Why it's Crucial to Keep Your Nursing Home Clean: Nursing Home Facility Cleaning Services
Nursing home facilities present a unique challenge to cleaning crews. As we age, our immune systems weaken, making us more susceptible to illness. Add in a large number of people, living and working in close proximity, and the risk becomes even greater.
Maintaining hygienic, sanitary conditions is critical in any nursing facility to help prevent the spread of germs and keep staff and residents healthy.
The Unique Cleaning Needs of a Nursing Home
Drug-resistant pathogens, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (commonly referred to as MRSA), present a special challenge for nursing homes and other healthcare facilities. Administrators should review locations where contact is most likely and develop a multi-lateral approach in creating a cleaning plan.
Commercial Cleaners Specializing in Nursing Facilities
The unique needs of a nursing home require a professional cleaning company trained in the best practices of maintaining healthcare facilities. In addition, a special focus on the needs of older people, specifically weakened immune systems, is required.
In-house cleaners often reuse tools such as mops and rags. This is a mistake, as these cleaning devices are very effective at spreading germs. Professionals have improved technologies available, such as a no-touch cleaning system and specially designed equipment that protects against cross-contamination.
Another area where cross-contamination is likely is in moving from room to room, especially if the cleaner uses the same pair of gloves throughout the facility. This is another effective means of transferring germs.
Consider, also, common ways in which bacteria enter the air, such as in removing bedding for laundering and emptying waste cans. In the first instance, roll bedclothes away from the body, to minimize transferring bacteria onto the cleaner's clothing. With trash bags, releasing air before sealing the bag also releases germs. Experienced healthcare cleaning crews understand these "little" things.
Finally, consider the cleansing products themselves, and the hazards to skin and lungs they often represent. "Green" cleaning products use chemicals safe for both people and the environment, and work best for those with weakened immune systems or who have trouble breathing.
The Benefits of Outsourcing Nursing Home Cleaning
Professional cleaners have the necessary training and qualifications to maintain a nursing home. You can train in-house employees in these techniques, but it is a lengthy, ongoing process due to new discoveries and innovations and staff turnover. You must make sure they are consistent in their cleaning methods, and correctly handle the disposal of biohazards like blood and sharps.
You must also consider the cost of the employees, both their salary and benefits, as well as the cost of cleaning supplies and equipment. In addition, you must account for time off for illness or vacation, and workers' compensation insurance in the event of accident or injury.
In contrast, a commercial cleaning company specializing in healthcare facilities deals with all of the costs, training, and personnel issues associated with a janitorial or housekeeping crew. In the meantime, you get to focus your attention on managing your facility and caregivers.
Finding a Commercial Nursing Home Cleaner
Outsourcing this work makes both fiscal and hygienic sense, so long as you choose a company specializing in healthcare facilities. Request a free quote today to learn more.
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