Protecting health and wellbeing in home care

At Birchwood Care Services, the health and wellbeing of our clients is at the forefront of our service delivery. This is especially important for vulnerable members of our community such as the elderly or immunocompromised, who may be more susceptible to hygiene and health scares and require extra measures of protection and support. 

With Global Handwashing Day on October 15, it’s the perfect time to discuss the importance of health and hygiene and best practices for home care service providers to protect staff and client wellbeing. This often starts with a solid foundation in training and ensuring access to resources and equipment to maintain a clean and safe environment for all.  

The importance of hand hygiene 

As we continue to navigate through national and global health concerns, hand hygiene has taken centre stage. Handwashing remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and help protect each other from contagious or infectious threats. As demonstrated by the NHS here, it’s important that both carers and clients are aware of, and frequently practice, proper handwashing techniques. This includes washing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, and cleaning all surfaces of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails. Frequent handwashing is also encouraged, such as after coughing, sneezing, touching potentially contaminated surfaces, and before eating. In situations where soap and water are not readily available, hand sanitisers with at least 60% alcohol can be a helpful alternative. 

The role of PPE 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) also plays a crucial role in protecting both care providers and clients from the transmission of infections. Some of the best forms of PPE include: 

• Masks: worn to reduce the risk of spreading respiratory droplets, which are fitted properly and changed regularly.  
• Gloves: can provide an additional layer of protection, also changed regularly, and carefully disposed of. 
• Face shields and eye protection: depending on the situation, face shields or safety goggles can be necessary safety measures. 

Staying on top of cleanliness with domestic assistance 

We understand that everyone wants to enjoy living in their own home for as long as they can do so safely, and maintaining a clean and tidy house is part of that. Birchwood Care Services’ cheerful and efficient staff are trained to help clients with a range of household chores that help to maintain a clean and hygienic living space, such as: cleaning, tidying, dusting, vacuuming, laundry, ironing and washing up. 

Small actions, big differences 

So, as we approach Global Handwashing Day, remember that small actions like washing your hands can make a big difference in keeping everyone safe and healthy. As always, we’re dedicated to providing the highest level of care and protection for our clients and are committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and hygiene. Through proper hand hygiene, the use of PPE, and a dedication to cleanliness, we strive to provide the best in-home care services that are safe and secure for all. 

As we start to approach the cooler seasons of the year, it’s just as important to remember how to help vulnerable members of the community to keep warm. Our earlier blog here provides a great winter warming tool kit to help you prepare.