Infection Control Matters In Home Care – Here’s Why
Unlike in hospitals, where strict protocols and professionally trained staff handle much of the risk, home caregiving depends on you to prevent common and dangerous infections.
What You Need To Know About Infection Risks At Home
The good news? You don’t need medical training or hospital-grade equipment to prevent infection. With a few smart habits, you’re fully capable of creating a safe, healthy environment for your loved one.
The Most Common Infections Caregivers Encounter At Home Include:
- Respiratory infections like flu, COVID-19, and RSV. These pose significant risks for individuals with existing breathing problems or age-related vulnerabilities. Our guide on respiratory challenges provides valuable information on reducing exposure to these threats.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs), frequently seen in seniors with limited mobility or incontinence.
- Skin infections that develop rapidly from pressure sores, scrapes, or wounds that haven’t been properly cleaned and cared for.
Small Habits That Make A Big Difference
The Power Of Clean Hands
Clean hands prevent the spread of nearly every common infection. Make handwashing a habit before and after caregiving tasks, specifically after helping with the toilet, cleaning wounds, or handling food. If there are other family members or visitors who’ll be interacting with your loved one, you can remind them to do the same.
How To Wash Your Hands Like A Pro
Turn on some warm water, grab your favorite soap and work up a good lather. Take your time, about 20 seconds (humming “Happy Birthday” twice actually works, or just count slowly). Don’t rush through those easily forgotten spots: slide your fingers between each other, give your nails some attention, and don’t forget your wrists. When you’re done, rinse everything and pat dry with a clean towel.
Alcohol Based Hand Sanitizers: When And How To Use
Hand sanitizer is a great backup when soap and water aren’t available. Just make sure it’s at least 60% alcohol, applied generously to cover all surfaces of your hands, and rubbed in until completely dry. Keep small bottles near caregiving stations, in bags, and by the door for easy use.
Utilizing Personal Protective Equipment (Ppe) To Keep Everyone Safe
Keep basic PPE in a convenient location where it can serve as a visual reminder to gear up and easy access point when needed. Put on a fresh pair of gloves during wound care, bathroom assistance, or when cleaning bodily fluids. When someone in the home has respiratory challenges or during respiratory virus season, masks can keep germs from spreading. Disposable aprons may be helpful in situations where exposure to fluids is likely.
When disposing of used PPE, first remove all items, then remove gloves carefully by peeling them off inside-out to avoid contaminating your hands. Place everything in a lined trash can away from food preparation areas. Wash your hands thoroughly after disposal, taking care to never reuse disposable items.
Regular Disinfection Of Surfaces And Equipment
High-touch surfaces like doorknobs, remotes, walker handles, faucets, and phones accumulate germs quickly and should be wiped down daily. For the best protection, choose EPA-registered disinfectants, which have been tested to kill viruses and bacteria. Many common household brands like Lysol, Clorox, and Purell appear on the EPA’s list. You can also create a bleach solution using one tablespoon of unscented liquid bleach per gallon of water, which is both effective and economical.
Additionally, medical devices like thermometers and blood pressure cuffs, mobility aids, and bathroom fixtures should be disinfected at least once a week.
Creating A Space That Works For Everyone
When care areas are tidy, you can focus on the things that matter most without distraction. Clutter can trap dust, hide spills, and raise fall risks, so keep care areas organized and easy to wipe down. keep floors clear of cords, rugs, and loose items and store items in labeled bins, so you’re not left searching for the things you need.
Regular laundry practices are essential for preventing the spread of infection. Wash bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water (at least 160°F) weekly, or more frequently if soiled. Pay special attention to items that come into direct contact with the care recipient, such as pajamas, undergarments, and bed linens. Dry items completely on high heat when the fabric allows, as the combination of heat and thorough drying helps eliminate remaining germs.
Protecting Against Coughs, Colds, And Sneezes
Proper mask usage can protect you and your loved one from respiratory infections. Choose well-fitting masks that cover the nose and mouth completely, handling them by the ear loops or ties. Avoid touching the mask once it’s on, and when removing it, fold it inward and dispose of it immediately in a lined trash can.
Need to cough or sneeze? Use a tissue to cover your mouth, and then dispose of it immediately and wash your hands. Turn away from others when coughing or sneezing, and encourage your care recipient and visitors to do the same. These simple habits significantly reduce the spread of respiratory droplets that can carry viruses and bacteria.
Stay Up To Date On Vaccines
Vaccination is one of the most powerful forms of infection control, protecting both you and the person you’re caring for, especially if their immune system is compromised. Stay up to date on all essential vaccines, including annual flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, pneumonia vaccines (particularly important for adults 65 and older), shingles vaccines, and Tdap boosters for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
If you’re not sure what’s recommended for your caregiving situation, contact our team — we can put you in touch with doctors to help guide you.
Special Care For Special Needs
Understanding your loved one’s specific needs helps prevent small issues from becoming serious health setbacks.
As Parkinson’s progresses, mobility and swallowing can become more difficult, raising the risk for pneumonia, UTIs, and skin breakdown. If you’re noticing the early signs of Parkinson’s or already navigating the middle stages, be extra attentive to respiratory hygiene, hydration, and regular toileting.
Patients with MS may have weakened immune systems or need support with bladder and bowel care. Monitor for subtle signs of infection and be careful to maintain consistent routines. Learn more in our guide on home care for people with multiple sclerosis.
If you’re caring for children with cerebral palsy or cystic fibrosis, infection prevention plays a critical role in long-term health. For kids with mobility challenges or compromised lungs, even mild colds or skin infections can easily become serious. Stay consistent with respiratory hygiene, wound care, and disinfecting any shared medical equipment.
No matter your loved one’s condition, everyday practices can make a significant difference in preventing infection. Keep cuts and sores clean, dry, and covered, using gloves to change bandages. Practice safe food handling by avoiding raw or undercooked foods, washing produce thoroughly, and keeping prep surfaces disinfected. If you assist with insulin or other injectable medications, use single-use needles and then safely dispose in a sharps container.
Home Infection Prevention Action Plan
When you’re juggling medications, meals, appointments, and more, infection prevention can feel like “one more thing.” Having a plan in place turns good intentions into consistent habits and helps everyone at home stay on the same page.
Daily & Weekly Infection-Control Checklist
To-Do Daily
- ✔ Wash your hands before and after all care routines
- ✔ Disinfect high-touch surfaces (doorknobs, walker handles, faucet handles, phones)
- ✔ Check for signs of infection (cough, fever, redness or swelling, unusual fatigue)
- ✔ Clean and store caregiving supplies properly
- ✔ Practice good respiratory hygiene (cover coughs, use tissues, open windows)
- ✔ Remind visitors to wash hands or use sanitizer on arrival
To- Do Weekly
- ✔ Deep clean bathrooms and kitchen with approved disinfectants
- ✔ Wash bedding, towels, and clothing (use hot water when possible)
- ✔ Disinfect medical equipment and mobility aids
- ✔ Declutter care areas to reduce tripping hazards and dust buildup
- ✔ Replenish gloves, wipes, masks, and sanitizing supplies
- ✔ Review medications for any signs of side effects or new symptoms
Training For Caregivers
Whether you’re new to caregiving or have been doing this for a while, it’s worth setting aside some time for training.
To get started, contact our team at Americare NY, and we can send down a nurse who can walk you through wound care, injections, and equipment organization and cleaning. You can also take a free course or watch a demo from the NYC Department of Health Infection Control Training.
Getting Everyone On The Same Page
Infection prevention works best when it’s a team effort. If others help with care or if your loved one is still somewhat independent, make sure everyone understands the “why” behind the safety steps. Share your checklist with family members, post handwashing and cleaning reminders in key areas, and teach children or other household members how to cover coughs and use sanitizer.
Beyond infection control, create a safer environment at home with simple bathroom safety modifications and fall prevention strategies. Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower, add non-slip mats to wet areas, and ensure adequate lighting throughout the bathroom.
Throughout your home, remove loose rugs, secure electrical cords, improve lighting in hallways and stairwells, and maintain clear walkways free of clutter.
These modifications will help reduce fall risks while supporting your loved one’s independence and dignity.
Taking Care Of Yourself Too
The Fuel Your Body Needs
Taking the time to eat and hydrate isn’t selfish, it’s essential for being the strong, alert caregiver your loved one needs.
Keep a water bottle nearby during caregiving tasks and aim to drink regularly throughout the day. Stock up on healthy options like nuts, yogurt, fruits, and whole grain crackers that require minimal preparation and can be eaten with one hand if necessary..
Ensuring Adequate Rest And Breaks
Quality rest is a necessity for both your health and your loved one’s safety. Establish a realistic sleep schedule and protect it as much as possible, even if it means asking for help with overnight care duties.
Throughout the day, take short breaks to step outside, stretch, or simply sit quietly for a few minutes. These moments of respite prevent burnout and allow you to return to caregiving tasks with renewed patience and focus.
Don’t hesitate to accept offers of help from family and friends, whether it’s sitting with your loved one while you nap or taking over care duties for a few hours.
When To Seek Professional Help
Even with the best hygiene routines and safety practices, infections can still happen. That’s not a failure on your part, it’s a reality of caregiving.
Keep an eye out for red flags that suggest an infection is getting serious. These can include a sudden or persistent fever over 100.4°F, trouble breathing, a rapid heartbeat, or a cough that produces green, yellow, or bloody mucus. You should also watch for symptoms like confusion, unusual fatigue, or signs of a urinary tract infection, such as pain during urination or cloudy, strong-smelling urine.
If you notice redness, swelling, or pus around a wound, don’t wait. Infections can escalate quickly, especially in older adults or those with weakened immune systems.
Sometimes the signs are subtle — a change in mood, decreased appetite, or a general sense that something isn’t right. Trust your instincts. You know your loved one best.
You don’t have to wait for an emergency to get help. If you’re feeling uncertain about a wound, overwhelmed by caregiving tasks, or simply need support from someone with clinical experience, reach out. contact our team at Americare NY directly to get support tailored to your situation.
You’re Doing Everything To Protect Your Loved One
Infection prevention at home isn’t about perfection, it’s about consistency, awareness, and knowing when to ask for help. As a caregiver, you’re doing some of the hardest and most meaningful work there is.
By building a routine of hand hygiene, surface cleaning, safe food handling, and watching for early signs of infection, you’re giving your loved one the protection they need to stay safe and strong.
You don’t have to take on everything alone.If you need extra support or just want help thinking through your care routine, contact our team at Americare today.
NY Resource Guide
NYC Department of Health – Infection Control Training
https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/diseases/reporting/communicable/infection/hcp_training.htm
– FAQ and training resources included
Infection preventions and control resource library https://www.naccho.org/programs/community-health/infectious-disease/infectious-disease-prevention-and-control/infection-prevention-and-control-resource-library
- Includes printable materials, cleaning protocols, and info for caregivers.