12/05/2025
At Hospice and Beyond Palliative Care LLC, infection control is an important part of keeping patients, families, and caregivers safe and comfortable.
Many hospice patients receive care at home, where simple precautions can help prevent infections and promote a clean, healing environment.
Why Infection Control Matters
Infections can cause discomfort, delay recovery, or lead to complications. Because some patients have weaker immune systems, following good hygiene and care practices helps protect everyone in the home.
Ways to Prevent Infection at Home
1. Hand Hygiene
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Always wash before and after touching the patient, giving medication, handling food, or changing dressings.
• Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
2. Clean Environment
• Keep the patient’s room clean, well ventilated, and clutter free.
• Wipe down commonly touched surfaces like doorknobs, tables, and remote controls daily.
• Change linens and towels regularly.
3. Safe Handling of Medical Supplies
• Store medications and supplies in clean, dry areas away from pets or children.
• Dispose of used gloves, dressings, and other materials in a covered trash container.
• Never reuse disposable items such as gloves or syringes.
4. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Caregivers should wear gloves when coming into contact with blood, body fluids, or open wounds.
• Masks may be used if the patient or caregiver has a cough, cold, or respiratory illness.
5. Wound and Skin Care
• Follow the hospice nurse’s instructions carefully when changing dressings.
• Keep wounds covered, clean, and dry unless directed otherwise.
• Report any redness, swelling, or drainage to the nurse immediately.
6. Food Safety
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Cook food to safe temperatures.
• Avoid leaving perishable foods at room temperature.
When to Contact the Nurse
Call your hospice nurse right away if the patient develops:
• Fever, chills, or sweating
• New or increased pain
• Redness, warmth, or drainage from a wound
• Shortness of breath or unusual coughing
• Sudden confusion or weakness
At Hospice and Beyond Palliative Care LLC, we believe infection control is an act of compassion.
By practicing good hygiene, maintaining a clean environment, and reporting early signs of infection, we work together to ensure safety, comfort, and peace of mind for every patient and family.
