Hand Washing and In-Home Services

 

Since the advent of the global Coronavirus Pandemic, hand washing has been placed at the fore front for prevention practices. It has always been important to wash the hands after visiting the restroom, taking out the garbage, changing the baby's diaper, using household cleansers, or any other job where the hands may come in contact with dirt, bacteria, or germs. It is factual from multiple sources that the largest percent of all infectious diseases in people of all ages is transmitted by touching someone. When germs enter the body, they do so through the nose, mouth, eyes, the genital tract, or where there are breaks in the skin. Home care Tucson has some useful info for you;

Why It Is Essential?

Washing the hands is essential when taking care of an older adult, or a sick individual. As a caregiver, your hands are involved in everything inside the home. You are responsible for taking care of hygiene needs if the older adult can not do it themselves. You administer medication, help clean the house, bathe your senior loved one if they need assistance, and you take out the garbage. Hand washing is vital after each duty you perform especially when you give medication. You prepare the meals, and hand washing should be done after preparing meat. The hands are washed several times when in the kitchen.

How to Wash Hands Properly?

Washing hands properly is most important. Many people do not know how to wash their hands the right way. First, run some water over the hands to get them wet. Then, apply liquid soap if it is available, otherwise, use bar soap. Lather and scrub the hands for at least 10-15 seconds. Pay close attention to the nails, around your rings, and in between the fingers. Rinse your hands thoroughly with warm running water. Dry your hands with a paper towel, or a clean cloth towel. Turn the water off with the towel not with your hands touching the faucet.

The hands should be washed after performing any service. Parkinsons home care pushes the factor that older adults are very susceptible to germs and bacteria. As caregiver, you have the responsibility of keeping the germ and bacteria free. Sometimes, the hands are sensitive, and they crack from dryness. This can occur from constant washing. It is good to have a non allergenic lotion to put on your hands throughout the day. Visitors who come into the house should also wash their hands especially if they are coming in close contact with your senior loved one.

Use of Hand Sanitizer

Having hand sanitizer handy is a good substitute when hand washing with soap and water is not possible. It is also important that the older adult keeps their hands clean by washing them several times during the day. You may need to assist with this task because your senior loved one may not scrub the hands properly. Under the nails is where dirt may exist, and they may not clean them as they should. Hand washing is one of the big themes today with the pandemic. Everyone should be well aware that washing their hands properly can be life saving.