Why is it critical to maintain hand hygiene before touching a resident?

Maintaining hand hygiene before touching a resident is fundamental for preventing the transmission of infections. In healthcare settings, the hands of caregivers can harbor various pathogens that may lead to healthcare-associated infections. When a caregiver does not perform proper hand hygiene, they risk transferring harmful microorganisms to the resident, which can result in serious health complications. Handwashing or using hand sanitizer effectively removes germs and reduces the likelihood of spreading infections between caregivers and residents, as well as among residents themselves. This practice is crucial not only for safeguarding resident health but also for maintaining a safe healthcare environment overall.

While other considerations like resident comfort or compliance with facility rules are important within the context of care, the primary and urgent concern is the prevention of illness through effective hand hygiene.