Reply To: Reusable Heat Packs in Aged Care

Hi Victoria,

Best practice would be single resident use – i.e. resident has their own.

When this is not possible there may be a local guideline to reflect on.

Manufacturer’s instructions would guide the cleaning practice, but here is a recommendation from the WA guide:
Following use, clean with a pre-impregnated disposable neutral detergent wipe or if cleaning and disinfection is required e.g. for patient under transmission precautions, use a pre-impregnated disposable detergent and disinfectant wipe.

Re pack cover/protection: WA guide – Hot and cold packs must be used with a cover and are not to be applied directly to the skin. NSW guide: Hot packs must not be placed on direct contact with the patients’ skin. Wrap the heat pack in a disposable wipe or special purpose non-woven pouch (e.g. Livingstone). Alternatively, wrap hot pack in two towels and place in pillow slip to prevent burns.

Hope this helps.

Regards Carrie

• This reply was modified 2 years, 2 months ago by Carrie Spinks.
• This reply was modified 2 months, 3 weeks ago by Carrie Spinks.