Infection Control: Social Care Alba
It will be no surprise that infection control policies have undergone several changes over the last few years, as our understanding of Covid has progressed. In care-at-home situations, where staff members – and others – are regularly entering clients homes, it is critical that infection control policies are strictly adhered to by staff at all times to reduce the risk of infection.
However, whilst Covid has been an ongoing threat for us all, the general risk of infection from other sources is a huge concern for our clients, particularly as risk of serious illness increases greatly as we age.
Age and Infection Risk
Older adults are more vulnerable to infection, as the immune system weakens over time, and our responses to combat illness become less effective. For example, those with compromised kidney function will be more susceptible to urinary tract infections, or those with poor nutrition or problems with absorbing nutrients in the body, will have less resources to fight off an infection when it occurs. Staff are expected to be particularly vigilant of increased risk areas specific to their clients, and to report immediately, any incidences or situations which may put the client at greater risk of infection.
Daily Diligence in Infection Control
Further, infection control does not begin and end at the home of a client – it is an ongoing diligence that we carry every moment of our working day. From regular hand washing, to covering small cuts with waterproof dressings, and sneezing or coughing responsibly – every contact with clients, their homes, and locations in between should be made with diligence towards avoiding and reducing infection.
Families and Visitors
It can be hard for families to be mindful of infection control – especially when they are worried for a loved one during illness or after injury. However, to further reduce risk of infection, it is important to ensure that clients’ families and friends are also aware of their role in keeping their loved ones safe. Care staff should be mindful that visitors may have limited knowledge around infection control and help them to understand the risks involved, ensuring that they have the appropriate information in a way that can be easily understood.
Daily Diligence in Infection Control
Diseases and organisms can easily spread from person to person, and include stomach bugs and vomiting bugs, through to more dangerous infections such as influenza, MRSA, e-coli and C.difficile, and of course, Covid. In the event that a staff member becomes infected, they must immediately inform their superior and remove themselves from the workplace, returning to work only when cleared by their GP.
Close contact and indirect contact through meal preparation are part of a Personal Assistant’s every dale role, and staff must ensure that they are meticulous in their hygiene practices, in accordance with SCA policies. This includes wearing gloves where required, cleaning surfaces fully with antibacterial fluids, and preparing and storing foodstuffs appropriately.
Waste Disposal
Clients can often toilet, prepare food and dispose of waste themselves. However, a decline in mental acuity or mobility can often affect the degree to which this is done safely. Therefore, SCA staff are required to follow precautions set out in our policies to keep their clients environment clean and safe. Set out in our Infection Control policy are strict processes when dealing with waste disposal, which can include soiled laundry, sharps, biological and biomedical waste, as well as food and other perishable products.
These are just a few of the issues covered in our SCA Infection Control policy. We encourage our staff to read our policies regularly to maintain the highest infection control standards, and to ensure our clients and staff are protected from the spread of infection. Let’s keep our clients safe and healthy!
For more information please log in to QCS and read: SCR04 – Adult support & Protection
