The Importance of Good Hand Hygiene for Seniors in Bethesda, MD and Surrounding Areas

Learn more about the importance of good hand hygiene for seniors and how our home health care providers help seniors in Bethesda, Aspen Hill, Silver Spring and surrounding Maryland communities take care of their health

If your loved one often catches the flu and the common cold, there are some steps you can take to ensure their well-being. Although there is no vaccine for the common cold, simple habits such as washing their hands regularly can guard your parent against germs that cause diseases.

At Visiting Angels of Bethesda, the wellness of our clients comes first, and our home health care providers can help your loved one with personal tasks such as washing their hands.

Colds Can be Serious for Seniors

When it comes to younger adults, the common cold usually does not cause any major health problems. However, seniors have a weaker immune system, and those with chronic conditions can even end up with pneumonia and other serious health issues due to the common cold.

While your parent should eat healthy foods and stay physically active as much as possible in order to boost their immune system, it is also important that they wash their hands regularly. Germs that cause the common cold are most often spread on hands, especially when your loved one is eating, throwing out the trash, playing with their pet, using the toilet or coughing into their hand. Handwashing is a simple and effective way to decrease the spread of germs.

Hand Hygiene Facts

At Visiting Angels of Bethesda, our home health care providers can make sure that your loved one washes their hands properly. Washing them for less than 20 seconds won’t kill the germs, and using clean, running water and regular soap is necessary. Our caregivers can ensure your parent also washes the backs of their hands, between their fingers and under their nails.

When you are entering or leaving your parent’s home, you should also wash your hands. In addition, make sure to always cover your nose and mouth while sneezing.

Use Sanitizer in a Pinch

In case your parent finds themselves somewhere where they do not have access to clean water and soap, using a hand sanitizer is the next best thing. They should get one that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Using a hand sanitizer is also a great option for seniors with mobility issues, so they do not have to go to the bathroom every time they need to clean their hands.

However, hand sanitizer should not be considered a permanent substitute for handwashing with soap and water. In case your loved one needs help with moving around their home, our home health care providers can provide mobility assistance and ensure their safety.

Our Home Health Care Providers Are Trained in Good Hand Hygiene

At Visiting Angels of Bethesda, our caregivers understand the importance of good hand hygiene, as well as the significance of cleaning surfaces throughout the home. If it is included in your loved one’s care plan, they can disinfect surfaces and wipe down high-traffic spots in your parent’s home. With help from our dedicated caregivers, your aging loved one can remain comfortable, healthy and safe at home for years to come.

Contact our Bethesda, MD office to learn more about our home care services.