Winter is a high-risk season for infections in nursing homes. Residents are especially vulnerable, and the close living environment can make respiratory illnesses like influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 spread quickly. Nursing home staff play a critical role in preventing resident-to-resident transmission while keeping care safe and effective.
Why Residents Are at Higher Risk of Spreading Infections in Winter
- Indoor crowding: Colder weather means more time spent indoors, increasing close contact.
- Shared spaces and equipment: Dining areas, activity rooms, and mobility aids can become sources of infection.
- Weaker immune systems: Older adults are more susceptible to viruses and bacterial infections.
- Subtle symptoms: Residents may show mild or atypical signs, making early detection harder.
Winter Infection Control Tips to Limit Spread
1. Cohorting & Isolation
- Separate residents who are symptomatic from those who are healthy.
- Use designated areas for those under isolation or quarantine.
- Minimize cross-contact during meals and group activities.
2. Encourage Respiratory Hygiene
- Remind residents to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or their elbow.
- Dispose of tissues immediately and encourage hand hygiene afterward.
- Provide masks for symptomatic residents when tolerated.
3. Hand Hygiene for Residents
- Assist residents in washing hands frequently, especially after coughing, sneezing, or using shared spaces.
- Use alcohol-based sanitizer when sinks aren’t available.
- Make hand hygiene accessible in high-traffic areas.
4. Limit Shared Items
- Avoid communal objects such as shared books, puzzles, or utensils during outbreaks.
- Clean and disinfect items between uses if sharing is unavoidable.
5. Vigilant Monitoring & Early Intervention
- Track residents’ health daily and watch for subtle changes: fatigue, appetite loss, mild cough, or fever.
- Promptly report and act on any symptoms to prevent widespread outbreaks.
- Initiate isolation and notify the infection control team as needed.
6. Environmental Cleaning
- Increase frequency of disinfecting high-touch surfaces like tables, chairs, and handrails.
- Ensure cleaning staff follow proper disinfectant protocols.
- Encourage residents to participate safely in maintaining cleanliness of personal areas.
7. Vaccination & Education
- Promote flu vaccines, COVID boosters, and other recommended immunizations.
- Educate residents on why these measures protect themselves and the community.
- Keep staff vaccinated to reduce risk of introducing infections.
Making Infection Control Work Through Staff Support
Staffing adequacy is essential to ensure these practices are consistently followed. Well-supported nurses and CNAs can focus on monitoring, assisting residents, and preventing spread—without cutting corners due to time pressure.
Join a Team That Supports Safe Winter Care
At Informatix Health, we provide nursing home professionals with rewarding opportunities where resident safety and infection control are top priorities. If you’re a nurse, CNA, LPN, or RN who wants to make a difference while working in a supportive environment, Informatix Health is the right place for you.
Apply today and join a team that keeps residents safe and care standards high this winter.