Every infection control term, acronym, and concept you'll encounter in the caregiving industry — clearly defined.
Proper handling and disposal of gloves, soiled items, hygiene products, or medical waste to help reduce infection risks and maintain cleanliness in the home.
An increase in body temperature often caused by infection, illness, inflammation, or dehydration. In older adults, fever may also present with weakness, confusion, unusual behavior, or emotional withdrawal. Any sudden or significant temperature change should be reported promptly to the care team.
Replacing gloves between caregiving tasks or after contamination to help reduce infection spread. Proper glove changes are an important part of safe hygiene practices.
Proper removal and disposal of gloves after caregiving tasks involving bodily fluids or contamination risks. Safe glove disposal helps reduce infection spread and cross-contamination.
Following proper handwashing and glove-use practices before and after caregiving tasks. Good hand hygiene helps reduce the spread of infection and protects both clients and caregivers.
Using gloves or protective measures during caregiving tasks involving bodily fluids, chemicals, wounds, or infection exposure. Proper protection supports safety for both caregivers and clients.
Cleaning commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and countertops to help reduce germ spread. Routine cleaning supports infection prevention in home care.
Infection control means taking steps to prevent the spread of germs—washing hands, wearing gloves, and cleaning surfaces. You use these practices with every client, even if they seem healthy. It’s not just policy—it’s how you protect yourself and others from unseen risks.
Safety steps used when clients may be exposed to contagious illness or infection. Hand hygiene, gloves, cleaning procedures, and protective equipment help reduce spread.
A low level of neutrophils, which are infection-fighting white blood cells in the body. Clients with neutropenia may have a higher risk of serious infections and require extra infection precautions.
A fungal infection in the mouth that may appear as white patches, soreness, cracking, or swallowing discomfort. It is more common in older adults, inhaler users, or weakened immune systems.
Infection or inflammation of the middle ear that may cause ear pain, pressure, fever, hearing difficulty, or drainage from the ear. Older adults may also experience balance problems or discomfort during chewing or swallowing.
PPE includes gloves, masks, gowns, or face shields—anything that helps protect you and your client during certain tasks. You use it when needed and dispose of it properly. Wearing PPE isn’t just policy—it’s a promise to keep each other safe.
A period of separation used to prevent the spread of contagious illness or infection. During quarantine, caregivers may follow special infection-control precautions to protect clients and others.
Infections that repeatedly return over time, often weakening the body and increasing health risks. Recurrent infections may signal an underlying medical condition or weakened immune system.
Sanitizing surfaces, equipment, and your own hands helps prevent illness. You clean before and after tasks, use gloves when needed, and follow infection control steps. It’s not just about appearances—it’s about stopping germs before they start. Clean care is quality care.
A serious bloodstream infection caused by bacteria or other pathogens spreading through the blood. Symptoms may include fever, chills, weakness, confusion, and rapid breathing.
A painful viral infection caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. It usually appears as a blistering rash and may cause burning, itching, or long-lasting nerve pain.
A fungal infection in the mouth that may appear as white patches, soreness, or swallowing discomfort. Common in older adults or clients using inhalers.
These are safety steps you take with every client—like wearing gloves, washing hands, and treating all bodily fluids as potentially infectious. Even if someone looks healthy, you follow these rules. It’s not about fear—it’s about protection. Precautions keep everyone safe, every time.
An infection affecting the nose, throat, or airways that may cause coughing, congestion, sore throat, or fever.
