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Hand Washing and GlovesHand washing is the most important way to prevent the spread of infection. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after caring for your loved one, and before preparing or handling food. Wash your hands after removing disposable gloves or handling your loved one%u2019s soiled linens or supplies.How to properly wash your hands:Rub soapy hands together vigorously using liquid soap (preferably anti-bacterial) and warm water for at least 20 seconds as you work soap into lather. Rinse thoroughly and dry using a paper towel.Use of waterless, antibacterial gel is strongly recommended as an alternative to washing with soap and water. Rub hands together and allow to air dry.Disposable gloves should be worn:%u2022 When changing soiled diapers, pads, or linens.%u2022 When making any skin-to-skin contact, especially if there are any open wounds.%u2022 Anytime contact with bodily fluids or mucus membranes may occur. Bodily fluids include wound drainage, urine, stool, sputum, blood, and vomit.%u2022 When handling any soiled drainage supplies such as urine collection bags and ostomy pouches.%u2022 When taking an oral or rectal temperature.%u2022 When cleaning spills involving body fluids or cleaning equipment soiled with body fluids.Nutrition and HydrationNutrition is an important part of our lives from the time we take our first breath as infants. Our various cultures place importance on meal planning and social interaction during meal times. Often feeding and preparing meals for a loved one is a way of communicating love, concern, and caring in direct and non-verbal ways.When people become ill, however, their appetite decreases whether the illness is the flu, an injured ankle, or a cancer-related process. The body%u2019s need for high calorie and protein foods is altered because of decreased activity, exercise, and general metabolic rate and the way the body uses food.Many of the people Samaritan cares for are dealing with nausea, vomiting, pain, constipation and a decrease in appetite. The most common problems many family members face are finding the right kinds of food and difficulty in getting the patient to eat. Too often this %u201cfood struggle%u201d can develop into friction that will interfere with open communication in the family. SamaritanNJ.org 7