Caring for older adults requires more than home care assistance and compassion. It also requires vigilance with infection control. As adults age, their immune systems become weakened, which makes them more vulnerable to infections. Simple steps such as hand hygiene, disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and following infection prevention practices help keep seniors safe at home.
At Arcadia Home Care, our trained caregivers actively follow protocols that reduce the risk of infections while helping your loved one remain independent.
Why Infection Control Matters for Seniors
Infectious diseases put seniors at higher risk for health complications from respiratory infections, skin infections, and foodborne illness. These illnesses spread through:
- Direct contact with a sick person or contaminated surfaces
- Breathing in respiratory droplets that carry pathogens
- Consuming contaminated food or beverages
Professionally trained caregivers remain vigilant about infection risks when caring for the elderly. Their training includes everything from careful food handling and preparation to correct personal care procedures to keeping the home environment clean. Frequent use of sanitizing wipes on high-touch surfaces is also part of standard protocol.
Hand Hygiene Tips
Proper hand hygiene stops germs from spreading. Caregivers and family members should wash their hands:
- Before and after preparing or eating food
- Before and after helping a loved one who feels sick
- After using the restroom or changing an adult brief
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
- After handling pets, pet food, or garbage
How to Wash Your Hands Correctly
- Wet your hands with clean, running water and apply soap.
- Lather the backs of your hands, between fingers, and under finger nails.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds. You can hum “Happy Birthday” twice to help time yourself.
- Rinse well under running water.
- Dry your hands with a clean towel or allow them to air dry.
If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Because hand sanitizers leave behind some germs, thorough handwashing remains the best option.
Additional Infection Control Steps for Caregivers
Professional caregivers are trained to:
- Disinfect high-touch areas like doorknobs, faucets, and light switches.
- Wash linens often.
- Safely handle personal items and medical equipment.
- Use disposable gloves or frequent hand washing during personal care.
- Alert the office to replace their work shift with another caregiver if they are sick, even with light symptoms.
- Follow CDC guidelines and public health recommendations.
Each of these steps actively lowers the risk of infection in the home for seniors.
Protecting Loved Ones if You’re Sick
While it is not practical or sometimes even possible to quarantine yourself if you are ill with an infectious disease, you can certainly try to minimize exposing others, especially elderly loved ones. If you feel sick, you can still protect seniors around you in the following ways:
- Wear a mask when providing patient care.
- Limit close contact with your loved one.
- Wash your hands often and disinfect shared spaces.
- Follow public health alerts during infection surges.
Even small actions, like avoiding crowded events during flu season, shield seniors from unnecessary exposure.
Partner with Professional In-Home Caregivers Who Prioritize Infection Control
Arcadia Home Care takes infection prevention seriously. Our professional in-home caregivers complete rigorous training in infection control steps, including hand hygiene, disinfecting, and proper use of PPE.
With over 40 years of experience, Arcadia is proud to be an award-winning home care agency based on high client satisfaction scores. Whether your family needs occasional support or 24-hour care, we provide the compassionate, professional services you or your loved one deserves.
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