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How to Prevent & Protect Yourself From Illness: HomeCare Australia's Commitment to Safety, Health & Flu Protection
- Brittany Price
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
At HomeCare Australia, we are committed to providing high-quality care that keeps you safe and well. As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure your health, we focus on infection control, antimicrobial stewardship, and the importance of flu vaccination. These initiatives help us prevent infections, maintain the effectiveness of antibiotics, and ensure that your care experience is as safe and comfortable as possible.
Why Antimicrobial Stewardship is Critical for Your Health
Antibiotics are essential for treating infections, but their misuse or overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance. This makes it harder to treat infections, as bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. To ensure antibiotics remain effective, it's crucial that they are taken correctly and only when prescribed. At HomeCare Australia, we follow strict guidelines for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) to ensure the safe use of antibiotics, preserving their power for those who need them most.
Your Role in Safe Antibiotic Use
If you've been prescribed antibiotics, here are some key points to ensure you're using them safely:
● Take antibiotics exactly as directed – Finish the full course, even if you start feeling better.
● Do not share antibiotics – Antibiotics are tailored to individual needs and specific infections.
● Store antibiotics correctly – Follow the storage instructions on the label, as some require refrigeration.
● Report side effects – If you experience nausea, rashes, or other issues, let your doctor know immediately.
● Dispose of leftover antibiotics – Never use leftover antibiotics. Dispose of them safely to avoid misuse.
The Importance of Flu Vaccination: How You Can Prevent & Protect Yourself From Illness
As flu season approaches, flu vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself and those around you. The flu can be particularly dangerous for older adults and people with chronic conditions. That’s why, at HomeCare Australia, we ensure all our staff are vaccinated against the flu to protect our clients. We also strongly encourage all clients to get their annual flu vaccination to reduce the risk of severe illness.
If you need assistance booking your flu shot, we are happy to help. Let us know, and we will assist you with making an appointment.
Our Responsibilities at HomeCare Australia
We take our role in infection prevention seriously. Here’s how we help ensure your safety:
● Educating our care staff on infection control and safe medication management.
● Monitoring antibiotic use and ensuring they are taken as prescribed.
● Reporting concerns if we notice signs of misuse, such as skipping doses or incorrect storage.
● Encouraging good hygiene practices to reduce infections and minimize the need for antibiotics.
What to Do If You Have Concerns?
If you have questions about your medications or health, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. If our care staff notice any concerns regarding your medications, they will inform your Case Manager to provide you with the necessary support.
What Happens if Your Regular Care Worker is Sick?
We understand how important it is to have continuity of care. If your regular care worker is unavailable due to illness, we will notify you as soon as possible via call or text. We will offer you the option to have a replacement worker from a labour hire company. Please note that brokered workers may be charged at a different rate, which will be reflected in your monthly statement under "Expenses".
Your health and safety are our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding when unexpected situations arise. If you have any questions about replacement workers or billing, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Conclusion
At HomeCare Australia, we are dedicated to keeping you safe, healthy, and well-informed. Our focus on infection control, antibiotic stewardship, and flu vaccination ensures that you receive the best possible care while reducing the risk of infections and maintaining the effectiveness of medications. If you have any questions about your care plan, medications, or need assistance with vaccinations, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your well-being.
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