In modern times, facility managers at senior care centers are tasked with the pressing need to robustly fortify infection prevention procedures and disinfection protocols. Given that the elder population is prone to fall ill easily, and that maintaining a sanitized ambiance is indispensable, the method of achieving this has to be continuously updated. Healthy and safe surroundings are no longer just appreciated benefits, but are essential aspects of senior care facilities, which necessitate the use of non-toxic, eco-friendly sanitation and cleaning solutions.
Being unique habitats, senior care homes present unparalleled challenges that crisscross increased infection risks with infection control barriers. The residents are usually more susceptible to bacterium-induced diseases, respiratory illnesses, and harmful viruses such as the flu and norovirus. Facilities of this nature, being communal, might inadvertently encourage the rampant proliferation of pathogens if proper sterilization practices are disregarded.
Standard cleaning methods are heavily dependent on harsh chemicals which might exterminate germs but usually bring in adverse effects. These chemical-laden solutions give off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can deteriorate air quality indoors, potentially causing lasting harm to the staff and the residents by irritating their respiratory systems. VOCs are chemicals that vaporize into the air with ease, thus far-reaching impacts on indoor air quality.
Generally found in numerous cleaning products, VOCs could include substances such as benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde. On being discharged, these VOCs can aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma, and irritate the nose, throat, and eyes. Extended exposure to VOCs has been associated with graver health issues, inclusive of, but not limited to, kidney and liver damage, and in extreme cases, cancer.
The implications of VOCs in senior care centers can be far heavier given that the elderly residents might already be dealing with a weakened immunity or impaired respiratory system. A decline in air quality indoors, a result of VOC emissions, can induce prolonged respiratory issues, increase vulnerability to infections, and have a detrimental effect on life quality in general. Simultaneously, individuals in staff roles who are exposed to VOCs on a regular basis might endure fatigue, headaches, and other symptoms that could hinder their ability to fulfill their responsibilities proficiently.
A switchover to VOC-free cleaning solutions that are non-toxic can help establishments provide an environment that is healthier and safer. Non-toxic cleaning solutions are the lodestar to achieving cleanliness of a high degree without triggering damaging side-effects. Products such as electrolyzed water are devoid of hazardous materials and VOCs. Instead of merely suppressing odors or depending on synthetic fragrances, electrolyzed water solutions launch an attack on germs at the source, thus ensuring a thoroughly clean and sanitary environment.
An immediate gain in terms of health is also accompanied by the fact that these products are safer for the cleaning staff who no longer have to be apprehensive about extended contact with harsh substances. This transformation could even enhance employee morale and retention as staff would feel more valued and less endangered while attending to their daily tasks. In getting aligned with broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, sustainable cleaning solutions also bring about an upswing in health outcomes.
The environmental repercussions of traditional cleaning solutions are an escalating concern. High-intensity chemicals from these solutions can make their way into water bodies and add to pollution while causing damage to aquatic ecosystems. The implementation of non-toxic alternatives that are biodegradable can alleviate the environmental impact while helping facilities cut down on their carbon footprint.
Cleaning and disinfection solutions produced on-site using water, salt, and electricity are the product of electrolyzed water systems. By doing away with the requirement for plastic packaging and decreasing transport-associated emissions, these systems offer a solution that is both cost-effective and eco-friendly. Electrolyzed water is an effective, yet non-toxic alternative to traditional cleaning and disinfecting methods, created through electrolysis.
By passing an electric current through a mixture of water and salt, electrolyzed water, a superior disinfectant called hypochlorous acid, and a gentle cleaning agent, sodium hydroxide, are formed. Both are equally safe for the environment and humans, while also being effective. The hypochlorous acid disinfectant harbors immense strength against various pathogens, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. With their numerous advantages, electrolyzed water systems are being increasingly adopted, as they provide a cost-effective, sustainable substitute to conventional and chemical-laden cleaning products.
The desire to purchase, transport, or store harmful chemicals can be done away with as these systems manufacture cleaning solutions on-site. Apart from being devoid of VOCs and other irritants, electrolyzed water improves indoor air quality and reduces health hazards for the staff and residents. The versatile nature of this solution is another key benefit. Electrolyzed water can be used on numerous surfaces, without leaving behind harmful residues, such as floors, countertops, and medical equipment, thereby making it especially suitable for senior care residences, where cleanliness and safety of residents are crucial. By aligning with sustainability targets and reducing the overall carbon footprint of the facility, the production process also minimizes waste and environmental impact.
Hypochlorous acid is a substance naturally produced by our white blood cells to battle infections. This substance is an extremely powerful antimicrobial agent that acts by disrupting the cellular structures of harmful microorganisms. The manner in which HOCl eliminates bacteria is by breaking down their protective barriers. Dissimilar to bleach (sodium hypochlorite) which takes longer to exhibit effects and can be harmful to humans, HOCl has the ability to rapidly penetrate bacterial cell walls given its neutral electrical charge. Once inside, HOCl acts on bacterial cells by oxidizing lipids, proteins, and DNA.
This action effectively tears down vital cellular functions causing rapid cellular death. In the case of viruses, the protein coats and genetic matter are disrupted by HOCl rendering them inactive. HOCl also modifies proteins and enzymes that bacteria and viruses need to stay alive. The denature of these structures by HOCl ensures that the pathogens cannot reproduce or multiply, thus preventing the onset of infections. Bacterial cells usually form biofilms, protective layers that make them resistant to common disinfectants—this can pose a formidable challenge in surroundings that require frequent cleaning, such schools, hospitals, senior care centers. The ability of HOCl to breakdown biofilms makes it highly effective at exposing bacteria to destruction and preventing their regrowth.
Considering the beginning of this year with respect to infection prevention, senior care center administrators should: Adopting non-toxic, sustainable cleaning methods come this new year is a strong indication to team members, residents, and their loved ones that health and safety are at the forefront. By adopting eco-friendly, innovative solutions, senior care facilities can strive to set the standard for infection prevention while nurturing a cleaner, eco-friendly future.
The president and co-founder of Viking Pure Solutions, Mr. Schwartz is aiding in redefining commercial cleaning and disinfection’s future. He is a deserving alumnus of Yale University, and is an active developer of medical-related real estate and supportive housing. Mr. Schwartz invites you to share your thoughts in the Comments section located below. He also encourages you to send a personal e-mail message to the Editor at [email protected]. The article further involves bonuses and features, columns, cleaning and maintenance, FM profile, FM solutions, and the cover story.
Source: https://facilityexecutive.com/infection-prevention-for-senior-living-facilities/