- Becky
How Elderly Care Can Help Disinfect a Senior’s Home
The COVID-19 virus has made it necessary for people to take additional steps to protect themselves from getting ill. One of the steps experts recommend is to regularly disinfect areas in the home that receive frequent contact and, therefore, may be carrying the novel coronavirus. Below are some tips that can help to keep your aging relative safer at home and how elderly care can help them to keep their home disinfected.
Know Which Surfaces Need Disinfecting
Obviously, any surface that is dirty should be cleaned and disinfected. However, some surfaces are touched more often than others. Some things that are considered “high touch” are:
Tables
Doorknobs and handles
Light switches
Countertops
Desks
Phones
Keyboards
Toilets
Faucets
Sinks
This is not an all-inclusive list as all people’s homes are different, so you may want to add some other places to the list.
Disinfect
If the area being disinfected is dirty, first clean it with soap and water. Afterward, follow the directions on the disinfectant being used. For example, some kinds of disinfectants instruct you to keep the surface wet for a period of time before wiping it dry. Also, use an EPA-registered disinfectant. Depending on the surface, you may also be able to use a diluted solution of bleach. Make sure the room is properly ventilated as bleach fumes can be harmful. In addition, never mix bleach with any other cleaner as it can cause a dangerous chemical reaction. To make an effective bleach solution: Make sure the bleach hasn’t passed its expiration date. Then, mix 1/3 cup of bleach with one gallon of water, or mix 4 teaspoons with a quart of water. Leave the solution on for at least a minute before wiping it off the surface.
Disinfecting Electronics
Electronics require a little different technique to prevent damage. However, your aging relative’s smartphone and other devices are certainly in need of disinfecting because they are touched so often. Whenever possible, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for disinfecting electronic devices. If you are unable to find instructions for disinfecting, use alcohol-based wipes or sprays and wipe the item dry. Elderly care providers can assist your older family member to disinfect the house regularly. An elderly care provider can use the appropriate household disinfectant or a bleach solution to remove germs from all high touch surfaces, including electronics. By disinfecting the home, elderly care can help to protect your aging relative from contracting COVID-19 or spreading it to others should they fall ill.