Sepsis and Home Care

If you are receiving home health care (also called home health services), this means that you need some medical care, but not enough to be admitted to a hospital or skilled nursing facility.

There are several advantages to receiving home care, such as you:

  • Aren’t exposed to the microbes (germs) that may circulate in the facility.
  • Have less frequent person-to-person contact with staff, volunteers, and others patients who could expose you to an infection.
  • Are in a familiar and more comfortable environment.

However, there is still a risk that you could contract an infection while you are receiving home care. Any type of infection could cause sepsis. If you are a caregiver to someone receiving home care, this information is important for you as well. Sepsis, which was often called blood poisoning, is the body’s life-threatening response to infection. Like strokes or heart attacks, sepsis is a medical emergency that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Suggested Citation:
Sepsis Alliance. Sepsis and Home Care. 2023. https://www.sepsis.org/sepsisand/home-care/

Updated October 25, 2023.

 

More About Home Care

Infection Risks

When people receive home care, it is because they are ill, injured, or unable to care for themselves without help. Some of those people may be at increased risk of infection because they:

  • Are very old; the immune system becomes less robust as people age.
  • Are recovering from invasive medical or surgical procedures, or childbirth; open wounds are a source for infection.
  • Have an invasive medical device, such as a urinary catheter or intravenous; breaks in the skin or entries into the body can allow bacteria to enter.
  • Have one or more chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or COPD; people with chronic illnesses may get infections more easily.
  • Have a weakened immune system; a weakened immune system makes it harder to fight infections.
  • Are immobile; staying in one place for extended periods can increase the risk of pressure injuries (ulcers). It can also contribute to pneumonia because deep breathing and exercising helps the lungs expand and air flows more easily.
  • Are malnourished; the body requires nutrients to stay strong and to keep the immune system healthy.
Infection Prevention

Infection prevention is sepsis prevention. There are some simple steps to follow that will help decrease your risk of getting an infection while you are receiving home care.

  • Ask everyone, including the healthcare providers, who enters your home to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Wash your own hands frequently, especially before touching a wound, dressing, IV, or catheter, even if you will be wearing gloves.
  • Ensure there is a clean space to keep dressing or treatment supplies and ensure that the dressing changes are done in a clean environment.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Get all recommended vaccines.
  • Move about as much as you can.
  • Take all medications, including antibiotics, for the recommended length of time as prescribed.
  • Don’t share personal items, such as towel, razors, and toothbrushes to reduce the spread of germs.

If you are the caregiver of someone receiving home care:

  • If the person is incontinent of urine or stool, ensure frequent changes of their briefs or pads. Clean the skin well, but gently. Report any redness or signs of the skin breaking down in the genital area to the home health provider.
  • If the person unable to move about on their own, they need regular positioning from side to back to side so they are not staying too long in one spot. This will reduce the risk of pressure injuries (ulcers or bed sores) from forming. Inspect the skin regularly, especially the hips, coccyx (backside), and elbows. These are the areas that break down most easily.

Related Resources

Common Risk Factors for Infections in Home Care
Guide
Infection Prevention at Home
Guide
Infusiones en el hogar: Prevención de infecciones
Guide
Home Infusions: Infection Prevention
Guide
Infusiones en Domicilio: Conozca los Signos de Infección para Prevenir la Sepsis!
Video
Home Infusions: Know the Signs of Infection to Help Prevent Sepsis!
Video
Guía de zonas: Conozca los signos de infección para ayudar a prevenir la sepsis
Symptom Card
Zone Sheet: Know the Signs of Infection to Help Prevent Sepsis
Symptom Card
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Other Topics

Aging

Sepsis can and does affect people of all ages, but people who are over 65 years old are even more susceptible to sepsis.

Invasive Devices

Devices like IVs and urinary catheters are commonplace in most healthcare facilities and with home-based infusions.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is a term used to refer to a group of chronic lung diseases related to poor airflow to and from the lungs.

Diabetes

People who have diabetes are at risk of developing wounds and sores that don’t heal well and are vulnerable to infection.

Cancer

Cancer is a term that describes several malignant diseases that can affect just about every organ and system in the body.

Amputations

Poor blood flow from sepsis or its treatments can cause amputations. Infections can also stem from associated wounds.

Dementia

Dementia causes memory loss, personality changes, and - as it progresses- your body’s ability to function physically.

HIV/AIDS

HIV, human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus that causes AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Joint Replacements

Joint replacements are common surgeries which can improve quality of life, but any surgery carries the risk of infection.

Kidney Failure

A major cause of acute kidney injury is sepsis. As the body is overwhelmed, organs like the kidneys can shut down.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects your brain and nervous system. Patients are at risk of developing infections.

Paralysis

Paralysis is the loss of muscle function. People with paralysis can be at higher risk of developing infections.

Parkinson’s Disease

Many chronic or progressive diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, put you at risk for developing infections.

Pressure Ulcers (Pressure Injuries)

Pressure ulcers occur when pressure causes damage to the skin. These breaks in the skin can become infected.

Surgery

Surgery is a procedure that can affect your body in many ways aside from the reason for the operation itself.

Burns

A burn is damage to your skin caused by heat, chemicals, or electricity. Burns can become infected and lead to sepsis.

Michael MN.

I am a man of s64 years of age now. Generally speaking I am well, was very lucky health wise, all throughout my life. Never had been an inpatient in the hospital. Enjoyed been physically active for years, trying out a variety of physical pursuits, from kick boxing, to weight training , swimming, running, all of which I enjoyed for the most part. Trying my best to live a healthy lifestyle, but not always succeeding. Looking to eat well, alcohol in moderation. At home, on some days off from work, I noticed a burning sensation when I urinated. Thinking nothing ... Read Full Story

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Jean Perley

So this happened to me. Right before Christmas I had a lot of lower abdominal pain and felt like I had to pee constantly. I went to the Urgent Care near me because it was a weekend. They assumed it was a UTI and called in a prescription for an antibiotic which I took until it was gone. About 3 weeks later I started having the same sensation so I went to my primary doctor. She sent off a urine sample and called in a prescription for antibiotics. (Sepsis and Urinary Tract Infections) My pharmacy failed to deliver my medication ... Read Full Story

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Ashley D.

When I was only 13 I was diagnosed with gallstones and was told to follow up with a surgeon. When I went to the surgeon they ordered a CAT scan to make sure I did indeed have gallstones. The surgeon had told me I did not have gallstones and I went to go visit my family who at the time was living in Virginia. (Sepsis and Gallstones) When I got to Virginia things were fine at first but then I started to have stomach pain that would not go away for 2 days. I eventually went to the ER and ... Read Full Story

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In January of 2022, the pandemic was nearly past us. I was looking forward to working at the local nursing home without wearing a mask. We had begun cautiously lowering our masks for weekly staff meetings. Our nursing home was like many in the US; we had COVID-19 patients alongside others who came to us with severe bacterial infections, including chronic MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections. I was disappointed (but not surprised) to see the “plus sign” indicating I had COVID. Others on my team had already been sent home recently for having contracted the virus, but not before passing ... Read Full Story

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Leslie L.

The week prior to December 4, 2023, I did not feel well. My coworkers had indicated that they all had the flu. I kept testing for Covid, which was negative. I thought I had a really bad case of the flu. Then my speech became slurred and my mental state changed. My family called 911. I was rushed to the ER/Trauma and I have very little memory of the next few weeks. I woke up without a colon and on dialysis. This was a very difficult situation being as I only have one kidney since donating a kidney to my ... Read Full Story

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