The flu and common cold season can be an especially concerning time for seniors. Out of all age groups, seniors are most susceptible to developing more serious symptoms if they become infected. The importance of hand hygiene is a key defense against the spread of viruses and bacteria within communities. However, it can be difficult for a senior to remember to properly clean their hands. In this guide, we will go over the most effective techniques for practicing hand hygiene year-round in elderly households.
Hand Hygiene Techniques to Start Practicing
Let's go over the steps of proper hand hygiene in further detail.
Washing Hands for at Least 20 Seconds
The CDC recommends that you wash your hands with soap under running water for at least 20 seconds. To ensure that you have removed any germs or dirt, you should rub all areas of your hands together, including the outer parts, palms, and between the fingers and thumbs.
Using Soap and Water
Wash your hands with soap and running water. Other than for healthcare providers in healthcare settings, the CDC recommends using plain (not antibacterial) soap. Hand sanitizers are also effective but should not take the place of regular handwashing with soap and water.
Avoiding Touching Eyes, Nose, and Mouth
People touch their faces more than they may realize. In fact, one study with ten subjects showed them touching their face 16 times an hour. Germs are most easily spread when you touch your face—your eyes, nose, and mouth included. This is because mucous membranes (like the inner portions of your eyelids and nostrils) have open pathways that make it easy for germs to enter the body. To avoid getting sick from possible contaminants or bacteria on your hands, try not to rest them near or on your face.
Disinfecting Surfaces
The CDC says, "Most studies have shown that the flu virus can live and potentially infect a person for up to 48 hours after being deposited on a surface."
To avoid transferring germs from communal spaces to your skin or face, wipe down any surfaces that you come into contact with a disinfecting cloth or solution. Follow the directions on the disinfectant for the best results.
Helping Seniors to Remember Good Hand Hygiene Techniques
If you're caring for a senior, hand hygiene can be challenging to remember. Here are some tips on how to help remind your family member:
- Place a timer near the sink so that the timer goes off after 20 seconds—reminding them when they need to stop washing their hands.
- Set reminders (like sticky notes) throughout their home or on items like fridge handles that serve as an extra reminder before touching those surfaces with unclean hands.
- Make sure that soap is within easy reach of any area where they frequently use water.
- Keep bottles of hand sanitizer around the house, too, in case running water isn't available at all times. Providing lotion is also helpful in avoiding dry skin.
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Another way to offer seniors the care they need is through personalized in-home caregiving services from Senior Helpers Gastonia. If your senior loved one lives in or around Gastonia, Iron Station, Belmont, McAdenville, or Dallas, contact us today to learn more about our services.