Was this dangerous?

[tetleydd]

I’m a carer, I visited a 91 year old lady today to assist with her feet. I’ve seen her a few times and she has hinted that she needs help with cleaning. Today I said I had a spare hour. She showed me her wet room and was in tears. She has family coming to stay in a couple of weeks and is so embarrassed by the state of her bathroom. I said not to worry I will get it right, but won’t get it all done today. The flooring in the shower area was covered in slimy black stuff, she had a Cif spray and with little scrubbing most of it came off and rinsed away. It was quite thick and covered a big area going from the floor upwards and was on the shower chair. I did what I could in the time I had and with what I had but I’m now wondering if it was something dangerous like black mould. It was easy enough mostly to remove, I’ve not come across anything like it before. It was all around the shower trap. It’s still on the glass doors. I said I’d come back in a few days when I have more time. I did wear gloves but not a mask. I’d like to know what exactly it was so I can take better precautions next time. I will buy supplies if needed. It’s not a huge area so I’m worried about fumes, I can open a small window. My worry is have I been wondering around all day covered in dangerous spores?

Well, we’re exposed to against a fungal spores every day and a healthy immune system should be able to fight them off. If you’re going there again, I’d recommend spring it with a bleach spray to kill all the fungal spores. Leave it on for the 15 minutes or whatever it says and wear a mask to be extra safe

Can't she get help with cleaning? I really feel for her. You are very kind to do that for her but she should be paying somebody to do it weekly.

I’m sure you’ll be fine.

Not sure the lady will though. I feel so sad for her. Could she afford weekly help? Could social services help her fund it if not? Poor lady.

If you wear a mask and gloves and apron then you should be protected as you're not making them airborne. And YY to her opening the window for ventilation.

Are you mainly there for her personal care or does your role involve her environmental issues ( cleaning etc)
The risk for this lady I'd think would be slipping in the mould / slime

It is really good of you and I'm sure it has helped her but unless it is part of your remit she'll need a more regular ongoing clean

I do mainly provide personal care and support. But I help out with many things as I see that is part of the care service I’m trying to provide. Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference. It’s very rewarding. I see this as a challenge and a big help to this lady. She wants to feel comfortable when people visit etc. I really don’t mind helping but want to do it safely. I’ve bought a black mould spray today and some other cleaning items.

Poor lady You’re very kind to help her beyond your assigned tasked
i have a wetroom myself so I understand the layout etc.
Mould would be a safety hazard Although the floors are anti slip, she could still fall.
As long as there’s adequate ventilation you won’t be at risk from any spores
Delicate question to ask but is she actually using the shower?