Table of Contents
Key takeaways
- Aged care residents are more at risk of infection, which means strong hygiene practices need to be a daily priority.
- Stopping outbreaks early is essential to protect health and prevent the stress and disruption they can cause for residents, staff and families.
- Infection control standards give providers a clear framework to follow, helping them deliver care that is compliant and effective.
- Shared dining rooms, bathrooms and mobility equipment need extra attention as they are the most common places for germs to spread.
- Professional cleaners such as Jani-King work alongside aged care teams, taking care of the details and making sure infection control is consistently up to standard.
Caring for older Australians comes with responsibility
For aged care providers, infection prevention and control measures are about protecting the people who call these places home. Older Australians are often more at risk of illness, which makes strong hygiene practices a day-to-day priority for everyone involved.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the everyday infection control challenges in aged care and share practical ways to manage them. At Jani-King, we understand that a clean environment is also a caring one. With the right routines and support, aged care providers can create spaces that protect residents’ health and give families and staff peace of mind.
Understanding infection control in aged care
Infection control is the framework of practices designed to stop germs from spreading in care environments. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) defines it as “Effective infection prevention and control practices reduce the risk of transmission of infections between patients, healthcare workers and others in the healthcare environment”.
In aged care settings, infection control comes down to daily routines, well-trained staff and reliable cleaning methods that protect everyone in the facility.
Some of the key components include:
Hand hygiene
Regular handwashing and correct use of sanitiser to stop germs from moving from person to person.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Gloves, masks and gowns to provide a barrier during care activities.
Environmental cleaning
Consistent cleaning and sanitising of surfaces, equipment and shared spaces.
Sterilisation
The complete removal of microorganisms from tools and medical equipment to reduce infection risk.
Importance of infection control in aged care
Germs have a way of spreading quickly in places where people spend time together, such as schools, workplaces and healthcare settings. However, in aged care, these germs can have far more serious consequences than just a passing cold or flu. For older residents, an infection can lead to serious illness, longer recovery times and a real impact on day-to-day life.
That’s why infection prevention is so important. It’s about protecting people who are more vulnerable and keeping their living environment as safe and healthy as possible.
Vulnerability of residents
Many aged care residents are more prone to infection because of weaker immune systems or existing health conditions. Living in close proximity also means that if germs are introduced, they can spread quickly. Putting strong infection control practices in place helps protect those who need it most.
Prevention of outbreaks
An outbreak in aged care doesn’t just affect those living there. It disrupts daily routines, places extra pressure on staff and causes worry for families. Consistent infection prevention and control reduces the chance of this happening and helps keep everything running smoothly for residents and carers.
Compliance and standards
Aged care providers have a responsibility to meet Australia’s infection control standards. Following these guidelines not only keeps facilities compliant but also shows a clear commitment to caring for residents properly. It’s about creating a safe, well-run environment that everyone can rely on. The ACSQHC has developed helpful resources and guides to help aged care organisations meet Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) regulations.
Common infection risks in aged care facilities
Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)
In aged care, some of the most common health issues are infections that arise within the facility itself. These are known as healthcare-associated infections, or HAIs. Urinary tract infections, respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and skin infections are common in residents, especially when age or underlying health conditions make recovery more complicated.
Being aware of these infections allows aged care providers to use a risk-based approach to reduce the chance of infections spreading.
Environmental factors
Living in a shared environment means residents are often in close contact, which makes it easier for germs to spread. Communal areas like dining rooms, lounges and bathrooms bring people together throughout the day. At the same time, a shared walking frame or dining table can easily carry germs from one resident to another if not cleaned properly. Paying close attention to the cleaning and maintenance of these high-use spaces and items is a simple but important way to keep infection risks down.
Best practices for infection prevention
Regular cleaning protocols
Routine cleaning and disinfection are the key drivers to controlling infection in aged care. High-touch surfaces, shared equipment and communal spaces should be cleaned often to stop germs from spreading. To help aged care workers stay on top of tasks and procedures, following set schedules and creating checklists is an easy way to keep track and make sure nothing has been missed.
Staff training
Protocols are only effective when aged care workers know how to effectively apply them. Even the best procedures fall short if staff aren’t properly trained or supported. Ongoing education in basic IPC principles, such as hand hygiene and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment, helps keep these procedures as part of everyday practice.
Resident and visitor education
Residents and visitors also play a part in reducing risks. Simple education around cough etiquette, hand hygiene and the appropriate use of shared facilities can make a real difference in controlling infection. Clear signage, easy-to-follow guides and open conversations between staff, residents and families help build good habits that support safer living environments.
Role of professional cleaning services
In an industry that cares for some of the most vulnerable people in our community, aged care infection prevention and control can’t be left to chance. This is why many providers choose professional cleaners to maintain their facilities, knowing every surface, space and routine is handled thoroughly.
Expertise and experience
Professional cleaners bring an extra layer of support to aged care facilities. They know what to look for, understand how germs spread and have the training to manage infection risks properly. With their help, aged care workers can focus more on residents while still knowing cleaning is being done to a high standard.
Customised cleaning plans
No two aged care homes run the same way. Professional cleaners can set up routines that match the day-to-day flow of each facility to give extra attention to high-touch areas and shared spaces. Having a clear plan in place means nothing gets overlooked and infection control becomes part of everyday routine.
Use of appropriate cleaning agents
Choosing the right cleaning products has a greater impact on hygiene than most people realise. Professional teams use disinfectants that are safe around residents but tough enough to control infection. They also make sure products are used the right way, so cleaning is effective without damaging surfaces or creating unnecessary risks.
Jani-King Australia's commitment to infection control
Caring for older Australians means more than a clean floor or shiny surface, it’s about protecting health and creating a place that encourages good health. At Jani-King, our hygiene and medical centre cleaning services are designed with that in mind. Whether it’s managing an outbreak or maintaining facilities on a regular basis, our teams bring the training and care needed to support aged care workers and residents every day.
We stand by the quality of what we do. Our cleaning systems are backed by ISO certifications, giving aged care service providers peace of mind that their space is being looked after to the highest standard.
Your aged care facility is in good hands with Jani-King
Keeping an aged care facility safe takes teamwork. At Jani-King, we handle the cleaning and infection control so you don’t have to. We’ll work with you to keep your facility clean, compliant and comfortable for the people who call it home.