Some states have introduced laws that will make infection control training mandatory for assisted living facilities. Staff members will now have to undergo targeted training to minimize the risk of infection-related outbreaks at senior care homes. This is a step in the right direction, as a clean and hygienic environment enhances seniors’ quality of life and keeps the spread of germs and infections to residents, staff and visitors in check.
In this regard, there are some basic infection-control practices that assisted living centers, hospitals and medical facilities in general employ. While these may seem rudimentary, they play a critical role in ensuring safety and hygiene. At our senior care facilities in Northern California, we have established strict health and safety policies.
A look at some of the basic health and safety practices at elder care facilities
Reusing fingerstick devices
The FDA has clearly said that fingerstick devices must be used by a single patient only and not reused among several patients. Devices used for drawing blood from patients for blood sugar analysis, should not be reused even among family members. Only those who analyze their own blood sugar can reuse these devices, after preferably cleaning and disinfecting them with care.
Environmental control
It is important that assisted living facilities give due attention to keeping the environs clean. Nightstands and bedside tables should be routinely cleaned, and beds, walkers, wheelchairs and rails need to be sanitized. The littering resulting from food and drinks should also be cleared away immediately. The staff should be vigilant in ensuring that the established cleaning practices are being followed without fail. In many larger senior care centers, professional cleaning services may be engaged for deep cleaning of carpets, upholstery and kitchen cleaning, among other things. From anti-mildew and anti-static treatment for carpets to disinfection of showers and washrooms, most cleaning services offer comprehensive assistance.
Using gloves the right way
Wearing gloves to perform certain tasks at assisted living centers is common, but there are some best practices that should not be overlooked. Like fingerstick devices, gloves are one-use only; they should be disposed off after each use. This is regardless of whether the gloves have come in contact with body fluid, bedpans, urinals or urine bags. It is not uncommon to see gloves being thrown into red bags after use, in nursing homes and hospitals. Importantly, even though the gloves act as a protective barrier, staff should wash their hands immediately after removing their gloves.
If the patient care activity in question involves fluid splashes or sprays, masks and other eye protection solutions are crucial. It is also important that staff performing such duties wear a gown to prevent their clothing from getting soiled in the event that it comes in contact with body fluids
