After a long illness
Disinfection after illness at home
When someone was sick at home for a long time, or died there of an illness, the room can hold blood, vomit, waste and used medical supplies.
Answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
What this cleanup is, and what it is not
A cleanup company removes body fluids and the materials they soaked into, then cleans and disinfects the room. It handles the waste so no one in the household has to.
It is not a medical service. If you are worried about an illness in your household, call your doctor.
Workers handling blood and body fluids are covered by the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard, which is why they use gloves, suits and eye protection.
What to ask
What goes
Which bedding, mattresses, chairs or carpet they think must be removed, and why.
What stays
How they clean and disinfect what remains, and which products they use if anyone in the home has breathing trouble.
Medical equipment
Rented equipment such as a hospital bed usually goes back to the supplier. Ask the company to leave it for pickup.
Questions
Do I need this after every illness at home?
No. It is meant for rooms where blood or body fluids reached soft materials or are there in quantity. For questions about the illness itself, ask a doctor.
Can the family stay in the house during the work?
Usually in other rooms, with the work area closed off. Ask the company what it recommends for your situation.
Other situations
- Crime scene cleanupAfter a homicide, assault or other violent event at home, once police release the scene.
- Unattended death cleanupWhen someone died alone and was not found for some time.
- Suicide cleanupQuiet, careful cleanup so the family does not have to go back into the room.
- Blood cleanupBlood or body fluids from an injury, a fall or an accident at home.
- Hoarding cleanupPacked homes where animal waste, human waste or spoiled food has become a health problem.
- Vehicle cleanupBlood or body fluids inside a car, truck or van.
When you are ready
One call, then a plan you can say yes or no to
You do not have to clean this yourself, and you do not have to decide anything tonight. If the home has been released, a company can talk you through the next steps.
Talk it through with a cleanup company
Say what happened and where. The company will tell you what it would do and what it needs from you. Nothing is agreed until you say so.
Call (559) 555-0101Answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
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