With the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant of Covid-19, infection control has suddenly become a hot topic across all aspects of our society. Did you know though that agencies like Hearts at Home have and have had infection control policies in place for decades? Protecting our clients from contagious diseases, whether it be Covid-19 or the flu, is something we’ve been doing with an excellent track record since our inception in 2004. Our staff recently underwent their required annual training on bloodborne pathogens and infection control where we focused on the importance of breaking the “Chain of Infection” which is referenced in the graphic below. Epidemiologists have identified six key conditions which must be met for someone to become ill with a communicable infection, but all it takes to stop the spread is interfering with one of those links in the chain. Here are some ideas on how you too can practice good infection control every step of the way and stop the spread:
1. Reduce the number of infectious agents (germs) in your environment by limiting visitors who might be ill and regularly disinfecting high touch surfaces in your home
2. Reduce the number of hospitable reservoirs for germs in your environment (ie: pets, throw out spoiled foods, implement regular pest control practices to keep out pests, use a water filter to keep contaminants out of your drinking water)
3. Minimize portals of exit for germs (i.e.: keep wounds or tears in the skin covered, properly manage bladder and bowel incontinence to avoid leaks/spills, keep emesis bags handy for anyone with frequent nausea, cover coughs/sneezes)
4. Be considerate of the mode of transmission for common infectious agents and implement practices to reduce transmission (i.e.: practice good hand hygiene and wash or sanitize hands regularly, wear a mask, avoid touching items that could be contaminated or use barriers such as gloves when contact is unavoidable)
5. Keep broken skin covered and avoid touching your face, nose, mouth, and eyes so you don’t transmit germs into your body
6. Make yourself an unhospitable host (i.e.: eat healthy, take vitamins, exercise) and protect those who are most vulnerable (i.e.: the very old and very young, immunocompromised, unvaccinated)
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Personal Care at Home Services in Castle Hills TX, please contact the caring staff at Hearts at Home Senior Care. Call us today 210-341-4300. We serve all of the San Antonio area.
STACEY WELFEL
Director of Training & Compliance
Mrs. Welfel serves as Director of Training and Compliance. She has more than 12 years of clinical experience as a neurological physical therapist, most of which was spent working with catastrophic rehab clients at TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital. She currently works as a physical therapist and clinical coordinator for Rehab Without Walls, a unique rehabilitation concept providing patients with neurological injuries the functional skills necessary to return to their home and community.