There is a lot of buzz right now about the upcoming flu-season ripe with risk from the H1N1 influenza. Many of us deal directly with especially high-risk populations like seniors, so we must be especially adamant about preventing the spread of infectious diseases. At Premier Homecare Services we have taken proactive steps to educate and prepare our team.

Preparing Our Caregivers

Our caregivers, of course, interact with our clients on a day-to-day basis, so it is very important that we reinforce a focus on prevention. The following information is taken from the Premier Homecare Services Caregiver Manual, which we provide to each of our employees:

How Caregivers Can Offset the Spread of Infectious Diseases:
· Practice good hand washing techniques.
· Use hand sanitizer. Always carry it with you and use public dispensers, where available.
· Practice safe food handling techniques.
· Keep immunizations up to date.
· Do not put fingers near eyes, nose or mouth.
· Wear disposable sterile gloves when in contact with blood or body fluids.
· Wear masks and protective eye wear when there is a risk of being splashed with blood or body fluids.
· Avoid contact with any sharp objects.
· Eat a balanced diet every day.
· Get enough rest each night to feel refreshed.
· Exercise in moderation every day.
· Bathe, wash hair and brush teeth regularly.
· Wash cooking and eating utensils with soap and water after each use.
· Have their own personal care items (e.g. face cloth, drinking glass, toothbrush, and razor).
· Teach clients about infection control.

Infectious Disease & Hand Washing

In addition, we have produced the following 2-page flyer that emphasizes the importance of preventing the spread of infectious diseases and includes instructions on proper hand washing procedures. We invite you to post this in your workplace and take a proactive step with us toward combating influenza.

The influenza flyer is available here in PDF format: flu-flyer_fall-2009