Bed Bug Prevention in Long-Term Care Facilities

When most people think about the potential hazards or negative aspects of living in a long-term care facility, they think of things like neglect, abuse, and loneliness. However, there is one threat to the residents of long-term care facilities that often goes under the radar – bed bugs. Bed bugs are a threat to our physical and mental health and happiness – and they’re more common than you may think.

Where do they Come from?

Bed bugs feed off animals and humans and are constantly seeking a host on which they can feed. They like to hide in the crevices and seams of a mattress -which is how they got their name. Box springs, bed frames, and upholstery also make a perfect home for beg bugs because they can hide and feast as needed.

Despite what most people think, bed bugs are not a result of poor housekeeping. They can be found in the most luxurious mansions and the cheapest motels. More often than not, people first come into contact with bedbugs in a public place like an airport, bus station, or hotel and they bring the pests home with them. Introducing just a single bed bug egg into your home or long-term care facility is a full-blown infestation waiting to happen.

How to Spot the Signs

Whether you know someone that lives in a long-term facility, work in one, or own one, you should know the signs of bed bugs and always be on the lookout. Knowing how to spot the signs is half the battle. Here are some of the most common signs that you may have a bed bug infestation on your hands:

• Bites that appear in the morning

• Bed bug shells

• Blood stains on your sheets, mattress, or pajamas

• Fecal spots on your sheets

If you spot any of these, it’s vital that you take immediate action.

What to Do When You Find Bed Bugs

Bed bugs can be very difficult to get rid of, especially if you have a full infestation to tackle. However, with the right training and understanding of the process, it can be done. You’ll most likely have to hire an outside company to come in and take care of the problem but there are some things you can do on your own.

You should:

• clean all your bedding and linens

• use a stiff brush to damage and remove bed bug eggs before vacuuming
  vacuum and clean floors thoroughly and frequently

What Not to Do When You See Bed Bugs

The worst thing you can do when you see signs of bed bugs is ignore them and hope that they will go away on their own – they aren’t going away. This is a time for aggressive action so act immediately before the problem gets even worse.

How to Prevent A Bed Bug Infestation and Protect Residents in A Long-term Care Facility

If you own or work in a long-term care facility, it’s very important that you address bed bugs in your employee training. Your employees need training on more than just diagnosis and medicine, and your caregivers need to be aware of the signs – and the treatment methods – of bed bug infestations. If you haven’t already, you should begin adding information about bed bugs into your training so your caregivers know what to look for, remain vigilant, and are able to provide the best possible care for their patients and residents.