Hand hygiene and infection prevention in daily life

I care for my father at home and I'm worried he might catch infections, especially now that he's more fragile. He puts his hands in his mouth, touches everything and doesn't always wash his hands. What should I do daily to prevent this?

Your concern makes perfect sense: hands are the main route of infection transmission, and protecting your father also protects you. The good news is that simple gestures make a huge difference.

Why it happens

With dementia, the person forgets to wash their hands or doesn't understand its importance. Fragility and, sometimes, incontinence increase the risk of urinary, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.

Practical strategies

• Wash hands (his and yours) before meals, after going to the toilet and after handling nappies.
• Make the gesture easy: liquid soap, clean towel and, at hand, alcohol-based solution when there is no sink nearby.
• Do it together with him, guiding him gesture by gesture, calmly.
• Keep nails short and clean and skin moisturised to prevent cracks.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and ventilate the house.

What NOT to do

• Do not scold him if he forgets: remind him naturally.
• Do not use aggressive products that dry out the skin and cause wounds.

When to seek professional help

In case of fever, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, persistent cough or diarrhoea, contact your GP or NHS 111 (111). In more fragile people, infections worsen quickly and early assessment is important.

"I put a gel dispenser at the kitchen entrance and started washing my hands with him. It became a habit for both of us." — Anonymous Carer