With the widespread COVID-19 pandemic, people all over the world have had to take precautions to stay healthy. Nursing home residents are a particularly vulnerable population at this time. Due to this highly contagious illness, nursing home regulations are even more extensive than usual. Learn more about the best hygiene practices for both residents and employees.

Hygiene for Employees

According to the CDC, many nursing home residents become sick due to the virus being brought in unknowingly by employees. Due to this risk, these facilities must evaluate whose services are essential and who can be told to stay home.

Staff members are encouraged to stay home if they are experiencing any symptoms. Those who do come in, however, must have their temperatures taken at the beginning of every shift. Nursing home regulations require employees who show a fever of over 100 degrees to leave the premises immediately.

At the beginning of each shift, employees are required to apply hand sanitizer before putting on gloves. They are also required to wear protective eyewear and face masks. Surgical masks are more effective at warding off the virus than cloth masks, which should only be worn as a last resort.

Employees must also frequently clean and disinfect commonly used areas. Any shared equipment should also be cleaned. The staff should formulate a schedule to make sure the facility is constantly disinfected.

Rules for Residents 

At this time, residents are not allowed to have visitors for their own safety. Employees are encouraged to help foster communication between residents and family members, such as letter writing and video chatting. Any communal activities, such as group lunches, are not permitted.

According to nursing home regulations, residents must be given face masks. In addition, they must have their body temperatures monitored. If a resident begins showing symptoms of the virus, they should be isolated for the safety of others. Employees should dedicate a specific area, such as a separate wing of the facility, for symptomatic residents.

The residents must be provided a significant amount of sanitary supplies. For example, an alcohol-based sanitizer should be placed in every room, and sinks should be stocked with soap and paper towels at all times.

Tissues and trash cans should also be placed in every room. In addition, the staff has a duty to keep residents updated on the spread of the virus and the best practices to prevent it.

If you have a loved one who is a resident of a nursing home and may be experiencing neglect, contact Reed Law PC LLO in Omaha, NE. Attorney Shayla Reed is dedicated to fighting for the rights of vulnerable populations, such as those who live in assisted living facilities. She’ll go the extra mile to help get your loved one the justice they deserve. For more information, visit the firm online or call (402) 933-0588.