Our hands are the most common way to pick up germs and spread disease. During these uncertain times, proper health safety is more important than ever, especially for seniors who are more at risk of suffering the damaging effects of contracting illnesses.
The most effective way to kill germs is to wash your hands often. However, there are times when you don’t have the ability for that. This is where using hand sanitizer comes in handy. The CDC recommends that disinfectants contain 60-95% alcohol to effectively kill germs and advises against using alcohol-free disinfectants. There is a significant difference in efficiency in terms of germ killing when it comes to hand sanitizers that do not contain alcohol.
Buy in Bulk
Hand sanitizer should be used often when seniors are out in public. Because of this, they are going to go through it quickly. Look for large bottles that can be kept at home while small travel sized bottles can be filled to be kept in bags or pockets.
Look for Added Ingredients
Alcohol may successfully kill germs, but it can dry out skin with frequent use. This is especially true for seniors that already suffer from typical skin problems as we age. Try using hand sanitizers that have added ingredients to protect and soothe skin such as aloe, glycerin, or coconut oil.
Use Only Natural Ingredients
The hand sanitizer should only contain natural ingredients. If there are any added chemicals such as parabans or especially methanol, it’s best that you don’t have your senior use it.
Skip the Wipes
If you can’t find any gel or spray hand sanitizers, wipes are certainly better than nothing at all. However, these should be used last as they can dry out quickly and don’t have the same coverage as their liquid form counterparts.
Make Your Own
If you can’t get your hands on sanitizer, don’t panic. You can always make your own at home with just a few ingredients. Start with:
2 parts alcohol (at least 60%)
1 part moisturizer – aloe, glycerin, or coconut oil
A few drops of essential oil is optional – clove, lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus
Comfort Keepers of Santa Clarita is the largest provider of home care services in the Santa Clarita Valley, with over a decade of experience with senior home care. It is our mission to support families in need by offering services that range from part-time to long-term. Your aging senior deserves to stay in the comfort of their own home, and with our help, you can rest assured knowing that they are in safe hands. Each trained caregiver is a professional making sure your loved one is safe & happy. One of our Care Managers would love to answer any questions you may have, so give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our wide range of services for both you and your senior loved one.
Comfort Keepers of Santa Clarita
23900 Lyons Ave
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
(661) 417-0904
www.homecaresantaclarita.com
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