Residents and patients in aged care facilities are more susceptible to infections compared to other people due to a number of reasons, such as having weaker immune systems, being older and experiencing chronic diseases.

To prevent and control the outbreak of diseases caused by infectious agents (e.g. parasites, fungi, viruses, bacteria and germs), there are golden rules that commercial cleaning companies in Sydney, which specialise in aged care facilities maintenance, and care workers should take into great consideration. Below are some of them.

• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when cleaning.

Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is the most basic and important rule when cleaning contaminated settings in aged care facilities. Cleaners and care workers should wear the following to prevent exposure to infectious agents, thereby preventing the outbreak of diseases.

✔ Gloves. Disposable gloves are used to prevent the spread of germs, bacteria or viruses that may be carried on hands. To ensure that your hands are not contaminated with infectious agents, wear them when cleaning areas with a risk of exposure to blood and body fluids. Also, remove the gloves and change them before starting cleaning in a different location.

✔ Masks. Surgical face masks protect a cleaning worker from exposure to aerosols and droplets (e.g. from sneezes and coughs) or infectious agents in situations where there’s a risk of splashes and sprays of body fluids and blood. To prevent acquiring infections in contaminated areas, make sure to wear a surgical face mask with a fluid repellent paper filter when cleaning.

✔ Gowns. Impermeable gowns or plastic aprons are used to protect care or cleaning workers when there is a risk of splashes and sprays of blood and bodily substances. So before cleaning contaminated places, make sure to wear a disposable gown to protect your clothing and skin against germs, viruses or bacteria. When cleaning is complete, make sure to remove and dispose of the gown immediately.

✔ Goggles. Protective eyewear like goggles and face-shields protect a worker’s eye from exposure to infectious agents when cleaning areas with splashes and splatters of bodily substances and blood.

• Conduct a routine cleaning in various areas.

Do a routine cleaning on frequently touched surfaces as well as in various locations, such as the residents’ rooms and communal areas, to ensure that they are not contaminated with blood or bodily fluids. Doing this will prevent the onset of germs, bacteria or viruses that may induce diseases and ailments among residents, care personnel and cleaning workers. Also, make sure to clean fittings and immediately wipe up spills. When an outbreak is suspected, immediately disinfect the facility.

Bottom Line

To help prevent the outbreak of diseases caused by infectious agents in aged care facilities, follow proper cleaning protocols and use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Here at Show Piece Services, we are fully aware that aged care facilities should be clean and sanitary at all times to ensure the health and safety of the residents and patients. Our experienced and trained personnel are adept in all aspects of aged care facilities maintenance.
As a one of the leading commercial cleaning companies, we provide top quality cleaning services, from strata cleaning to office cleaning in Sydney for a range of clientele.

Read more about the essential cleaning and maintenance practices for aged care facilities (e.g. handling and cleaning spills, furniture and linens) in our next article.