There’s regular cleaning, and then there’s aged care cleaning. One is a job most people can do. Another is a specialised task that requires much more thought.
For instance, you can’t just mindlessly use a vacuum cleaner in aged care facilities as it can spread infections. What’s more? Treating the elderly also means managing unique challenges like incontinence and slip hazards and accommodating residents with dementia.
In short, aged care cleaning goes beyond meeting regulations. It’s about creating a safe and nurturing environment for the elderly.
Our approach at Clean Co Commercial Cleaning involves advanced cleaning techniques and stringent health guidelines. But besides providing you with expert cleaning services, we’re also committed to offering the necessary tools to maintain a safe environment for your residents and staff.
The Importance of Cleanliness in Aged Care Facilities
Maintaining a clean environment in aged care facilities is crucial. It helps prevent infection, safeguarding the health of residents who may be more susceptible due to age or health conditions.
A clean facility contributes to the well-being and comfort of residents, showing the facility’s dedication to care. It also reassures families about the safety and well-being of their loved ones. Plus, it’s key for meeting health and safety standards, an important aspect of running a care facility.
Cleaning Procedures for Aged Care Facilities
According to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, cleaning procedures for aged care facilities must ensure a clean, safe, comfortable, and accessible environment for all residents. Here are practical ways to accomplish this:
1. Have a Regular Schedule
Keep things tidy with a daily cleaning routine, focusing on high-touch spots like door handles and switches.
2. Use Disinfectants
Go for EPA-recommended disinfectants, making sure they’re suitable for specific areas and surfaces.
3. Empower Your Staff
Train your team in nifty cleaning methods, including proper PPE use and handling chemicals like pros.
4. Ensure Health and Safety
Gear up in the right PPE – think gloves, masks, and sometimes gowns, for top-notch safety.
5. Clean and Disinfect Rooms Daily
Pay special attention to bedside tables and bedrails and frequently change bed linens and curtains.
6. Regularly Disinfect Common Areas
Disinfect surfaces multiple times a day. Arrange furniture to promote social distancing and facilitate free movement, ensuring the environment is comfortable and accessible. Clean floors using a disinfectant daily.
7. Sanitise Bathrooms Properly
Disinfect all surfaces, including handles and taps, regularly. Don’t forget to stock up on soap and sanitisers.
8. Practise Proper Waste Management and Disposal
Segregate hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Label those bins and ensure safe handling and timely disposal.
9. Clean Laundry and Linen
Keep soiled linens separate from clean ones. Use hot water and suitable detergents. Transport laundry in closed, marked containers. Staff should wear gloves and masks when handling dirty laundry.
10. Keep and Record Documents
Maintain daily logs of cleaning activities. Keep records of staff training on cleaning protocols. Document regular inspections of cleanliness and safety. Record any incidents related to cleanliness or hygiene.
More Cleaning Tips and Strategies
1. Use HEPA filters in vacuum cleaners. Regularly replace and maintain filters for efficiency.
2. Utilise colour-coded cleaning systems. Train staff on the significance of each colour and its corresponding area.
3. Maximise cleaning chemicals. Educate on the correct dilution and usage of cleaning chemicals. Ensure proper ventilation when using strong chemicals.
4. Conduct regular training. Organise frequent sessions on new protocols and equipment. Include updates on infection control practices.
5. Emphasise personal hygiene. Encourage regular hand washing and the use of hand sanitisers. Implement guidelines for staff personal cleanliness.
6. Use personal protective equipment (PPE). Train staff on the correct use and disposal of PPE. Provide sufficient PPE stock for all staff.
7. Develop hygiene and safety protocols. Include emergency response procedures.
8. Conduct regular audits and inspections. Schedule periodic audits to assess compliance with cleaning standards. Address any deficiencies immediately.
9. Implement internal audits for cleaning procedures. Involve staff in the audit process for practical insights.
10. Inform residents and families. Regularly update residents and families about cleaning protocols. Use newsletters or meetings for communication.
11. Handle feedback and concerns properly. Have a system in place for receiving and addressing feedback. Ensure responsiveness to concerns raised by residents or staff.
12. Adopt eco-friendly practices. Integrate green cleaning products and methods. Focus on reducing the environmental impact of cleaning activities.
Need Expert Aged Care Cleaning?
Hiring a commercial cleaning service can significantly uplift the cleanliness and hygiene standards of aged care facilities. Our team at Clean Co ensures a comprehensive cleaning that meets all health guidelines. We tailor our services to the unique requirements of aged care environments, prioritising infection control and hygienic, safe living spaces for residents.
Discover more about our various types of commercial cleaning and check out our commercial cleaning checklist. We’re committed to helping you achieve and maintain the highest levels of cleanliness and care. Contact us today to learn how we can support your aged care facility’s needs!