Home hygiene includes strategies to help prevent the spread of germs and illness and ensuring a clean and safe living space.
Tips & Links
Home hygiene refers to the practices aimed at maintaining a clean, safe, and pest-free environment within one’s residence, thereby reducing the risk of contamination and the spread of illnesses.
Learn More
- Learn about house hygiene tips for caregivers and keeping a home free of germs from Healthlink BC.
- Know that regular home hygiene practices, such as cleaning surfaces and disinfecting areas, reduce the risk of infections, which is crucial for individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic health conditions.
- Understand that a clean and organized living environment can reduce stress, improve mental health, and enhance overall comfort, benefiting individuals managing health conditions or disabilities.
Things You Can Do
- Have a regular cleaning routine for cleaning different areas of your home, including floors, surfaces, bathrooms, and kitchen spaces.
- Use appropriate cleaning agents and disinfectants to eliminate germs and bacteria.
- Learn about proper waste management and disposal of garbage and recycling.
- Encourage frequent hand-washing, especially before preparing or consuming food, after using the restroom, and after handling waste or pets.
- Ensure clean food by storing and handling food items safely to prevent contamination, keeping perishable items refrigerated at the appropriate temperatures, and ensuring thorough cooking of meats.”
- Take measures to prevent pests such as rodents, insects, and cockroaches from entering your home. This includes sealing cracks and crevices, keeping food tightly sealed, and promptly addressing any signs of infestation.
- Maintain good ventilation by opening windows regularly and using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms. Consider using air purifiers to remove allergens and pollutants from indoor air.
- Wash bedding, towels, and clothing regularly using hot water and detergent to remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria.
- Learn how to declutter a home with suggestions from the David Suzuki Foundation.
- Include home hygiene tasks in your personal care plan or add to list of ways your care partners can provide assistance.
Tools & Videos
Categories: My Place to Call Home, Senior
← Back to Resource Kit