Four Seasons care homes across the UK have been holding ‘TEAth’ parties to mark Sepsis Awareness Month this September.
The intention is to educate team members and local healthcare professionals, along with residents and their families, of the importance of good oral hygiene as a sepsis prevention measure.
After enjoying a pink-themed tea party, guests were given new toothbrushes and shown the best way to clean teeth and adopt a good oral hygiene routine. Discussions and quizzes took place to reinforce the message.
The event is part of a month-long initiative throughout Four Seasons Health Care Group homes with team members encouraged to learn more about the symptoms of sepsis and the ways to help prevent the life-threatening condition.
More than two-thirds of all sepsis cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 60 and oral care is one of four modules that Four Seasons team members have been focusing on in their sepsis prevention training, along with continence care, pressure area prevention and respiratory conditions.
Jacqui Ritchie, chief operating officer at Four Seasons Health Care Group, said: “The average age of people with sepsis who are admitted to hospital is 70, so making those who live, work and visit our care homes aware of the best way to prevent sepsis and to be able to spot the key symptoms can help reduce risk and keep our residents safe.”
