Caregiver Protection & Odor Control

What to Know About Caregiver Protection & Odor Control Supplies

Having the right supplies on hand to help maintain a safe, hygienic, and odor controlled environment is important for both caregivers and care recipients.

Caregiver protection supplies can support many situations, like:

• If your loved one experiences difficulty controlling their bodily functions, such as incontinence, this can lead to unpleasant odors in the home (which can be embarrassing and uncomfortable for both the caregiver and the care recipient).
• For loved ones with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or liver and kidney disease, this can cause excessive sweating which may lead to a strong body odor that can be difficult to manage.
• Caregivers administering insulin or other medical injections need designated disposal units.

Provide your loved one with a safe and sanitary environment with routine cleaning to:

• Reduce the spread of germs and bacteria, which can lead to illness and disease.
• Reduce the risk of falls, as it helps to keep floors and other surfaces free of debris and clutter.
• Decrease allergens and dust, which can cause respiratory problems.
• Help keep the home looking and feeling fresh, which can help to improve the quality of life for those in care.
• Help reduce stress and anxiety for caregivers, as it helps to keep the environment organized and orderly.

At Carewell, we want to assist caregivers in providing a clean and healthy environment, and having these items on hand can help save time and energy, so they can focus on connecting with their loved one and promoting a peaceful environment.

• Gloves - choose from a variety of gloves for use during enteral feeding, incontinence product changes, or cleaning up bodily fluids.
• Cleaning Products - includes laundry detergent for washing soiled linens and garments; disinfectant wipes and sprays for surface cleaning.
• Deodorizers - includes aerosol sprays or mists to neutralize odors and reduce airborne bacteria.
• Disposable Genie & Disposal Bags - choose from disposable systems and bags which provide a convenient and hygienic way to dispose of adult diapers, preventing unpleasant odors and messes from accumulating in the home.
• Paper Towels - Select from multi-fold paper towels or rolls to clean up messes, wipe down surfaces, and absorb liquids.
• Trash Cans & Waste Containers - includes products which provide a safe and secure way to store and dispose of trash, liners, pharmaceutical waste and biohazard waste, helping to reduce the spread of germs and contamination.

FAQ's:

Why do caregivers wear gloves?

Gloves are necessary for caregiver protection because they provide a physical barrier between the caregiver and recipient to:

• Reduce the risk of spreading germs and infections.
• Protect the caregiver from contact with bodily fluids, which can contain dangerous bacterias.
• Prevent allergic reactions to certain materials.
• Protect the caregiver from cuts and scrapes that can occur when providing medical care.
• Provide a sense of security and peace of mind for both the caregiver and their loved one.

What is the purpose of paper towels?

Paper towels are a great tool for caregivers in a variety of settings. These disposable towels make a great option for caregivers to:

• Clean messes and protect surfaces from spills.
• Wipe down surfaces.
• Absorb liquids.
• Quickly clean up after meals.

How do you control smells when providing care?

When providing care, controlling smells can be done by ensuring that the environment is kept clean and free of debris. This includes routine cleaning of floors, walls, and surfaces, as well as regularly changing bedding, linens, and clothing. Opening windows or using fans to properly circulate air as well as using air fresheners also assists with odor control.

What is a biohazard bag used for?

Caregivers use biohazard waste bags to safely store and dispose of medical waste, such as needles, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials, to protect themselves, their loved ones, and the environment from the spread of disease.

What waste goes in a red bag?

Medical waste, such as used needles and syringes, bandages, gloves, and other items contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids and that have the potential to spread bloodborne pathogens should be disposed of in a biohazardous waste bag.

What materials should not be placed inside a biohazard bag?

Items that should not be placed in a red waste bag include:

• Food waste.
• Pharmaceuticals.
• Recyclable materials.
• Non-hazardous materials such as paper, plastic, or glass.
• Items that are flammable or combustible such as gasoline, oil, paint, and aerosol cans.

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