We have spoken to some of our residents here in Ascot Grange about what do they already know about the Corona Virus. Most of our residents especially the ones who have been reading the newspaper and watching the news are very well up to date. One of our residents said that she seen on the news that handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of infection, “Surely everyone knows how to wash their hands” Phyllis said. We asked if she would be willing to wash her hands using the equipment that we have in the home…
Phyllis was surprised to find out that even after washing her hands thoroughly, it was still evident that there was still some left of the Glitterbug Potion that we used!
“I thought washing hands were simple, thank you for that.. you learn something new every day!” -Phyllis
One of our residents Lauretta used to be an inspector. She said she used to inspect vulnerable adults in their own homes and care homes to ensure that they are safe and are in receipt of high standards of care.
Lauretta said that maybe it is a good idea to put a guide on how to do effective handwashing in communal areas where there are handwashing facilities.. She did not only advise but also helped to put some of the signs up!
“Florence Nightingale came to prominence while serving as a manager and trainer of nurses during the Crimean War, in which she organised care for wounded soldier.” June said that she did a similar role where she was a senior nurse in Harton South Shields General Hospital that is why even up to now she is an advocate of “PROPER” handwashing, she says…
“Nothing can ever replace a good old handwashing technique!”
“I started working as a nurse since I was 16, I finished a cadette nurse course in Royal Berks Hospital. I spent most of my nursing years working as a deputy manager looking after palliative
residents, care of the elderly and dementia care. My staff would know when I’m in because before I start my shift I would go around checking rooms ensuring that staff were not walking in corridors with gloves in their hands and aprons around their necks. I used to be so strict when it comes to protective equipment and infection control.”
“I appreciate the staff are doing these with the residents, although we do it on a daily basis it’s so easy to rush into finishing it sometimes that we tend to miss some spots.”
-Jane
David used to be an engineer, he helped build the Olympic Stadium in Saudi Arabia back in 1987. Although he is now retired, his attention to detail even up to this day is superb so we thought we could challenge him with his hand washing techniques.
Rosemary wanted to try the handwashing challenge with one of the Nurses, Toms….
“I never thought handwashing can be this fun!” -Rosemary
Mechelle, one of our Nurses spent time with our residents answering questions they have about the Corona Virus.
Mechelle also took the time to discuss the handwashing technique with soap and water and the residents were so eager to listen that they were also asking questions.
Some of the residents asked what are the most common symptoms that we need to watch out for?
Symptoms of coronavirus:
- A cough
- A high temperature
- Shortness of breath
We have reassured the residents that these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
“Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. … Handwashing with soap removes germs from hands. This helps prevent infections because people frequently touch their eyes, nose, and mouth without even realizing it.”
Our 100 year old resident Ray reading the steps on handwashing.. he quoted “One can never be too old to learn new things!”
“In 1968 we had our own drapers shop called Panda in Ascot. I was a great manager of people and when I moved to Windsor I ran the Sketchley Dry Cleaners. I was promoted to Regional Manager and then to running a division of Sketchleys.” “Back then, although we were not in the healthcare business, I always emphasised to my staff the importance of handwashing, my staff were looking after very expensive textiles and garments I suppose I needed peace of mind they won’t ruin any of those products” -Maureen
Maureen has a cat called Tilly, Maureen said she would like to be shown how to effectively handwash so that she can do this after feeding her cat, before and after meals, before and after her personal care and going to the toilet. Although she is doing it regularly, she would like reassurance she is doing it the right way.
“It’s worth repeating, over and over again: wash your hands. Wet your hands with clean running water and then lather them with soap; don’t miss the backs of your hands, between your fingers or under your nails. Make sure to scrub for at least 20 seconds (or about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice), and dry them with a clean towel or let them air dry.”
-Kria, Care Services Manager did a step by step tutorial with Maureen when she asked if someone could show her how to do it.
“That’s brilliant! I enjoyed doing that! Now my hands feel nice and clean”
-Maureen
Our Residents in Devenish Gardens were also up for the Handwashing Challenge! One of our residents Swami challenged one of our care staff Sachin to see who will do a better job?
“I really enjoyed that! Now, who wants to have another round with me?”
-Swami
Both Swami and Sachin successfully completed the challenge. Swami was so thrilled she even asked if she can do it again?!
The challenge will not be complete without Mr and Mrs Bryant!
SATINA VS. ROBERT
“I always clean my hands several times during the day, I know how important it is”
-Satina
“Will the Corona Virus change the way you work in the kitchen?”
“Keep Calm, and Carry on” says Nick, one of our Chefs in Ascot Grange as he prepares meals for our residents. The restaurant and kitchen staff will always ensure that they always provide the finest service, always hands-on for any queries or requests for our residents.
Washing your hands properly is one of the most important things you can do to help prevent and control the spread of many illnesses. Good hand hygiene will reduce the risk of things like flu, food poisoning and healthcare-associated infections being passed from person to person.
“Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others”
-Dean, housekeeping team
Handwashing can help prevent illness. It involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) you can take to reduce the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illness so you can stay healthy. Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick.
Marius and Nina both agree that handwashing is a win for everyone, except the germs!
Liz and Carol have been working alongside new members of the care team. As part of their induction, they ensure that they teach new staff members Effective Handwashing Technique.
We spent the whole day on March 7 and 8, 2020 talking to our residents and answering any concerns they have about infection control and how best we can prevent the spread of infection in our home and around the community.
“I feel safe and secure here, I trust the staff know what they are doing. I think we will all be fine!”
-Christine