Today the term "hygiene" has almost become a synonym for cleanliness; however the functions of this medical field naturally surpass this scope by far. Hygiene is the science of preservation and promotion of health and prevention of illnesses – in single individuals as well as in communities.
Special significance is given to the aspect of illness prevention through hygiene measures particularly in geriatrics. Because elderly people are more susceptible to harmful influences from their environment due to physiological aging processes and frequently observed multimorbidity which ultimately weakens their defense system. The risk of infectious diseases, which not uncommonly become even life-threatening, increases particularly in extreme old age.
Therefore for the protection of nursing home residents and clients a high level of hygiene awareness is mandatory for everyone working in geriatric care. For contrary to popular opinion that strict hygiene is only necessary in hospitals, pathogenic germs, i.e. germs which cause illness, which can be very dangerous for individuals with lowered resistance, are also found in geriatric facilities or even at home. However carers and relatives must also protect themselves against infections and harm through suitable hygiene measures.
Which hygiene measures are important?
Apart from cases of wound treatment or invasive treatment care, such as the placement of a bladder catheter, which always require strict aseptic procedures, general preventive measures are dominant in care with the objective of preventing contamination as well as transmission of germs as extensively as possible. Naturally this means that sources of germs which pose a risk must be recognized as being potentially dangerous.
The major source of germs is an individual himself, primarily through his excretions such as urine, feces, sputum etc., which frequently lead to severe soiling and to the transmission of germs in case of uncontrolled loss. However because (pathogenic) microorganisms lurk everywhere, so-called inanimate pathogen reservoirs such as sewage, dust, surfaces of objects and food etc. must not be ignored either.
Practical measures for preventing the spread of germs as much as possible and thus interrupting chains of infection are:
- Cleansing and cleaning operations with corresponding disinfection if necessary, sometimes even sterilization of soiled, contaminated objects, - germproof protective covering of objects, such as mattresses, so that soiling and contamination cannot occur, - wearing protective clothing, - never failing efforts to prevent the development of sources of germs in the first place.
How do hygiene products help?
Valaclean disposable washing glove.
The vast majority of hygiene products are disposable. If they are soiled and contaminated, they are disposed of immediately. This effectively eliminates germs and prevents their transmission reliably.
In addition to improving hygiene, disposable products effectively help to streamline and facilitate work flows in care. For example, they reduce the amounts of laundry and eliminate the necessity of unpleasant, time-consuming cleansing operations.
