When should caregivers wash their hands in relation to medication administration?

Caregivers should wash their hands both before and after administering medications to ensure proper hygiene and prevent the spread of infections. Handwashing is a critical practice in medication administration to minimize the risk of contaminants being transferred between the caregiver, the medication, and the resident. By washing hands before administering medications, caregivers reduce the likelihood of introducing harmful bacteria or viruses into the process. Washing hands after administering medications also ensures that any potential contaminants from the medication itself, or from contact with the resident, are not spread further or to other surfaces.

This practice aligns with infection control protocols commonly used in healthcare settings, emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene in protecting both the caregiver and the residents from potential infections. It is a fundamental aspect of maintaining a safe environment in assisted living facilities. Other options, while they may touch on aspects of safety, do not encompass the full scope of hand hygiene practices necessary in the context of medication administration.