Celebrating Family Council at Carveth Care Centre

by Jim Taylor

These days, it seems that the list of health-related hazards is constantly growing, and we all need to work hard to prevent the transfer and spread of each new threat.

One of the lesser known, but surprisingly frequent, is the concern for eye infections. Our eyesight is so important to all of us, and as caregivers, we have an opportunity to help prevent eye-related infections, both to ourselves and our loved-one living at Carveth.

The problem is identified in several ways, such as anyone with eye discomfort, redness, itchiness, watery or swelling from bacteria, virus or fungi.

Further complications include eyelashes sticking together, especially in the morning, sensitivity to light or blurred vision.

Relief comes from warm or cool eye compresses, or eye medication. Prevention, that we as caregivers help provide, is to maintain good hand hygiene while in contact with residents, which means frequent washing, and avoiding contact with residents’ eyes or face, wherever possible.

We should also be diligent in handling soiled clothing, bedding or facial tissues while with our residents. Our frequent and loving contacts with residents can go a long way to help identify, prevent, and cure eye-related infections at Carveth Care Centre.

If in any doubt about suspected problems, talk to your nursing staff, and they can assist in addressing the issue.

As we age, our eyes become more and more important to us and our loved ones at Carveth. As caregivers, we can be important players on the team of maintaining wellness.