Home4Life In-Home Services

Infection Control

 

Although home care has expanded in scope and intensity in the United States in the past decade, infection surveillance, prevention, and control efforts have lagged behind. Valid and reliable definitions and methods for surveillance are needed. Prevention and control efforts are largely based upon acute-care practices, many of which may be unnecessary, impractical, and expensive in a home setting. Infectious disease control principles should form the basis of training home-care providers to assess infection risk and develop prevention strategies.

 

Questions and Answers

 

Q: What is the best way to prevent an infected pressure ulcer?

 

To make sure the person does not get one at all.

 

Q: What causes a pressure ulcer?

 

Causes of pressure ulcers are slumped and non-repositioned areas of the skin. Pressure ulcers can ultimately cause death.

 

Q: How often should the Professional move and/or turn their person?

 

A person should be moved and/or turned at least every two hours.  

 

Q: What does a pressure ulcer contain?

 

A pressure ulcer contains bacteria that not only causes infection to the person but to others as well. Infection may spread to the rest of the body causing fever and confusion. All infections or suspicions of infections should be reported to the agency.

 

Q: What are signs of an infected area?

 

Signs are red and swollen areas with open wounds. Wounds may possess yellow/green pus with a foul smell.

 

Q: What is the best way for a Professional to prevent infection to a senior?

 

Professionals should practice frequent basic hand washing.

 

Q: How long should hand washing occur and how often?

 

Hand washing should occur for about 15-30 seconds with friction occurring from one hand to the other. Home Care workers should wash their hands every time they are switching from one task to another.

 

Q: What temperature is appropriate for clean hands?

 

A comfortable warm temperature is good for hand washing.

 

Q: What substance is also sufficient for hand washing?

 

Alcohol based hand rubs such as hand sanitizer are good for hand washing. Make sure that the substance covers all parts of the hands including the palm and fingers and continue to rub all over hands until dry.

 

Q: How can a Professionals avoid contaminating their hands when washing?

 

Professionals should be careful to never touch the sink with their bare hands.

 

Q: What is another protector against infection in addition to proper hand washing?

 

Another protector against infection is wearing gloves. Wearing gloves does not discard proper hand washing.

 

Q: When should gloves be worn?

 

Gloves should be used any time you are giving oral care, bathing, laundry and dressing/undressing. Wear gloves any time there is a possibility you could be splashed with bodily fluids such as feces, blood, urine, saliva, etc.

 

Q: What could be potentially infectious when handling?

 

Laundry. This includes sheets, clothing and all towels, soiled and unsoiled. Professionals should wear gloves when handling laundry.

 

Q: What are some other forms of protective wear?

 

Other forms of protective wear are but not limited to: Masks, gowns and goggles. These items should be discarded immediately after use and should never be worn to handle more than one client.

 

Q: What are some recognizable signs of infection?

 

Professionals should be aware of a client's temperature (if above 100.4), fever and chills, fatigue, malaise (general discomfort), cough, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, headache, myalgia (body ache), sore throat, rhinorrhea (runny nose), nausea or vomiting and abdominal pain.

 

Q: What are symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection, UTI?

 

Hematuria, blood in the urine, cloudy or foul smelling urine and typically an elevated temperature can all be symptoms of UTI.

 

Q: What is the most common respiratory illness that can be transferred to persons through general contact?

 

The Flu.

 

Q: What is another respiratory illness that can affect the client and the Professional?

 

Tuberculosis, TB. This is a disease that is caused by a bacteria that usually attacks the lungs. TB has also been known to attack the kidney, spine and the brain. If not treated properly, TB can be fatal. TB is airborne.

 

Q: Who are prime candidates for TB?

 

Individuals with AIDS, HIV and certain cancers. TB actively attacks people who have weak immune systems.

 

Q: What are symptoms of scabies?

 

Symptoms of scabies are pimple-like irritations, burrows or rash of the skin, intense itching (especially at night and over most of the body) and sores on the body caused by scratching.

 

Q: What are symptoms of catheter infection?

 

Catheter infection can be recognized by redness, hardening of the vain, pus and tenderness around the insertion site. Professionals should monitor the client for fever, chills, confusion, rapid heartbeat and weakness.

 

Q: How often should the client be assessed for infection?

 

Clients should be assessed on-going. Conditions should always be documented and reported to the agency.

 

Note: Information provided is only intended as guides and is not intended to be medical/legal advice. Home4Life In-Home Services reserves the right to modify this information at any time. If there are topics you would like added, please use the contact form.