Risk Considerations: Preventing Accidental Poisoning in Senior Care Facilities

Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, equipment, and materials are of utmost importance in senior care facilities, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and with the knowledge that senior care residents are a vulnerable population. Unfortunately, many of the items involved in environmental cleaning also pose hazards if they are not used correctly or stored and secured properly.

Although it may seem like common sense to segregate and secure cleaning products, mistakes can easily happen in the busy senior care environment — and these lapses may have grave consequences for residents and organizations.

The following strategies can help leaders and staff members at senior care facilities assess their current practices and pinpoint opportunities for improvement:

• Keep cleaning products in their original labeled containers. If you must transfer a product to another container, make sure you clearly label it.
• Never transfer cleaning products into containers similar to those used for food or beverages. Consider using identifiers, such as stickers, on cleaning products to help differentiate them from other items.
• Make sure that staff members and/or volunteers do not use bleach or commercial cleaning solutions to wipe down food and beverage products.
• Keep all cleaning supplies and potentially toxic substances in restricted cabinets, closets, or carts, and make sure that access is limited to appropriate individuals. Cleaning products should not be stored in close proximity to food and beverages, and residents should not have access to nonresident areas.
• Educate staff members who use cleaning and disinfecting products about the importance of following organizational policies for using and storing these items. Routinely monitor for adherence to policies, and provide feedback as necessary.
• Conduct routine surveillance walking rounds to ensure that cleaning products and other harmful substances are not left within the reach of residents and families.
• Perform due diligence of any contracted cleaning services to ensure they have adequate safety processes that align with organizational standards, and that they are committed to ensuring adherence to those processes.
• Make sure your organization’s emergency response plans include guidance related to resident consumption of potentially hazardous substances. Clearly post the number for Poison Control in various areas throughout your facility, and train staff members to act promptly and appropriately in potential poisoning scenarios.

For more detailed information about developing a comprehensive environmental cleaning program, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Best Practices for Environmental Cleaning in Healthcare Facilities: in Resource-Limited Settings. MedPro Group insureds who have questions related to managing risks associated with cleaning products and other potentially toxic materials should contact their senior risk solutions consultant directly or by calling 1-800-463-3776.

Disclaimer

This document does not constitute legal or medical advice and should not be construed as rules or establishing a standard of care. Because the facts applicable to your situation may vary, or the laws applicable in your jurisdiction may differ, please contact your attorney or other professional advisors if you have any questions related to your legal or medical obligations or rights, state or federal laws, contract interpretation, or other legal questions.

MedPro Group is the marketing name used to refer to the insurance operations of The Medical Protective Company, Princeton Insurance Company, PLICO, Inc. and MedPro RRG Risk Retention Group. All insurance products are underwritten and administered by these and other Berkshire Hathaway affiliates, including National Fire & Marine Insurance Company. Product availability is based upon business and/or regulatory approval and may differ among companies.

? 2023 MedPro Group Inc. All rights reserved.