Four tips to keeping therapy materials sanitized

 As we adjust to the many change's coronavirus has introduced us to this year, many therapists are getting creative on how to best keep materials and supplies safe and sanitized. Some therapists have had the opportunity to work from home during this pandemic. There have been a great number of therapists that are back to in-person therapy via home health, schools, or clinics. Anxiety about personal and client safety during these times have topped our list of daily concerns. Another area of concern is how to maintain our materials and supplies sanitized for our clients. The following are four tips to help keep your materials and supplies sanitized. 

                                                                        Photo by Ogo from Pexels

                           

1. 1. Toys/stuffed animals/dolls/action figures 

• Given that stuffed animals are tough to sanitize quickly and between clients, I feel it is best to avoid using stuffed animals for treatment. Many may be washed without causing damage to the stuffed animal itself, although it opens the door for contamination between clients—it is always best to use non-porous items. 
• I recommend utilizing dolls and action figures made of plastic that can be sanitized between clients with a CDC approved sanitizer.  

2. 2. Flash cards/Picture cards 

• We may all have that stash of our awesome go-to flash cards and picture cards we spent time creating or ordering. A great idea to help extend their usage is to laminate them. I love to laminate and can do I it all day, but let's be honest, we don’t all have access to a laminating machine or have the means to invest in purchasing laminating paper.  
• Sheet protectors are a great alternative for protecting your flash cards. Sheet protectors are also more affordable than most laminating sheets. Whether you decide to laminate or utilize sheet protectors, they both will be easy to sanitize with CDC approved sanitizer wipe or spray.  

3. 3. Worksheets/ color sheets 

• Pre-pandemic, we utilized worksheets or coloring sheets that we would send home with the client. A great solution to aid with infection control and to cut down on paper use is to place the worksheet into a sheet protector and utilize dry erase markers to write or color—both the sheet protector and dry erase markers will be easy to sanitize.

3. 4. Devices

• Most tablets, computer, or augmentative communication devices can be sanitized with a wipe without damaging the device. Although with the advanced cleaning protocols suggested by the CDC, some solutions can fade out the color of some cases over time. Utilizing a layer or two of plastic wrap between uses is an option to help cut down on device fading or damage, but will still help with managing sanitation during each of your session. 

If you or someone you know needs the services of a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist, please be sure to discuss your concerns with a physician, a speech-language pathologist, or another qualified provider. You can also find a provider through the ASHA ProFind service or visit us at www.bilingualspeech.org for more information. Additional information on this topic can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html.  NOTE: This article is intended only as a general source of information, i.e, it is not intended to replace information given to you by a qualified health professional that is familiar with your particular circumstances. Lastly, if you have an urgent medical need, please seek immediate medical attention.