Infection control
Common touch points within a care home 1. Door handles and cupboard doorknobs: Door handles and cupboard doorknobs are some of the most frequently touched surfaces within a care home environment. Both residents and staff come into contact with these touchpoints multiple times a day, making them highly susceptible to microbial contamination. Each time a door handle or cupboard doorknob is touched, bacteria and other pathogens are transferred. Utilising antimicrobial door handles and cupboard doorknobs can significantly reduce the microbial load on these surfaces. The antimicrobial additives embedded in these handles work around the clock to inhibit the growth and spread of microorganisms.
2. Handrails and grab bars: Handrails and grab bars are essential for providing stability and support to residents as they move around the care home. These touch points are crucial for safety, especially for those with mobility issues. However, their frequent use means they are also common sites for microbial build up. Handrails and grab bars treated with antimicrobial technology can effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi on these surfaces.
3. Countertops and surfaces: Countertops and surfaces in communal areas, dining rooms, kitchens, and resident rooms are constantly in use and are frequently touched by many individuals on a daily basis. These surfaces are hotspots for bacteria and other pathogens. The use of antimicrobial technology within countertops and other surfaces can greatly minimise microbial colonisation. The antimicrobial properties work to continuously protect these areas from bacterial growth, ensuring a higher level of hygiene. This is particularly important in areas where food is prepared and served, as well as in social spaces where residents gather and interact.
4. Medical equipment and devices: Medical equipment and devices, such as blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, bed rails, and mobility aids, are integral to providing quality care to residents. However, these items are also prone to microbial contamination due to their frequent use. Ensuring that medical equipment and devices are treated with antimicrobial technology can help
September 2024
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com
These coatings form a durable, long-lasting layer, inhibiting the growth of microorganisms
prevent the transmission of harmful microorganisms.
5. Textiles and furnishings: Textiles, including bedding, curtains, towels, and upholstered furniture, are ubiquitous in care homes and are frequently handled by residents and staff. The porous nature of textiles makes them particularly vulnerable to microbial contamination. Incorporating antimicrobial technology into these textiles can inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens.
6. Wall panelling and wall coverings: Wall panelling and wall coverings are often overlooked as potential sources of microbial contamination, despite being regularly touched and in close proximity to residents and staff. Antimicrobial technology within these surfaces helps to mitigate the risk of microbial growth and surface contamination.
7. Light switches and electrical controls: Light switches and other electrical controls are frequent touchpoints for both residents and staff. These points of contact can easily harbour bacteria and viruses due to their frequent use. Utilising antimicrobial light switches and controls can help to reduce the spread of microorganisms.
8. Remote controls and keyboards: Remote controls for televisions and other devices, as well as computer keyboards and mice, are commonly used and can be touched by multiple people throughout the day. These items are well known to be hotspots for microbial contamination. Antimicrobial treatments for these devices can inhibit the growth of bacteria and other pathogens, promoting better hygiene.
9. Telephones: Shared telephones in common areas and resident rooms are frequently used and can be significant sources of microbial contamination. Antimicrobial telephone handsets will help to reduce microbial contamination on these common touch points.
10. Bathroom fixtures: Taps, toilet flush handles, and soap dispensers in bathrooms are high-contact surfaces that can harbour a variety of microorganisms. Incorporating
antimicrobial technology into these fixtures can help maintain an improved level of hygiene.
11. Dining utensils and trays: In care homes, dining utensils and trays are handled by many people, including residents and staff. Antimicrobial alternatives of these items are available, and they can inhibit microbial growth ensuring safer mealtimes.
By converting these common touch points to antimicrobial alternatives, care homes can create a more hygienic environment for both residents and staff.
Rationale for antimicrobial product protection
The implementation of antimicrobial technology in care home environments serves several important purposes: n Control: Targeting high-touch surfaces and areas prone to microbial contamination with antimicrobial technology is crucial for reducing the proliferation of pathogens. This technology works by continuously inhibiting the growth and spread of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. By incorporating antimicrobial agents into frequently touched items such as door handles, handrails, and medical equipment, care homes can create a more controlled environment where the risk of microbial transmission is significantly lowered.
n Enhanced hygiene standards: By actively suppressing microbial growth on surfaces and materials, antimicrobial technology reinforces existing cleaning and disinfection protocols. This ensures a higher standard of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the care home environment. Regular cleaning and disinfection are essential, but antimicrobial technology adds an extra layer of protection that works around the clock. This continuous protection helps to fill the gaps between cleaning, making sure that surfaces remain as free from pathogens as possible. Consequently, this leads to a more hygienic environment, reducing the overall microbial load and enhancing the effectiveness of regular cleaning practices.
n Resident wellbeing: Residents in care homes are particularly vulnerable to infections due to age-related frailty and underlying health conditions such as chronic diseases or weakened
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