By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM
I feel silly writing about such a simple subject to the great Northeast Ohio Boomer readers who are anywhere from 50 to 105! Of course, we all know the importance of handwashing; but do we?
I am specifically referring to older adults in hospitals, living in senior care communities, individuals living with memory issues and even in our own households. Somehow, this simple, life-changing task gets ignored; and as long as it does people are getting sick, developing more challenges, and even taking more medication… all because of the lack of handwashing.
A few startling facts, according to the CDC:
- Research shows that washing hands with soap and water could reduce deaths from diarrheal disease by up to 50%
- Researchers estimate if everyone routinely washed their hands, 1 million deaths a year could be prevented.
- A large percentage of foodborne disease outbreaks are spread by contaminated hands. Handwashing can reduce the risk of foodborne illness and other infections.
- Handwashing can reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by 16–21%
- Handwashing reduces diarrheal illness in people with weakened immune systems by 58%
In the past week alone, I have been to visit a friend in the hospital, took a client for a procedure in a one of our local hospital systems and have been to four senior communities (two memory care units, an assisted living facility, and an independent living unit). All four of my visits to senior care communities were to check on/monitor clients and their care. On all of these visits, either my client and/or other clients, staff or family members were either eating a meal, having a snack and/or using the restroom. Except for one medical provider, I did not witness any handwashing.
During the height of COVID in 2020, hand sanitizer became the go-to and for many, it slowly either replaced or reduced handwashing. Hand sanitizers have their place and time but are not a replacement for handwashing. Hand sanitizers are good in a pinch when soap and water are not available and with a few conditions. Hand sanitizers must contain at least 60% alcohol, you must use enough to cover the entire surface of your hands and allow your hands to completely dry. Also, over time, the alcohol evaporates, making them even less effective, so checking the expiration date is critical.
Soap and water make more than just suds. Together, they work wonders to remove all types of germs from our hands. As it turns out, the 20-second time investment (enough to sing Happy Birthday twice) is worth it, since handwashing can remove not just all germs, but also other harmful agents, like heavy metals and pesticides.
Just plain soap will do the job; antibacterial soap is not required. In fact, antibacterial soap carries no special benefits when compared to plain soap, according to the CDC. Studies have shown that soap and water is much better than sanitizers at removing certain germs, including Clostridium difficile (aka C. Diff), a life-threatening germ that can damage the colon and even lead to death (a growing concern for older adults).
I encourage all of us to practice and advocate handwashing, not only for ourselves but for our loved ones, friends and neighbors. If you have a loved one in a senior community, ask, watch, and monitor their handwashing practices. Do they have hand washing systems in place and do they routinely practice ensuring the residents wash their hands with soap and water before every meal, after toileting, throughout the day?
These practices require time and enough support (staff) to implement. For individuals in hospitals and/or nursing homes who may be eating their meals in bed, are there opportunities for handwashing before meals and after bowel movements? Seems simple enough but time and resources are precious, and this potentially life-saving event is often not made a priority.
Ways we can help:
- Be a role model and practice washing your hands at home and when visiting others in senior communities, hospitals or friends’ homes
- Encourage your loved one or friend to wash their hands with you or ask if you can assist them in any way. Ensure proper supplies are in the bathroom or made available to them.
- Do not be afraid to ask about handwashing practices in various settings, or voice concerns if you are not seeing handwashing or proper supplies available
It’s funny; something we think of (or don’t think of) as so simple is a bit more complicated in various settings and at various times in our lives. When someone does not feel well, is in pain, has mobility issues or memory challenges, or is no longer in a routine habit, handwashing is one of the last things on anyone’s mind. We can help and potentially have influence in many lives by prioritizing the simple act of handwashing.
Original Post: https://www.northeastohioboomer.com/blogs/wash-your-hands-seriously/