Maintaining Clean, Safe Environments Across Residential Shifts

Personal Support Workers provide close-contact intimate care, making infection prevention and control (IPAC) a fundamental cornerstone of professional practice. Following Public Health Ontario guidelines protects both your elderly clients and your own family.

The 4 Moments for Hand Hygiene in Home Care

  1. Before Initial Contact: Prior to touching the client or their clean environment.
  2. Before Clean/Aseptic Procedures: Prior to wound dressing assistance, oral care, or handling feeding tubes.
  3. After Body Fluid Exposure Risk: Immediately following incontinence care, peri-care, or emptying commodes.
  4. After Client Contact: Upon leaving the client's immediate care space.

Seasonal Respiratory Protection (COVID, Flu, RSV)

During peak Ontario winter respiratory illness seasons (November through March), wearing well-fitted ASTM Level 2 surgical masks or N95 respirators during direct personal care is strongly recommended when caring for immunocompromised or frail seniors.