Page 16 - CHI ST LUKES VINTAGE HOSPITAL PATIENT GUIDE

PATIENT SAFETY–MDRO/FOR THE CAREGIVER Isolation Precautions wounds, the urinary tract or the Prevention:
& MDRO bloodstream.
• It’s important to always use
Isolation precautions are special Common transmission routes for MDRO: good personal hygiene and NOT
procedures, which help stop the • Contact transmission is the most share patient care items such as
spread of certain contagious common route of exposure. This dishes, towels and creams.
microorganisms, including may happen when a person touches
multi-drug resistant organisms contaminated surfaces in close • If you have an illness that could
(MDRO), between patients proximity to the patient or comes in infect someone, please do not
and their visitors, patients and direct, unprotected contact with an visit patients. Sick children
hospital staff, or patients and infected patient. should not visit patients, or
other patients. • Droplet transmission happens be at the hospital, unless
by inhalation of large respiratory necessary. People who may be
MDRO are germs that have become droplets that are generated by an at a greater risk for infections
resistant to more than one medication infected patient during coughing, are those with diabetes; chronic
commonly used to treat them. Two of the sneezing, or talking. lung problems, including
more common types of MDRO are: • Airborne transmission refers to the heavy smokers; people who
inhalation of very small respiratory are obese; or those who take
• Methicillin Resistant Staphlycoccus droplets that are suspended in the air medications to suppress their
Aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium that is and contain the infectious germs. immune systems or to reduce
carried on the skin or in the noses of inflammation.
healthy people and can cause surgical If you are visiting a patient that is
wound infections, bloodstream • Ask your physician if you
infections, and pneumonia. placed on isolation precautions, please have any questions about
your risk for infection.
• Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus follow the rules on the sign posted on
(VRE) is normally present in the REMEMBER, hand hygiene is
intestines and in the female genital the door before you walk in. If you are a the No. 1 way to help reduce the
tract. VRE can cause infections of
patient that is placed on one of the above spread of infection!

precautions and you have any questions, Utilize Community Services
There are services to help caregivers
please talk to your doctor or nurse. in most communities. These include
adult day care centers, home health
For The Caregiver Take Time For aides, home-delivered meals, respite
Yourself care, transportation services, and
As a caregiver, you may skilled nursing.
feel overwhelmed at times. • Relax daily and take breaks as often Long Distance Care
These tips may make the care as needed. If you are managing a loved one’s care
giving process easier and from a distance, consider these tips:
help you get the support you • Pray, meditate, or do an activity
need while caring for your that makes you feel part of • Subscribe to an electronic alert
loved one. something greater. system that your loved one wears
to summon immediate help.
Educate Yourself • Watch out for signs of depression
Get all the information you can about and anxiety, and get professional • Get to know your loved one’s
the patient’s illness and how to care help if needed. doctors and arrange to be
for them. The more you know, the updated via phone or email.
less anxiety you’ll feel, and the more • Don’t give up activities that are
effective you’ll be. Make a list of tasks important to you such as a hobby or • Find local services that offer
required: medications, treatments, visiting with friends. home help services, meal delivery
meals, doctor appointments, etc. or local transportation for your
• Exercise, eat right, rest, and keep loved one.
Seek Out Support up with your own health care. Keep
Seek support from other caregivers, your own doctor appointments and • Schedule regular communication
support groups, a therapist, counselor, notice your own physical condition. with your loved one. A daily
family, friends or your place of email, text, or quick phone call
worship. Nurture close relationships; • Know Your Limits can let them know that they’re
don’t let yourself become isolated. • Be realistic about how much of your not forgotten and give you peace
of mind.
For more information visit, caregiver.org, time and commitment you can give
eldercare.gov or archrespite.org and set clear limits.
• You may need help from friends,
12 other family members, as well as
health professionals. Ask for help.