At Priyajeewaka Nursing Home, we take immense pride in our health and safety measures by adhering to strict infection control policies. We understand the importance of providing a safe environment for our elderly residents to protect them from infections while promoting healthy living. Our comprehensive infection control program is designed to meet, and often exceed, regulatory standards by embracing best practices and innovative strategies to prevent and manage infections.

Infection Care at Priyajeewaka Nursing Home

Importance of Infection Control

Infection control is crucial at our nursing home because the elderly are more susceptible to infections. Age-related changes in the immune system and the likelihood of chronic conditions increase the risk of serious complications from infections. Effective infection control measures help prevent healthcare-associated infections, reduce hospitalization, and enhance the quality of life for our residents.

Regulatory Standards and Guidelines

We adhere to high infection control standards set by various regulatory bodies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Our practices comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, ensuring that our employees are well-trained to implement infection control measures effectively.

Training and Education

• Infection Prevention Programs: Staff are thoroughly trained in infection prevention and control, focusing on Standard Precautions, Transmission-Based Precautions, hand hygiene, and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). We utilize CDC-provided tools (e.g., QUOTs) for the timely assessment of our infection prevention practices.

• Ongoing Training: Our training includes initial orientation, periodic refreshers, and targeted training for specific needs, keeping staff updated with best practices and regulatory requirements.

Infection Control Measures

1. Hand Hygiene: Hand hygiene is a core component of infection prevention. Staff wash hands with soap and water if visibly soiled or contaminated with body fluids; otherwise, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are used. Hands are kept bare below the elbow, without jewelry, and nails are short and clean.

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Appropriate PPE is worn for different care activities. Gloves and disposable aprons are used as required, and PPE is changed to prevent cross-contamination. Staff are regularly trained on the correct use and disposal of PPE.

3. Linen Management: Dirty linen is handled carefully to prevent contamination. Staff use PPE when handling soiled linen, depositing it directly into appropriately marked bags or containers. The linen is promptly and properly laundered using appropriate cleaning techniques.

4. Visitor Education: Visitors are informed about infection control measures. Hand sanitizing devices are placed throughout the facility, and visitors are educated on hygiene practices. Waste disposal and visiting policies, especially during outbreaks, are emphasized.

5. Human Waste Disposal: Caution is taken with human waste disposal. Single-use items are disposed of properly, and reusable items are cleaned using washer disinfectors. Staff are knowledgeable about waste handling, and macerators for pulp products minimize the risk of infection spread.

Challenges and Risks

• Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs): We remain vigilant in combating MDROs by enforcing strict infection practices and antibiotic stewardship. Staff receive timely training on managing resistant organisms and preventing their spread.

• Common Infections: We actively monitor and control common infections, including those of the lungs, urinary tracts, and gastrointestinal system. Our approach includes routine surveillance, timely intervention, and adherence to infection control guidelines.

Conclusion

At Priyajeewaka Nursing Home, our commitment to infection control is unwavering. Through stringent measures, continuous employee training, and adherence to regulatory standards, we ensure the health and safety of our residents. Our proactive approach to infection prevention safeguards the well-being of those in our care and upholds the high standards of quality within our nursing home services.