Good hand hygiene

As a direct care staff person, an important part of your job is to protect yourself and the residents from infectious disease(s). Some residents have weakened immune systems and are more vulnerable to getting infections. An important part of maintaining a safe environment is to recognize signs of infection. This section will present several ways to control and limit the spread of germs that cause infections.

Germs cause illness and disease. As a direct care staff person, you will come in contact with body fluids that may contain germs such as blood, mucous, vomit, tears, semen, vaginal secretions, saliva, urine, feces and sweat.

In order to prevent an infection from spreading, it is important to understand where germs live, how germs get to people and how germs enter people’s bodies. There are many “sources” of germs. These are places germs live before they infect. Sources include: under the fingernails, on the skin, on an unclean surface and in water and food. There are many germs on the kitchen counter and in the bathroom. Germs can be found almost everywhere, including: in the air, on surfaces, on your hands and in your nose. Germs can enter the body through any opening such as your nose, mouth or any opening such as cuts.

Good hand hygiene is important:

The first step to prevent the spread of infectious disease is to practice good hand washing hygiene. Hand washing seems like such an obvious thing to do, but numerous studies show that many people, including health care workers, often forget to wash their hands as thoroughly and frequently as they should.

When to wash hands:

• Before and after wearing gloves.
• At the start of the workday and several times throughout the day.
• When your hands are visibly soiled (dirty) or contaminated with blood or body fluids.
• Before having direct contact with the resident’s skin.
• After having direct contact with the resident’s skin, especially when the skin has wounds or is broken.
• After assisting with toileting or changing incontinence products from the resident.
• After the direct care worker uses the restroom.
• Before eating.
• Before preparing food.
• Before serving food.
• After wiping nose, sneezing or touching the face.
• After smoking.