An MRSA infection is a form of a common staph infection, but this type of bacteria doesn’t respond to treatment with typical antibiotics. It’s caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and can eventually result in skin sores and deep abscesses that may be life-threatening.
Because it’s resistant to antibiotics, treating a senior who gets MRSA is very difficult. MRSA is very common in nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare settings, so family caregivers may need to take some precautions if their elderly loved ones are in one of these situations.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care service. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
How Does an MRSA Infection Spread?
MRSA can spread through any type of skin-to-skin contact. It’s most likely to spread if a person with a cut or open wound touches a sore caused by MRSA. However, any type of skin contact can potentially spread this infection.
MRSA bacteria can live up to six months on an object or surface, and anyone who touches that object can get infected. It’s therefore an extremely contagious pathogen that spreads through doctor’s offices, hospitals, dialysis centers, and nursing homes.
Some people who come into contact with MRSA don’t develop an infection, but it can easily defeat a weak immune system. Since seniors have weakened immune systems and are prone to infection, it’s very common among the elderly population.
Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional around-the-clock home care Columbus seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated around-the-clock caregiver.
How Can You Stop a MRSA Infection from Spreading?
To keep your elderly loved one from getting an MRSA infection, practicing good hygiene and sanitation is essential. Everyone should regularly wash their hands with hot water, soap, and an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Any clothing, bedding, or towels should be frequently washed with hot water. Your loved one should never use anyone else’s towels, razors, combs, or brushes because these items can easily spread MRSA. All open wounds should be routinely sterilized and continuously covered with bandages to make it harder for MRSA to infect the areas.
If your loved one needs help following healthy hygiene habits, a home caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of at-home care. Columbus families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our caregiver Columbus, help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. Call one of our dedicated Care Specialists today to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.
