Hand washing is one vital way to reduce the risk of spreading germs and viruses, including the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The staff at Phoenix Home Care & Hospice take this practice very seriously, and we’ll wash our hands as often as needed when it comes to maintaining your safety during our in-home services. Today’s blog from Phoenix Home Care explains the proper hand washing methods and procedures.
Why Hand Washing Is Important for In-Home Services
Washing hands helps prevent the spread of germs because your hands may come in contact with contaminated surfaces. Germs may spread from your hands quickly into your body if you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. If you prepare or eat food with unwashed hands, you could spread germs to others. Blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing into your hands may also spread germs. Our staff will be diligent when it comes to washing our hands as part of in-home services.
Key Times to Wash Hands
Help yourself and your loved ones by washing your hands frequently.
There are crucial times you should wash your hands to prevent the spread of germs, including:
- After using the toilet
- Before, during, and after food preparation
- Before eating food
- Before and after caring for someone who is sick
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching an animal or handling pet food
- After touching garbage
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- After you’ve been in a public place or touched a surface that may be frequently touched by others
- Before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
The last two items on this list are vital in the midst of the Coronavirus outbreak. As part of in-home services, we will observe proper hand washing. Our staff will wear medical gloves, but we must sanitize or wash our hands before putting on our gloves.
Wash Hands the Proper Way
There are five easy steps to washing your hands the right way.
- Wet both hands with clean, warm water.
- Lather every part of your hands with soap.
- Wash both hands together and rub your fingertips over every part of your hands. Do this for at least 20 seconds. Sing the happy birthday song to yourself at a regular pace to measure approximately 20 seconds.
- Rinse both hands under the running water to remove the soap.
- Dry your hands completely with a towel. Disposable paper towels are the most effective way to avoid leaving germs on towels.
If you can’t wash your hands with soap and water, the CDC recommends using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol until you can wash your hands.
In-Home Services From Phoenix Home Care
The in-home services staff at Phoenix Home Care takes your health, well-being, and safety very seriously. That’s why our staff washes or sanitizes their hands before and after performing in-home services. You may request that our staff wash their hands while in your home at any time.
Our staff can assist you once you’ve been discharged from the hospital. We’ll help you with medication and grocery pickup, run errands and go shopping for you, prepare meals, help you with personal hygiene, and perform basic housekeeping tasks. We’re prepared to meet this challenge during these trying times. Contact Phoenix Home Care or call toll-free 1-855-881-7442 if you have questions, comments, or concerns about our services.
We hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy during these trying times.
