As aged care facilities house some of the most vulnerable members of society, maintaining a high
standard of cleanliness is crucial to ensure their safety and well-being. Proper hygiene reduces the risk of
infections, promotes a healthier environment, and provides peace of mind to residents, their families, and
the staff. Here are five essential cleaning practices that every aged care facility should follow to maintain
a safe and sanitary environment.
- Implement a Comprehensive Infection Control Plan
Infection control is at the heart of any cleaning protocol in an aged care facility. Given the close proximity
in which residents live, pathogens can spread quickly if proper cleaning measures aren’t in place. To
prevent infections, aged care facilities must implement a detailed cleaning schedule focusing on:
- High-Touch Surfaces: Clean and disinfect high-touch areas such as doorknobs, handrails, light
switches, and elevator buttons multiple times a day. These surfaces are common points of contact and
can easily harbor bacteria and viruses. - Resident Rooms and Common Areas: Regular cleaning and disinfection of resident rooms, dining
areas, and communal spaces are essential to control the spread of infectious agents.
Ensuring staff are trained in infection control protocols, including the correct use of cleaning products and
disinfectants, is key to preventing outbreaks.
- Use Hospital-Grade Disinfectants
The cleaning products used in aged care facilities need to be stronger and more effective than those
used in typical environments. Hospital-grade disinfectants should be a standard to ensure thorough
sanitization. These products are specially formulated to kill a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and other
harmful pathogens that can pose a risk to elderly residents.
When selecting disinfectants, make sure they are:
- EPA-Approved: This ensures they are effective against common pathogens, including norovirus and
MRSA. - Non-Toxic: Given the susceptibility of aged care residents to respiratory conditions and skin
sensitivities, using non-toxic, eco-friendly disinfectants is a priority to maintain their comfort and safety.
- Follow a Scheduled Deep Cleaning Routine
While daily cleaning is crucial for maintaining basic hygiene, it’s equally important to perform deep
cleaning at regular intervals. Deep cleaning targets areas that are not frequently addressed during
routine cleaning but can accumulate dirt, dust, and germs over time.
A deep cleaning routine in aged care facilities should include:
- Flooring and Carpets: Regularly clean carpets, rugs, and hard flooring. Carpets in particular can trap
dust and allergens, which can negatively impact residents with respiratory conditions. - Furniture and Upholstery: Deep clean upholstered furniture, especially in common areas where
residents gather, to prevent the build-up of dust mites and other allergens. - Bathrooms and Kitchens: These high-risk areas should be deep cleaned regularly, focusing on grout,
drains, and other hard-to-reach places that can harbor germs.
Scheduled deep cleaning helps maintain a consistently sanitary environment and ensures that less
noticeable areas don’t become a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms.
- Practice Proper Waste Disposal
Proper waste disposal is an often overlooked but vital part of maintaining hygiene in aged care facilities.
Contaminated waste, such as used tissues, medical supplies, and incontinence products, can pose
serious health risks if not handled and disposed of correctly.
Here are some best practices for waste management in aged care settings:
- Separate Waste Properly: Use color-coded bins to separate general waste, recyclable materials, and
biohazardous waste (e.g., soiled gloves, used dressings). This reduces the risk of cross-contamination. - Use Leak-Proof Containers: Always use sealed, leak-proof bins for disposing of any hazardous waste,
especially medical waste, to prevent contamination. - Frequent Disposal: Regularly empty and sanitize waste bins to prevent the buildup of germs and
unpleasant odors. In high-traffic areas such as bathrooms, this should be done multiple times a day.
Training staff on proper waste disposal techniques is essential to ensure that waste is handled in a safe
and compliant manner.
- Ensure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Usage
Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by cleaning staff is an essential line of defense in
preventing the spread of infections in aged care facilities. PPE not only protects the cleaners but also
helps prevent cross-contamination between different areas of the facility.
Key PPE protocols include:
- Gloves: Always wear gloves when handling cleaning chemicals or cleaning any high-risk areas such as
bathrooms and kitchens. Gloves should be disposed of immediately after use and never reused. - Masks and Face Shields: These are essential, especially when cleaning in high-risk areas or during
outbreaks, to protect staff from airborne particles and contaminants. - Uniforms and Aprons: Staff should wear clean uniforms daily, and aprons should be changed frequently
to prevent transferring germs from one area to another.
Training staff to properly wear, remove, and dispose of PPE is critical to ensuring that it functions as an
effective barrier to infection.
Conclusion
By following these five essential cleaning practices, aged care facilities can significantly reduce the risk of
infections and create a healthier, more comfortable environment for residents. At Keen and Hygiene, we
understand the specific hygiene needs of aged care homes and offer tailored cleaning services that meet
the highest standards of infection control and sanitation. Let us help you maintain a safe and clean
environment for your residents and staff.
Contact us today to learn more about our specialized cleaning services for aged care facilities.( “link this
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