encourage them to lather soap and scrub their hands for at least 20 seconds, covering all regions - between the fingers, under the nails, and up to the wrists.
Utilizing disposable gloves can also contribute to maintaining hand hygiene in certain situations. For instance, gloves can act as an additional barrier against germs when caring for a sick person or handling waste. However, do not allow gloves to be a substitute for handwashing; washing hands before putting on gloves and after removing them is essential.
Finally, avoid touching your face, especially the mouth, eyes, or nose, as it can accelerate the spread of the virus. Teach seniors to do the same, as this can significantly decrease the possibility of contracting the flu.
Get More Help During Flu Season and Beyond
Are you living in Chesterfield, Ballwin, West County, South County, or Jefferson County and looking for more assistance in senior care? Don't hesitate to reach out to our team at Senior Helpers St. Charles. We're committed to providing the utmost care for seniors and helping you maintain a safe and healthy environment for them.