How seriously do we take the Housekeeping department in a Care Home?
Across all industries, there are certain departments who are in the limelight simply because of being in a customer facing role, but then there are departments who work the graveyard shifts and are normally not given their due importance.
Housekeeping department is one such department in a Senior Citizen Care Home which is often not given its due respect, yet they are an integral part for the upkeep and smooth functioning of the facility.
The larger point of debate is, how many Care Homes actually take the problem of Bed Bugs seriously?
Bed Bugs are a common problem in community residential facilities, since the upkeep in such facilities are often not of the same level as that of 5 Star Hotels, hence it’s critical that staff needs to be vigilant in such residential care settings.
Bed Bugs may not spread diseases yet they can affect a resident from a mild itching to a serious allergic reaction.
Most people will have a small, itchy, red welt that may last from one day to several days. At times infections may occur from scratching the bite and may need medical attention.
Anxiety and Insomnia are additional health concerns associated with bed bug bites. Anxiety has led people to take extreme treatment measures to get rid of the bed bugs.
The attached document, “Bed Bugs in Wisconsin – Questions and Answers” by Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is a good read.
The document can be downloaded here (Bed Bugs in Wisconsin Q&A) or can be viewed below