The most important this about hand washing is to wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands. Hand washing removes “bugs” and soils that can make people sick.

When we were in kindergarten, we were taught to wash our hands before we eat, and after we go to the washroom. These rules still apply whether we are 5 years old or 95 years old.

At Algonquin the staff wash their hands – at the beginning and end of the workday; before and after they work with residents; before and after using gloves; before eating or handling medications; and after touching contaminated surfaces. The staff and residents are always encouraged to wash their hands.

There are five basic steps when washing our hands:

1. Wet hands with water then add soap.
2. Use friction to generate lather and wash hands for at least 15 seconds.
3. Rinse well under a stream of water.
4. Dry hands thoroughly.
5. Turn off faucet with paper towel.

The Algonquin Nursing Home would like to remind everyone of the importance of hand washing. For the residents and staff it is very important. The more you wash your hands, the less chance there is to spread infections. By having a healthy environment, Algonquin is “A Place Called Home”.