Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps seniors can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.  It is best for seniors to wash hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds.  However, if soap and clean water are not available, seniors are advised to use an alcohol-based product to clean their hands with.  Alcohol-based hand rubs significantly reduce the number of germs on skin and are fast acting.

When washing hands with soap and water:

• Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap.  Use warm water if it is available.

• Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces.

• Continue rubbing hands for 20 seconds.  Need a timer?  Imagine singing “Happy Birthday” twice trough to a friend!

• Rinse hands well under running water.

• Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer.  If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet.

When should you wash your hands?

• Before preparing or eating food.

• After going to the bathroom.

• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom.

• Before and after tending to someone who is sick.

• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• After handling an animal or animal waste.

• After handling garbage.

• Before and after treating a cut or wound.

Remember: If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based gel to clean hands.

When using an alcohol hand sanitizer:

• Apply product to the palm of one hand.

• Rub hands together.

• Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.

To learn more about elder care related issues, visit Berman & Riedel, LLP’s main website at www.preventelderabuse.com.  For an initial free consultation with one of the firm’s nursing home attorneys about any suspected improper care or treatment provided by a California nursing home to an elderly loved one, call Berman & Riedel, LLP today at (858) 350-8855.