12.08.2019
The Importance of Infection Control in Nursing Homes
Senior citizens are among the most at-risk individuals for contracting an infectious illness, particularly those such as influenza. Such illnesses can often be fatal on immune systems that have weakened over time. Therefore, the importance of infection control in nursing homes and similar environments is at an all-time high.
Spiking Demand
A very large chunk of the population is either at or approaching the age when specialized care is often necessary. Therefore, nursing home and hospital staff are struggling to meet demand; almost every bed is filled in most circumstances. Combine that with the onset of annual flu seasons and you have a recipe for disaster if you haven’t implemented a means of airborne infection control. After all, the spike in demand won’t be dropping anytime soon.
Plenty of Ways to Get Sick
It goes without saying that seniors more easily contract various illnesses. Examples of such viruses include Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), C. Difficile, and norovirus, just to name a few. Airborne infections from pathogens such as influenza and common cold strains are even more likely, spreading more easily when aerosols containing infectious microbes can freely disperse through the air. Proper humidity control can make them fall faster and not reach quite so far, limiting their reach and making your airborne infection control strategy all the more effective.
Dust Suppression
Dust can seriously interfere with the health of older occupants, with particles capable of ferrying bacteria, allergens and more, especially when clumped together in large quantities. By balancing the relative humidity between 40 and 60 percent, there’s less of a chance that nursing home residents and staff will be put at risk, as the currents in conductive items in the building will be suppressed. Dust won’t be able to thrive and accumulate as easily in spaces with proper humidity control.
Comfort
Dry conditions can also cause skin issues and interfere with the usage of specialized equipment such as catheters, making for an outright miserable experience for occupants. In addition, nursing home residents need to feel comfortable and at ease in order to get accustomed to their surroundings and truly feel, well, at home. That means keeping the relative humidity at levels that prevent mucous membranes and dermis from dehydrating, avoiding irritation, discomfort and infection more easily. It’s healthy for the eyes, skin and mind!
All in all, the importance of infection control in nursing homes and similar environments is critical. Want to learn more about the benefits of proper humidity control for your application? Contact us at Condair today to get familiar with our wide range of humidification solutions.
Similar Links:
https://www.condair.com/humidifiers-for-nursing-retirement-homes
https://www.condair.com/humidifiernews/blog-overview/can-better-air-hydration-combat-mrsa-infections
