In the Know
The first week of December is National Handwashing Awareness Week!
The first week of December is National Handwashing Awareness Week!
Why is this week so important?
The goal of National Handwashing Awareness Week is to decrease the spread of the flu and other infectious diseases by bringing awareness to the importance of good hand hygiene.
Scientists have known for more than 100 years that handwashing helps prevent infection. Yet, study after study shows that more than half of all healthcare workers fail to wash their hands as often as (or as well as) they should.
What makes handwashing so challenging?
We recently asked nearly 500 caregivers over a two-week period, “What makes it so challenging to follow proper handwashing procedures?” Here’s what they told us:
- 57% said there were no clean towels or paper towels available to dry hands after washing.
- 38% said there was no soap available to wash their hands.
- 29% said there was no proper sink or clean water.
- 23% said they didn’t have any hand sanitizer to clean hands as needed.
A majority of caregivers polled in this survey care for clients in home care settings.
It’s a Fact
- 80% of all infectious diseases are spread by hands.
What can you do?
Arm your team with the tools they need to follow proper handwashing techniques while in clients’ homes. Here are a few affordable products that would make excellent Christmas gifts for all the caregivers on your team:
Disposable Hand Washing Paper Soap
Available from Amazon.com ($7.99 / 10 boxes)
Viva Pop-Ups Paper Towel Dispenser
Available from Amazon.com ($2.73 / 1 box)
PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer
Available from Amazon.com ($35 / 36 bottles)
What else can you do?
Find out how prepared your caregivers are to prevent infections by using the Infection Control Caregiver Challenge!
Distribute the Infection Control Caregiver Challenge to your Caregivers to
measure and boost their knowledge of common infection control issues.
What’s Inside?
A thought-provoking quiz for caregivers.
Tips on breaking the chain of infection,
Advice on when and why handwashing is necessary,
and An in-depth look at the symptoms of the flu.
