The threat of drug-resistant bacteria is real for every long-term care facility. A microfiber environmental cleaning system makes it easy to maintain environmental hygiene, every facility’s first line of defense in infection prevention.
Protect your residents from drug-resistant bacteria
Senior living care facilities continue to be a major part of the healthcare delivery system, aiding in the healing of aging and vulnerable residents. Did you know that the transfer of infected or colonized patients from acute-care facilities to residency in long-term care facilities is one of the most common modes for drug-resistant pathogen introduction into the long-term care environment?
According to a study published by the American Journal of Infection Control, one out of every four long-term care residents is colonized with drug-resistant bacteria. This means that a quarter of the facility’s entire resident population has been exposed to bacteria for which there is no effectiveantibiotic available to treat infections resulting from these organisms.
The presence of drug-resistant bacteria, or any other dangerous pathogens, is why infection prevention is a crucial part of resident safety protocols at every long-term care facility. By adhering to infection prevention protocols, you can help prevent the spread of dangerous organisms from an infected resident to other residents in your facility. Environmental hygiene is the first line of defense.
Maintaining a clean environment is not just about infection prevention protocols, it also illustrates your facility’s dedication to health, residential comfort, staff and resident safety. Here are three things to look for in an effective environmental hygiene system:
Products made from high-grade, pathogen trapping materials
Healthcare cleaning products have come a long way in recent years. Perhaps there was a time when using disposable products was the best way to prevent infection spread among residents. Now there are scientifically-proven, reusable textiles comprised ofhigh-grade micro-denier fibers designed to trap and remove dangerous pathogens. Made from polyester/polyamide split-microfiber, these cloths and mops contain microscopic fibers small enough to pick up virtually all biolog
ical contaminants, when used properly. Choosing an environmental cleaning system that includes a pathogen-trapping, all-purpose microfiber wiper provides your caregivers with a tool that can be used hand-in-hand with any cleaning solution, making it easy to safely clean varying types of surfaces throughout your building without damaging finishes.
Reusable microfiber products can be cost-effective too. These products that are highly durable and chlorine stable may exceed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for Blood Borne Pathogens and allow the products to withstand the rigors of commercial laundry with recommended levels of hypochlorite bleach. Durable textiles keep processing costs low and return on investment high.
An easy-to-understand color-coded system
The key to a successful infection prevention protocol is making sure it’s easy for your staff to adhere to. By using designated colors you can make it easy to distinguish which products are intended for use in resident rooms, bathrooms, kitchens or dining areas, and other visiting areas, reducing the risk of cross contamination. A color-coded system coupled with a training program would ensure your facility’s employees have the tools they require to provide residents, family members and caregivers with a safe and clean environment.
Products designed to help you meet each resident’s individual needs
When a resident has allergies or other chronic conditions, it may prohibit the use of some cleaning products in his or her room. An environmental cleaning system that includes microfiber mops, wipers, and other cleaning tools and accessories designed to work hand-in-hand with any cleaning solution or even just water. A system designed with this combination of products makes it easy for your facility to address a specific resident need while still adhering to safe cleaning protocols.
Families consider every detail of the facilities they are researching for their loved ones and the cleanliness of resident rooms, common visiting spaces, and other areas of your facility where families may visit will be assessed. Satisfactory cleanliness may or may not be enough for prospective residents to choose your facility for their loved ones. However, a repeated history of your residents becoming infected with drug-resistant bacteria while in your facility is sure to steer prospective residents away.
Encompass Group carries a full line of microfiber environmental hygiene products including various wipers, mops, hardware and all the accessories needed to safely and effectively clean every surface of your facility.
Start preventing infection with microfiber. Call your Encompass Group representative today at 1-800-328-5525 or email me to learn more about how the environmental cleaning systems Encompass Group offers can help you keep your residents safe and comfortable.
