Stethoscopes and Germs

                                                

           Stethoscopes and GERMS  
                    

             The stethoscope is used by most care givers for monitoring the blood pressure. (Manual blood pressure unit) Sometimes it is used to listen for various lung sounds to complete a report to the physician. 

       These instruments usually are part of the caregivers’ supply of “tools” and travel where ever the nurse, nurse aid goes. How many patients, beds, table tops, handbags, and car seats will the stethoscope come in contact with in a day or week? Germs love to travel on the surface of stethoscopes from person to person. I have used a stethoscope for over 50 years both in the field and in a hospital environment after each use it was stuffed back into a lab coat pocket or trauma bag.  Far too many in the medical field have not given much thought to the potential contamination that this valuable tool can spread but awareness is growing.  

        Some steps to reduce the risk of cross contamination are:

·         Clean the diaphragm off with an alcohol swab prior to each use and after you have completed working with each person.

·         Clean any parts of the tubing that came into contact with the patient, bed or counter tops. You can use a fresh alcohol wipe or sanitary cloth for this.

·         Clean out the carry bag used for the stethoscope on a regular basis you may be surprised how much debris collects there.

·         For those instruments that are used on a daily basis, once a week remove the ring holding the diaphragm then clean the threads on the bell.  

·         If the person being cared for has any type of infectious illness or wound situation then a disposable stethoscope is a preferred item.  You should still clean before and after each use. This can be disposed of after the condition clears up.

·         Ear pieces can be wiped off and even removed to be cleaned with a cotton tip applicator dipped in peroxide or use something like Clorox wipes. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly then let them dry before using again.

·          Even when using the stethoscope on the same person/patient it is a good idea to wipe it off after each use.

·         If the plastic disc (diaphragm) is damaged, cracked it needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Germs get into the damaged part faster than I can spill coffee on a new white shirt.  A damaged diaphragm will reduce sound transmission or prevent any sound coming through at all. 

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       Old damaged tubing must be replaced as germs love to hide deep in any opening in the tubing. Sound transmission can be reduced or even blocked by old, stiff or heat damaged tubing. Replacement tubes were common in the past though it is now less expensive (cheaper) to replace with a new stethoscope. A few of the high end brands may have a lifetime replacement program offered by the manufacturer.

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       All this may sound like a lot of work; it can be done in a matter of seconds for the cleansing. It’s a lot easier and safer to do than finding out a cross contamination happened.

The above are opinions of the author, for medical conditions it is best to contact your physician for advice.

For more information on the variety of stethoscopes available, replacement parts for some and or an evaluation of one that you have please stop by our showroom at:

Tucson Safety & Medical Supply

1740 E. Fort Lowell Road

Tucson, AZ 85719

www.tucsonsafety.com

520-628-7267

Is a Senior Day Program the Right Choice for You or a Loved One?

HOMES OF JOY SENIOR LIVING

Is a Senior Day Program the Right Choice For You or a Loved One?

Did you know that moving into a facility or care home is not the only option when seeking alternative care for a senior?  Many situations are different and depending on the wants and needs of families there may be reasons to consider a Senior Day Program as an alternative to the traditional route of uprooting and moving a loved one. At Homes of Joy Senior Living, we provide both types of accommodations, so let’s explore what may be the right path for you.

Some of the biggest factors people look for when choosing Tucson independent living facilities include: enriching life activities, staying attuned to the passions and purpose of the residents, physical engagement, community interaction, a continued sense of independence—and for many families—the option of not entering a 24-7 assisted living situation. The last factor is where a Senior Day Program becomes such an important option. Homes of Joy Senior Living is aware of all these elements, and the importance of providing options that other senior living Tucson facilities may not offer. 

The Senior Day Program – The Value of Staying With the Family

There can be a lot of apprehension for a senior and their family before choosing to enter any kind of alternative living situation, and there’s a number of reasons for this. For one thing, seniors and their family alike may be worried about their level of independence being affected. This is especially true if a senior requires certain levels of help or there are physical / mobility issues—but they are still very capable / mentally cognizant even at an advanced age. In these situations, a senior may be living at home with the rest of his or her family, but those family members feel guilty or scared to leave their loved one alone during the day—risking falls, injuries etc., with no one around to help. This is when a Senior Day Program may become the best option. 

Interestingly, many people are not aware of the Senior Day Program option and it’s almost like a “best kept secret” providing the best of both worlds—where it’s possible to be part of an active senior center during the daytime and go back home in the evening. Through a Senior Day Program, a family member has access to a lively community with hands-on support by a staff of caregivers, including transportation to and from activities, with the freedom to go home in the evening. 

For many people, this option also solves a lot of the reluctance that seniors may have for going into an alternative living situation. Independence is important for almost everyone and no one wants to feel like they have fewer choices about how they run their lives.  Senior Day Programs can therefore become more like an active part of a schedule than a permanent lifestyle change. And many studies have shown how important staying active (especially mentally) is as we age—including even in the prevention of serious diseases. 

At Homes of Joy Senior Living, we provide both a day program and a live-in program to cater to these different needs and situations. Our vibrant, structured calendar provide the activities and mental engagement designed to keep seniors happy and healthy. Inquire today about our day program—and for those who decide that a live-in program is the best option, we have experienced live-In caregivers, meals, utilities, housekeeping, transportation and pet care if needed, with our main aim of providing a joyful / harmonious living situation.

Get in touch with us today at: 520-248-0550. We are located in the beautiful Catalina Foothills at:

Homes of Joy Senior Living

4731 N. Palisade Drive Tucson, Arizona 85749

Sponsor of the SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Guide

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