11.2.1: Managing the Environment

As the eyes and ears of the healthcare team, the Home Health Aide/Personal Care Aide plays a very important role in preventing patient injuries. They will be the person spending the most time in the home, and will become very knowledgeable about their patient, their family, and any changes in their condition and within their environment.

The key for Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides in preventing injury with patients is to properly manage the environment, and to use all of their senses as they observe the patient within their environment. By completing household tasks within the home, they will be helping to keep the patient’s home free from clutter, dirt, pests, and infection. By assisting their patient with daily living tasks, such as bathing, they will help to maintain their well-being and general health.

Proper Body Mechanics

The use of proper body mechanics is an important way to prevent injury to the health care worker as well as to the patient. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should always keep in mind proper body mechanics during their work with patients, whether it is while bathing, ambulating, or assisting with transfers. Ensure all the equipment used with the patient is in good working order. Always keep in mind the importance of ensuring locks are braked on wheelchairs, chairs, and beds, to prevent accidental injuries.

Handwashing

To prevent the transmission of disease, proper hand washing is of utmost importance and is the number one way to prevent the spread of infection (CDC, 2014b). Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides must wash their hands prior to and after contact with patients and their belongings. Ensure that they wash their hands after contact with body fluids such as blood, urine, feces, and vomit. Gloves should be worn whenever they come into contact with body fluids, food, or while performing household chores such as laundry in which body fluids may be present. Remember to wash hands when removing gloves and to change gloves whenever they are soiled or ripped.

Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides have an important role in educating their patients and their families about the importance of handwashing. Encourage the patients to wash their hands after using the bathroom, before preparing food or eating, after contact with any body fluids, or whenever they are soiled. For patients who are immobile or who have difficulty with mobility, Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides can provide them with a wet, soapy washcloth or alcohol sanitizer to use to keep their hands clean and free of germs.

Self Check Activity \(\PageIndex{1}\)

True or False

1. Handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of infection. True or False? ______

2. Gloves should be worn whenever the HHA/PCA may come into contact with bodily fluids and when performing household tasks such as cooking and laundry. True or False? ______

Answer

1. True

2. True

FEEDBACK:

1. Handwashing is the number one way to prevent the spread of infection. HHA/PCAs should take care to always wash their hands prior to and after contact with patients and their belongings. They also have an important role in educating patients and their families about the importance of handwashing.

2. Gloves should always be worn when there is a chance of contact with bodily fluids such as while performing patient care and doing laundry. Gloves should also be worn when using cleaning supplies and when preparing food for others.

1. True

2. True

FEEDBACK:

1. Handwashing is the number one way to prevent the spread of infection. HHA/PCAs should take care to always wash their hands prior to and after contact with patients and their belongings. They also have an important role in educating patients and their families about the importance of handwashing.

2. Gloves should always be worn when there is a chance of contact with bodily fluids such as while performing patient care and doing laundry. Gloves should also be worn when using cleaning supplies and when preparing food for others.