BASIC CARE
SAFETY
10
11
HAND WASHING • Always use soap and running water and wash for 15-20 sec- onds (singing “Happy Birthday” as you wash). • You do not have to use hot water, which actually may exces- sively chap hands and injure skin. • You may use an alcohol hand sanitizer to cleanse hands that are not visibly soiled. Apply product to palm of one hand in an amount sufficient to wet both hands. Vigorously rub hands together to cover all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry. Do not use tissue or a towel to dry your hands. When to wash hands: • Before and after handling any type of patient equipment, soiled laundry or contaminated materials, even if you have worn gloves. • Immediately before providing care to the patient. • After caring for personal needs, such as toileting, nose blow- ing, combing hair, sneezing or coughing. • Before and after wearing gloves. COUGHING • Many illnesses and some treatments can make it easier for a patient to get an infection. • Cover your cough or sneeze to help stop the spread of germs that make you and others sick. • Always clean your hands after coughing or sneezing when car- ing for the patient. CLEANING SPILLS • Clean blood and body fluid spills by wiping up with paper tow- els; always wear disposable gloves.
• Enrich food and increase caloric intake by adding eggs, cheese, powdered milk, protein powder, or peanut butter to recipes. Consider blended shakes made with ice cream and fruit. • Use liquid dietary supplements (like Ensure, Sustacal, or instant breakfast mix) between meals. • Nutrition consultations are available, if necessary, especially if the patient has any dietary restrictions, cultural requirements, or a history of diabetes. The subject of food and fluids can be an emotional topic for many families. Your Care Team is there to listen to your concerns and answer questions about food and fluids. Studies show that artificial fluids such as those delivered by intravenous infusions (IV) and feeding tubes do not increase a patient’s quality of life and may actually increase discomfort, fluid overload, and the risk of infection. The goal of care is to increase comfort and well-being. Food and drink can play an important role in comfort. Your Care Team can help you make decisions based on your needs and wishes.
CALL YOUR CARE TEAM IF: • You notice increased difficulty in swallowing or incidents of choking. • Patient experiences increased nausea, vomiting, or other eating difficulties. • Patient is suffering from abdominal cramping or pain. • You notice significant changes occurring in patient’s appetite or amount of food eaten.
• To clean any bodily fluids or waste: make a bleach solution daily – 10 ounces of water with 1 ounce of bleach. Please note that bleach solution loses its disinfectant ability after 24 hours. • Place clothes and linens in a securely closed plastic bag until laundered separately. TRASH DISPOSAL • Always wear gloves when handling trash. • Place disposable items soiled with body fluids or waste in a plastic bag and pour a small amount of
866.466.9734
FourSeasonsCare.org
FourSeasonsCare.org
866.466.9734
Four Seasons
Four Seasons
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