What should be done first when making a bed with new linen?

Sanitizing hands is a crucial first step when making a bed with new linen. This practice is essential in maintaining a clean and safe environment for the resident. Healthcare facilities emphasize hand hygiene to prevent the transfer of germs and infections, which is particularly important in settings where vulnerable individuals may reside, such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

By sanitizing hands first, the caregiver minimizes the risk of contaminating the newly placed linens with any pathogens that may be present on their hands. Following proper hand hygiene protocols sets a standard for cleanliness and is a fundamental part of infection control measures.

While the other actions, such as removing the old linen, placing new linen on the bed, and adjusting the bed height, are important steps in the task of bed-making, they should follow hand sanitization to ensure optimal hygiene practices are upheld throughout the process.