How to Prevent the Spread of Infection in a Long-Term Care Facility

How to Prevent the Spread of Infection in a Long-Term Care Facility

Mar 16, 2023YHS Team

While the spread of pathogens can be detrimental to any community, they pose a significant threat to Long Term Care (LTC) residents and staff. According to a study conducted by the CDC, nearly two-thirds of all norovirus outbreaks are reported to occur in LTCs. Older adults, especially those 65 years and older, are also at the highest risk for severe respiratory illness, such as coronavirus and RSV. The right cleaning and disinfecting protocols are essential to reducing the spread of dangerous pathogens within your residential community.

Your staff should regularly disinfect high touch surfaces and areas as per the guidelines of the CDC and state health departments. Cleaning staff should be aware of product labels to identify the required dwell time, as well as what pathogens the product is effective against. My-shield® Broad Spectrum Disinfectant, My-shield® Hospital Disinfectant, and Total Solutions SPEC4 Wipes are all designed for LTC and Healthcare facilities. My-shield® disinfectants are also formulated with Zetrisil®, our unique antimicrobial technology that lasts for days on surfaces after application. 

Frequent hand washing among staff members and residents is another effective infection prevention method. When hand washing is not available, an FDA-Registered hand sanitizer should be used as directed. This habit should be encouraged among your residents as well, as it can help reduce the spread of viral transmission. My-shield® Hand Sanitizer kills 99.99% of germs without the use of alcohol. It is also formulated with Aloe vera to sooth the sensitive skin of your residents.

Garments, towels, and linens are potential hubs of germs. Highly effective detergents, such as our My-shield® Laundry Line, should be used to wash linen and garments separately. Seniors have delicate skin, so it is recommended to avoid laundry detergents and additives that contain harsh chemicals to prevent skin irritation. My-shield® Laundry Complete and My-shield® Power Wash are effective laundry additives and detergents respectively that leave clothes odor-free without the use of harsh chemicals. 

It takes the right cleaning equipment, tools, chemicals, and protocols to ensure your Infection Prevention strategy will work within your facility. The team at Your Healthy Spaces partners with assisted living, nursing homes, senior centers, and retirement homes around the country to improve their cleanign strategies and protocols. We have a deep understanding of your requirements and will work with you to create a cleaning and disinfection plan that best suits your needs and purposes.

Schedule an appointment today by calling (440) 665-6532.



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