Infection Control

Infection Control

Infections that occur in care homes are serious and can be life-threatening in some cases. These can exacerbate the underlying medical condition and prevent recovery. Prevention and control of infection is essential.

Here are some important steps to help prevent the infection.

Hand Contamination:

Hand hygiene is the most effective way of controlling the spread of infection.

Hand hygiene should be performed;

• Immediately before providing care to a resident
• After providing care to a resident
• Immediately after being exposed to any body fluids
• Immediately after touching a person’s surroundings (chairs, doorknobs, etc.), if this may be contaminating your hands
• After taking off protective gloves

Personal protective clothing:

Personal protective equipment (PPE) selection should be based on task assessment and risk to caregivers and residents. Disposable gloves and aprons protect both caregivers and residents from the risk of cross-infection.

To reduce the risk;

• You should wear each item only once
• Gloves should be worn just before providing care & removed immediately afterwards
• Gloves need to be changed between care tasks for different people
• All used items should be properly disposed of

Waste disposal:

Healthcare wastes can spread the infection. To help prevent infection;

• You need to be aware of how to label and store medical waste
• Put the waste in the container immediately
• Residents and their friends & family should know how to handle, store, and dispose the waste

For more information on infection control, get in touch.

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