Some infection control precautions in home care setting.

Disposal of Sharps:

        Client-generated sharps, i.e. insulin syringes, should be placed in a puncture-resistant container in the home, perhaps a coffee can or liquid detergent bottle, etc. When full, the container should be firmly sealed with duct tape or other household tape and placed in the patient’s trash receptacle.

Disposal of Patient Wastes:

• Wear gloves.
• Flush feces, urine, and emesis down the toilet. Avoid splashing.
• Dispose of soiled items, dressings, incontinence supplies, gloves, and catheters by wrapping materials in plastic bag, brown paper bag, or newspaper, then placing in a plastic bag with patient’s other trash. Double-bag immediately and discard with regular garbage

Bed Linen.

        Use precautions when handling bed linens. Solid linen can transfer germs. Follow these guidelines:

• Wash your hands before handling linen.
• Avoid touching linen with your clothing.
• Bring into the room only the linen to be used at that time.
• Keep clean and dirty linen separates.
• Wear gloves to handle linen that is soiled with blood or body fluids.
• Always roll soiled linen away from you, and avoid shaking or fluffing the linen.
• Keep all linen (clean and soiled) off the floor.
• Always wash your hands after handling soiled linen.

Jewelry:

        Another thing personal care staff persons can do to reduce the spread of germs is to limit their wearing of jewelry. This is because the tiny surfaces and crevices on rings and other jewelry can serve as a breeding ground for germs. If you choose to wear a ring, keep it simple. Since fingernails can serve as a breeding ground for germs, keep your nails short and clean.