As the season of flu and cold draws near, it is essential for elderly individuals, in particular, to practice effective hand hygiene techniques. Poor hand hygiene can easily contribute to the spread of germs that cause illnesses and other infections. In order to ensure safety among senior households this season, caregivers should be aware of when they need to wash their hands, as well as how preventative measures like hand washing can reduce instances of illness.
When to Wash Hands
Washing your hands frequently is important for minimizing the risk of illness or infection. Here are some key moments to remember when it comes to hand washing:
- Before preparing food or eating
- Before and after caring for someone who is sick
- After using the restroom
- After coughing or sneezing
- After touching animal waste, animals, garbage, or treating a cut or wound.
Over the course of the day, that may feel as though it means a lot of hand washing! However, any time you touch something unsanitary, move to and from caring for someone who is ill, or encounter germs, you have the potential to spread germs and illness. By planning to wash your hands regularly, you can improve overall hand hygiene and prevent the spread of illness when sharing a home with an elderly loved one.
Dry Techniques for Hand Washing
There are several strategies you can use to keep your hands clean between washes in the sink with soap and water.
- Hand sanitizer
- Moist towelettes with at least 60% alcohol solution
- Aerosol mist
The Benefits of Effective Hand Hygiene
Effective hand hygiene is essential for elderly households this season. If a household can properly practice effective hand hygiene, there are many positive benefits that can be seen! These include:
- Reducing the risk of infection, especially when caring for a loved one who may have open wounds or sores. Ineffective hand hygiene substantially increases the overall risk of infection.
- Stopping the spread of germs. While hand-washing is not the only defense against germs, regularly washing hands can help reduce the spread and keep everyone in the household healthier.
- Protecting elderly individuals from catching potentially dangerous illnesses and infections.
By taking proper precautions with washing hands frequently and thoroughly throughout the day, caregivers in an elderly home can help to protect their loved ones and keep them safe against harmful germs. Unfortunately, this simple strategy is one that many caregivers or family members can easily overlook, especially if they aren't in the habit of practicing good hand hygiene.
Get Help Caring for Elderly Loved Ones
During cold and flu season, it's often particularly important to ensure that you have caregivers in place who can help protect elderly loved ones, reducing the need to go out and helping to keep them active and engaged at home, offering help with tasks of daily living, or simply coming in to offer companionship. At Senior Helpers Lincoln, Yuba City, we offer a variety of in-home care options for seniors in Lincoln, Newcastle, Rio Oso, Sheridan, Wheatland, Marysville, Olivehurst, and Yuba City that can help keep seniors healthier. Contact us today to learn more about our experience and our options for in-home care.