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Causes of InfectionCleaning HandsOther Ways to Prevent InfectionsSafety PracticesCaregiver SupportMore Care Tips

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What causes infection?

Infections are caused by germs such as bacteria or viruses. Most germs are spread by contact, often on unclean hands.

Having clean hands is the single most important way to prevent any infection. You may clean your hands by washing with soap and water or by using an alcohol-based rub.

 

Cleaning Hands with Soap and Water or Sanitizer

Traditional soap and water must be used to clean your hands:

  • when your hands are visibly dirty,
  • before handling food,
  • when there is an infection that causes diarrhea, and
  • after assisting others to the restroom or using it yourself.

Wet your hands with water and soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Wash both the palms and backs of your hands, and between your fingers. The thumb of the dominant hand is the most common spot people miss while washing! Here’s a step-by-step poster you can print and follow.

After washing, rinse well with water. Dry your hands with either paper towels or a clean towel.

Alcohol-based hand rub may be used when your hands are not visibly soiled. To be effective, it must contain at least 60 percent alcohol. Here’s a step-by-step guide for using hand rub effectively.

Get more tips on handwashing from the Centers for Disease Control.

 

Other Ways to Prevent Infections

  • Ask visitors to clean their hands before and after visiting you; keep alcohol-based hand rub nearby.
  • Do not visit in person with anyone who has a cold, has an uncontrolled cough or a fever, or is not feeling well.

When a caregiver is ill, it is best to allow them to stop their caregiving duties until they are well again. If this is not possible, the caregiver must use good hand hygiene, and wear gloves and a mask.

 

Safety Practices for Personal Care

  • Wear disposable gloves if you will come in contact with others people’s:

> blood, body fluids, secretions and excretions (except sweat);

> mucus membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, vagina and rectum); and

> skin around wounds, scrapes and cuts.

  • Throw gloves in the trash immediately after use, and clean your hands as described above.
  • Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces, especially those often touched by the patient; products like Lysol® or bleach wipes work well for this.
 

Hospice Caregiver Support for Infection Prevention

If you are caring for an Agrace Hospice Care patient, please ask your care team anytime you have questions about hand washing or steps to prevent infection.

If you have a non-urgent caregiving question, email us directly at caregiversupport@agrace.org, or send your questions through our online contact form.

Call (800) 553-4289

Call to talk to an interpreter / Tenemos intérpretes disponibles: (800) 930-2770

 

More Care Tips for Families

For more expert advice from Agrace, visit Agrace.org/CareTips.