The Importance of Handwashing
for Caregivers

By Lois Gillespie B.S.R.N.
Danbury Nurses Registry

Winter is coming and so are all the nasty cold and flu germs. There are an estimated 52 million cases of the common cold each year. You can protect yourself from being one of them. The simple technique of handwashing can make a big difference in how you weather the storm. Handwashing is not only important for caregivers, but also for clients, family members and friends. It's important all day, every day, not only when you are at work.

Caregivers should wash their hands when they arrive at their assigned case. This cuts down on the bacteria that is brought into the client's home. Water should be warm, but not hot. Liquid handsoap is preferred over bar soap that is sitting by the sink and used by many people. The liquid handsoap does not have to be antibacterial. Friction is important in cleaning hands so be sure to rub hands and fingers vigorously. Sing the Happy Birthday song to yourself two times while washing your hands. Rinse well with running water. Drying hands with disposable hand towels is better than using the family's cloth hand towel hanging on the bathroom rack. This prevents the transfer of bacteria to your just cleaned hands.

Teach your client how to wash his/her hands and do so during morning care. If you take your client out to an appointment, store, or restaurant, be sure that you both wash your hands when returning home. Children and family members who come in from school and work should wash up before coming in contact with the client. When you return to your own home, washing your hands is the first thing you should do.

Continual handwashing can be drying to your skin, especially in cold weather. Using a good hand cream or moisturizer is just as important as washing hands in the first place. If your skin becomes dry and cracked, you will be more vulnerable to germs entering your body. Your skin is your first line of defense in protecting your body from germs so keep it clean and keep it intact. Stay well and have a great winter!