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Good Hygiene Tips for Adults in Group Homes

Adult group home care assists the elderly, the mentally or physically handicapped and others in living healthy lives in a monitored social and residential setting. Because many people may live in such a facility, good hygiene is extremely important in preventing the spread of diseases and infection. Simple hygienic practices can have great impact on the health of the residents.

  1. Universal Precautions

    • Whenever blood is present, disposable gloves should be worn to protect health workers and residents from the potential spread of viruses such as HIV. Clean up spills of bodily fluids with disposable gloves, paper towels or disposable cleaning cloths and use disinfectant cleansers. Avoid bodily fluid contact with the skin, especially with any open sores or cuts. Place all cleanup items into hazardous waste or spill- and leak-proof containers for disposal.

    Personal Precautions

    • Hand washing should be taught to all adults, making sure they distribute soap not just on fingertips but on the whole hand, rinse thoroughly and dry hand using paper towels or an air dryer, which is more hygienic than a shared towel.

      Ask adults to cover their mouths when sneezing, preferably by using a tissue, and to wash hands well with soap and water afterward. They should cover coughs as well, preferably by coughing into an elbow; wash hands thoroughly afterward to prevent spreading germs.

      At mealtimes, each adult needs her own cup, plate and utensils. Sharing of food or food utensils with others can spread germs quickly; encourage residents not to share food and drinks.

    Other Considerations

    • Personal items such as razor blades, toothbrushes and other hygienic items should not be shared by members of the group home.

      Sometimes, it can be difficult for adults to bathe themselves; care should be taken that personal dignity is left intact when bathing residents. If a person cannot shower or bathe alone, assign an assistant of the same gender to assist the person, and schedule no less than one bath or shower per week.

      Items such as adult diapers need to be disposed of in leak-proof bags or containers. Handle these items using disposable gloves, or wash hands thoroughly afterward. Soiled clothing and sheets can be washed together, unless blood or semen is present, in which case they should be washed separately from other items as a precaution.

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