The Importance of Hand Washing
At Blue Angel Care, we provide award-winning home care across Berkshire, Hampshire, and Surrey, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and infection control. For those receiving specialist care at home, maintaining a clean and safe environment is essential in preventing illness and promoting well-being.
One of the most effective ways to prevent infections is regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. According to the NHS, handwashing significantly reduces the risk of spreading bacteria and viruses that cause illness. Hands should always be washed:
✔️ After using the toilet
✔️ Before and after preparing or eating food
✔️ After sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose
✔️ After handling waste or touching high-contact surfaces
✔️ Before and after providing personal care or assisting someone with mobility
When soap and water aren’t available, using an alcohol-based hand gel (minimum 60% alcohol) is a reliable alternative. However, hand sanitizers are not as effective when hands are visibly dirty, so washing with soap and water remains the best practice whenever possible.
Preventing the Spread of Infections
Viruses and bacteria spread easily through touch and airborne droplets. Following the “Catch It, Bin It, Kill It” method recommended by the NHS can help minimise the risk:
✔️ Catch It – Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If a tissue isn’t available, use the inside of your elbow rather than your hands.
✔️ Bin It – Dispose of used tissues immediately in a lined bin to prevent the spread of germs.
✔️ Kill It – Wash your hands or use hand gel immediately after handling tissues, coughing, or sneezing.
Cleaning frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, light switches, and mobile phones also helps to reduce the risk of contamination.
Infection Control in Home Care
For individuals receiving specialist home care, infection control is even more critical. At Blue Angel Care, we follow strict hygiene protocols to ensure that clients remain safe and comfortable in their own homes. This includes regular hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, and the safe disposal of waste materials.
Our expert caregivers provide support for individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and those requiring palliative care. These conditions often require specialist care routines, including assistance with mobility, personal hygiene, and medication management. Proper infection control helps prevent secondary infections that could worsen existing health conditions.
By working together and maintaining strong hygiene practices, we can protect our loved ones, caregivers, and communities from illness.
💙 Looking for expert, specialist home care? Contact Blue Angel Care today and book a free care consultation with our team!
References:
NHS England. (n.d.). Chapter 1: Standard infection control precautions (SICPs). Retrieved from NHS England Infection Control Manual
NHS. (n.d.). How to wash your hands. Retrieved from NHS Hand Washing Guide
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