Blog, Care homes
Reinforce hand hygiene measures in long term care facilities advises CDC
Apr
“Keep COVID-19 from entering your facility”
As coronavirus cases continue to spread across the globe, care home and long term care facilities (LTCFs) are now proving to be a particular cause for concern.
Once the illness enters such community, there is a “high risk of spread”, so implementing a barrier strategy – preventing it from gaining access in the first place – will do more than anything to “…protect residents, families, and staff from serious illness, complications, and death” states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
Hand wash training, awareness raising and facilities
Healthcare personnel (HCP) must be appropriately trained and educated says the guidance.
“Reinforce adherence to standard infection prevention and control measures including hand hygiene and selection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). “
Residents and visitors (though few in numbers these days) must be constantly reminded of the importance of social distances and appropriate hand hygiene methods.
And of course, they must have facilities provided for hand washing in areas where they are needed.
In the UK, Department of Health Guidelines Prevention and control of infection in care homes states
“Hand hygiene facilities that include, as a minimum, a hand wash basin, supplied with hot and cold water, (preferably via a mixer tap), liquid soap and disposable paper towels, should be available and easily accessible.”
Preparing for COVID-19: Long-term Care Facilities, Nursing Homes »
Mobile hand washing units for care homes and home care »
The units can provide back-up support for existing hand washing facilities, can be used in rest areas for residents, or in reception hallways for visitors and staff.
They are easy to use and as they can be placed at point of need are ideal for residents, who may have restricted mobility, allowing them to have access to warm water in their own rooms.