In the face of global health challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring infection control in care homes has become more crucial than ever. As your trusted partner in providing care home consumables and equipment, Fairfield Care is here to offer you valuable tips to make informed decisions about managing infection control in your establishment:
- Know your risks: Start by identifying areas with high infection risk, such as communal spaces and dining areas. This will guide you in choosing the right infection control solutions tailored to your facility's specific needs.
- Stay informed: Stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines from health authorities like the NHS and Public Health England. Regular updates provide essential insights into the best practices for infection control.
- Quality PPE matters: Ensure a steady supply of top-quality personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, gloves, and aprons. Educate your staff on proper usage and disposal protocols to minimise cross-contamination risks.
- Prioritise hand hygiene: Implement strong hand hygiene practices with strategically placed hand sanitizing stations. Encourage regular handwashing with soap and water. Consider touchless dispensers to make hygiene easy and effective.
- Elevate cleaning standards: Choose hospital-grade disinfectants proven to eliminate viruses and bacteria. Increase cleaning frequency, especially in high-touch areas. Document cleaning schedules to maintain consistency and thoroughness.
- Harness technology for monitoring: Embrace digital tools to monitor and track infection control measures. These tools assist in scheduling, reminding, and recording cleaning tasks, ensuring no area is overlooked.
- Ensure adequate ventilation: Maintain good air circulation by using air purifiers and servicing HVAC systems regularly. This ensures a safe environment for residents and staff by filtering out harmful pathogens.
- Continuous staff training: Provide ongoing training to your staff on infection control measures. Keep them updated with the latest protocols, emphasizing their vital role in preventing infections.
- Engage with residents and families: Foster open communication with residents and their families. Keep them informed about the measures in place, building trust and encouraging cooperation from everyone involved.
- Have a contingency plan: Establish a comprehensive plan to manage outbreaks effectively. This includes isolation protocols, communication strategies, and staffing plans to handle increased care needs without compromising on infection control.
By adopting these measures, you can create a safer and healthier environment for all occupants in your care home. At Fairfield Care, we're committed to supporting you every step of the way. Check out our own range of cleaning chemicals in our BriTex catalogue here