When seniors employ proper hand-washing techniques, they can reduce their risk of infection from a variety of germs and bacteria. Reminders can help them to wash their hands more often and stay healthier as they continue to age in place. Senior home care providers can even include hand-washing reminders in daily routines for seniors.
Why Worry About Hand Washing?
Seniors can be especially susceptible to germs that cause illness. The simple task of washing their hands can be the first line of defense, removing many of those germs before they can cause any harm. Most people don’t wash their hands nearly as often as they should, so it’s a good idea to start thinking more consciously about hand washing.
Soap and Water Are Most Effective
As important as it is to wash your hands, nobody needs to use fancy or harsh products to get rid of germs. Simple soap and warm water are the most effective tools to use.
Hand sanitizers can take care of some germs in a pinch, but it’s also important to wash hands as soon as possible.
Proper Technique Matters, Too
Besides soap and water, the proper technique helps. Seniors should start with wet hands and start to lather up some soap. Then they need to rub their hands together, covering every part of the hands with soap, including between the fingers, under the fingernails, and the backs of the hands.
Continuing to rub for at least 20 to 30 seconds gives the soap a chance to work on the germs thoroughly. Rinse with fresh water and then dry the hands.
If seniors have trouble with mobility, senior home care providers can help and make sure seniors get every part of their hands.
When to Wash
So, if people aren’t washing their hands as often as they should, when is the right time to wash them? After sneezing, coughing, or dealing with any bodily fluids is a good time to wash hands. It’s also a good idea to wash your hands thoroughly before making or eating any food.
Other times to wash hands include:
- After petting animals
- After touching garbage or garbage cans
- After touching things like handrails in public spaces
- If someone else is sick
Don’t Lose All That Work with the Drying
Washing hands properly and at the right time helps a lot, but all that work can be lost by drying hands the wrong way. Using a dirty towel or washcloth redeposits germs onto the hands. Leaving your hands wet and then touching other items can also spread germs.
Letting hands air dry can work in a pinch, but out in public, seniors might want to finish up with a round of hand sanitizer.
Washing hands often and properly isn’t about being afraid of germs. Instead, it’s about removing germs before they can make seniors sick. Building routines at home that help seniors remember to wash their hands more frequently is something that senior home care providers can assist family caregivers with.
Focusing on proper technique can help seniors stay healthier, especially if they’ve been prone to getting sick more often.
Providing exceptional Senior Home Care in McLean, VA, for seniors and families in the Northern Virginia area, including Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Reston, Burke, Ashburn, Centreville, Springfield, Manassas, and Oakton. Call today to speak with our caring staff: (703) 272-8838.
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