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Tips for Effective Handwashing

Posted: 10/27/2017 4:17 PM by Interim HealthCare

Handwashing is one of the most important things that your aging parent, and you, can do to protect them from potentially serious health complications and challenges throughout their later years. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that simply washing the hands with soap and water can prevent one out of ten episodes of diarrheal diseases, and one out of six episodes of respiratory illnesses. For an elderly adult with a weakened immune system, this can make a tremendous difference.

Use these tips to ensure that your handwashing, and your aging parent’s handwashing is as effective as possible:
• Turn on running water, either cold or warm depending on your preferences, and wet your hands.
• Apply soap and turn off the water while you lather.
• Lather for at least 20 seconds, making sure that you cover your wrists, palms, the backs of your hands, in between your fingers, and under your fingernails.
• Turn the water back on and rinse thoroughly.
• Turn the water off using your elbow or a clean towel or paper towel to prevent coming into contact with the germs on the handles.
• Allow your hands to air dry, or use a clean towel or paper towel to dry them. Avoid using a damp towel or a public towel.

Encouraging proper germ control for your elderly parent can be a tremendous benefit of a senior care provider. This care provider can help your parent remember when to wash their hands, and encourage proper handwashing technique to control germs and help your parent stay healthier, particularly during cold and flu season.

Starting senior care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you make. A senior home care provider can be with your aging parent on a fully customized schedule to ensure that all of their needs are met in a way that is right for them. Through a set of highly personalized services this caregiver can address your parent’s challenges and limitations and help them to life the quality of life that they desire and deserve. Filling care gaps that exist in your care efforts, being with your parent occasionally to handle specific tasks, or simply providing companionship can help your parent to stay safe, healthy, comfortable, and safe while encouraging greater independence, activity, and fulfillment as they age in place.

Learn more about senior care.