According to the latest figures from health charity the Nuffield Trust; there are an estimated ten million carers in the UK, including 2.2 million who look after people aged 65 or older.
This older age group of patients presents unique challenges to those who look after them. Carers for the elderly must consider their specialised hygiene needs.
Whether you’re a live-in carer who works for an elderly person in their own home, or an employee of a care home, special attention must be taken to meet their needs.
What is a live-in carer?
A live-in carer provides unpaid support and care for a member of their family, a neighbour or friend who needs help with day-to-day living challenges. They may have an illness or a long-term health condition. They could be disabled, or simply in need of extra help because they are growing older.
Currently, 4.7% of the population provide at least 20 hours’ care per week. A carer can be a person of any age, although those who look after a loved one fall mainly into the 46 to 65 age group, which accounts for 41% of unpaid carers.
Traditionally, more women have always been carers than men. Currently, 58% are women and 42% are men.
The importance of carers
Carers can help to keep families together, when otherwise, the person in need may have to go into residential care. They help the people they look after to live their best life. They also make a massive contribution to society, as well as saving the UK economy £162 billion per year by donating their services.
The number of older people in the UK is increasing and more carers are needed as a result. A carer will always do their best when coping with challenging circumstances. Sadly, many are stretched to their limits, as they often have to juggle their duties with a job and family life. They may struggle financially and battle with ill health themselves due to the physical strain and mental stress.
Millions of carers look after a family member for love and find it to be a rewarding experience. They can also call on the charity Carers UK for morale support and for expert guidance when needed.
Duties of a carer
A carer looking after an elderly person has specific duties to keep them safe, on top of the usual daily routine. There are several diseases and medical conditions that are more prevalent among elderly patients including arthritis, osteoporosis, COPD, diabetes, stroke, cancer, Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s and more.
Tasks usually include bathing and grooming the elderly patient, helping them to dress and doing their laundry. Duties will also include food and other shopping, preparing meals and sometimes helping the person to eat it. The patient’s medications should be managed to ensure they take tablets on time and don’t run out. There may also be some light housekeeping duties involved too.
The elderly person may need mobility assistance, such as helping them to get into bed and get up again. They will probably need help with transportation, such as taking them to medical appointments, to meet a friend, or go to a social event.
It goes without saying, a carer is also there to provide emotional support and companionship.
Why is good hygiene important?
Specialised hygiene needs, both for care homes for the elderly and for live-in carers who look after people in their own home, maintain a clean and safe environment for both the elderly residents and the carers.
Elderly people are at a higher risk of illness due to exposure to bacteria and infections. This is the main reason why extra attention must be paid to the cleanliness and hygiene of their surroundings. A clean home creates a positive effect, both physically and mentally. It can also encourage other people to visit socially.
Inadequate hygiene can spread infections and cause an elderly person to develop health issues. If the patient has a condition such as dementia, a change in routine, such as a stay in hospital, can have a particularly negative impact on their wellbeing, so it’s vital to avoid any potential hazards.
Use high-quality PPE
Carers should use high-quality PPE in the course of their duties with elderly patients to protect both parties. In particular, disposable gloves that are used once and thrown away can help stop the spread of infection and germs. They should be used when there’s a risk of the carer touching bodily fluids including blood, saliva or urine, for example. Wear disposable gloves when touching areas near a wound, or an incision from an operation.
Despite the vital role they play in caring for elderly people, sadly, 75% of carers feel they are held in low esteem in the community. The annual Carers’ Week, planned for 10th to 16th June 2024, aims to raise awareness of the challenges carers face and celebrate the love, support and determination they show while carrying out their duties.
Here at Gloveman Supplies Ltd., we salute carers everywhere. You provide an invaluable service and enhance the lives of so many people whose lives wouldn’t be the same without you. Thank you.
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