Methods to prevent infections in the home setting must be used by family caregivers. Since most family members are not trained in medical procedures, some basic infection control practices for home care are recommended.
Handwashing Handwashing is the most important means of preventing the spread of infection.
Blood and Other Body Fluids All blood and body fluids should be handled as if they can transmit disease. Therefore, wear gloves when touching:
Follow all procedures explained by the doctor and nursing professionals.
Needles and Sharp Items Insulin syringes and any other sharp devices like those used for checking blood sugar, should be placed in a rigid container to prevent needlesticks or other injuries.
Keep containers in a safe location in or near the area where they are used. If young children live in or visit the home special precautions should be taken to store and secure the containers.
Check local regulations for disposal of sharps.
Environmental Cleaning Disinfection in the home is necessary to provide a safe environment for care.
Cleaning Regular cleaning - dusting/vacuuming should be done as needed, as well as mopping floors if indicated.
Kitchen Safe food handling practices are important to good health.
Keep counter tops, stoves, refrigerators clean. Antibacterial cleaners help to keep germs at bay.
If storing medication in the refrigerator, try to keep it on the top shelf, protected from contamination (plastic zip lock bag). This may not be possible but do your best to observe for any drips or spills that may occur.
Dishwashers may be used or wash dishes in hot, soapy water making sure to rinse well. It is not necessary to wash patient's dishes separately or to keep a separate set for their use.
Wash fresh fruits and vegetables under running water prior to eating or cooking, if allowed on the diet.
Don't share eating/drinking utensils.
If cooking, do not use the same spoon over again when tasting foods.
Bath Room Change towels and washcloths daily. Use disposable bathroom cups. Use covered individual toothbrush holders, not a common holder. Get a new toothbrush every month or so.
Use a bleach solution or antimicrobial cleaner for cleaning toilets and bathroom fixtures.
***Remember - bleach removes color from fabric and some materials, so be careful; test a small hidden area first!
Do not share razors, toothbrushes, washcloths or towels.
"Sick Room" Keeping your loved one's bedroom or other "sick room" clean is important.
Bedding should be clean and fresh and changed as necessary. Wash clothes and bedding with laundry soap at the temperature required by the manufacturer. Dry-cleaning is also an effective means of cleaning for certain items requiring it.
Medical Supplies Medical supplies should be kept in a clean, dry location.
They may be stored on a table-top or clean closed cupboard or closet. Store away from bright sunlight (not on windowsills) and heat sources (away from radiators/vents).
Sterile supplies that get wet during storage are no longer sterile. Do not store dressings on sinks or toilet tanks.
Medical Waste Sharps (needles, razor blades, razors, broken glass) - place in rigid container.
Dressings - Diapers - Gloves used in patient care - Paper towels used to clean up contamination: Place in plastic bag and tie. Discard with trash. Know the Signs and Symptoms of Infection Call your doctor or other health care provider for further guidance. Report symptoms promptly.
Pet Care Our pets are important to us, but a few precautions should be taken.
Pets should be kept away from medical equipment and supplies.
Medical waste should be removed from the home promptly and placed in cans with tight fitting lids to keep pets from coming in contact.
Hands should be washed after petting animals.
Pets should have routine veterinary visits to assure they are healthy and don't infect their owners.
Care should be taken when cleaning fish tanks, litter boxes or bird cages, especially when caring for patients with a suppressed immune system (HIV, cancer patients). Germs found in droppings can be deadly to certain patients. Patients should not clean these items. Caregivers should wash hands very carefully after performing this task.
Flu Vaccine The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend influenza (flu) vaccine for the following persons who can transmit influenza to people they care for or live with:
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