Infection Control

Infection control is a safety issue for all since managing the spread of infections is a major part of maintaining your health. The single most important way to decrease the spread of infections is good hand washing. A goo hand washing should last 15-30 seconds using soap and water. Rub your hands together in a circular motion to generate friction. Rub all sides of your hands and between your fingers. Point hands downward and rinse with water. Dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towels. It is good if you can provide home health professionals with the specific location to wash their hands with antibacterial soap and paper towels.

DISPOSAL OF ITEMS AND EQUIPMENT

You will need to assist in disposing of care items and equipment. Place items such as disposable diapers, plastic tubing, or dressings in a garbage bag. It is best to have a separate waste basket or lined box to use to dispose of patient care items. When the bag is almost full, secure the opening with a tie. Place the bag inside another bag and place beside your trash.

CARING FOR ITEMS THAT ARE NOT DISPOSABLE

Equipment used by patient should be cleaned at least three times a week or when obviously soiled. Equipment can be cleaned with hot soapy water, wiped down with a household cleaner, or with a disposable antibacterial cleaning wipe. Thermometers should be cleaned with alcohol before and after each use.

PRESENCE OF BLOOD AND/OR BODY FLUIDS

If there are blood or body fluids that the care provider has to manage, gloves should be worn. Spills should be cleaned up after putting on gloves. Use paper towels to wipe up the spill and follow with a household bleach solution to clean the area. For the bleach solution use one part bleach and ten parts water. Double bag anything you must dispose of and place in the trash unless otherwise instructed.

SHARP OBJECTS

Because there is the potential for sharp objects used on the patient to contaminate another person by inadequate disposal it is important to understand appropriate disposal of sharp objects. The following items are to be disposed of in a NON FLEXIBLE container such as an empty liquid laundry detergent bottle.