Infection Prevention and Control for Aged Care

This lesson explains why infection prevention matters so much in aged care and introduces standard precautions. Key points: older people often have weaker immunity, chronic conditions and wounds or devices, and infections can spread quickly in shared settings. Standard precautions are the basic practices we use with every person, every time, whether or not an infection is known. They include hand hygiene, personal protective equipment based on risk, respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, safe handling of sharps, routine cleaning, and safe handling of waste and linen. The course builds knowledge only; always follow our procedures and your training.

This lesson explains transmission based precautions, the extra steps used on top of standard precautions when a person has a suspected or confirmed infection. Key points: contact precautions for germs spread by touch, droplet precautions for germs spread by larger droplets from coughing and sneezing, and airborne precautions for germs that travel on tiny particles in the air. You will learn which protective equipment each type usually needs, the importance of fit checking a P2 or N95 respirator, and a safe order for putting on and taking off protective equipment. Always follow the signage and the care plan for the person.

This lesson covers respiratory infections such as influenza, COVID-19 and RSV in residential homes and home care. Key points: older people may show subtle signs, such as confusion, reduced appetite or falls, rather than a classic cough and fever. Report new symptoms to the registered nurse or your team leader straight away so the person can be tested and treated early. Stay home if you are unwell. During an outbreak, follow the outbreak management plan, which may include isolating affected residents, extra PPE, cohorting staff and changes to visiting. In home care, check for symptoms before each visit and follow our home care procedures.

This lesson covers gastroenteritis, commonly called gastro, which is often caused by norovirus in aged care. Key points: gastro spreads easily through contact with vomit and faeces, contaminated hands, surfaces and food. Report any vomiting or diarrhoea straight away. Use contact precautions, wear gloves and a gown or apron, and wash hands with soap and water after contact with vomit or faeces. Clean spills promptly using our spill kit and the disinfectant our procedures specify. Workers with gastro symptoms must stay away from work until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped. Encourage fluids and watch for signs of dehydration.

This lesson covers how the environment can spread infection and how cleaning, waste and linen handling break that link. Key points: clean first with detergent to remove dirt, then disinfect when required, following our procedures and the product instructions. Pay attention to high touch surfaces and shared equipment. Place sharps straight into an approved sharps container and never recap needles. Sort waste into the right stream at the point of use. Handle used linen with gloves, never shake it, carry it away from your body and bag it where it is used. In home care, bring the right supplies and follow our home procedures.

This final lesson covers the shared responsibilities that keep infections under control. Key points: an annual flu vaccination is recommended for aged care staff, volunteers, residents and visitors, and residential providers must offer staff and volunteers a free flu vaccination each year. Stay up to date with other recommended vaccines, including COVID-19. Report symptoms, exposures and incidents promptly so the provider can notify public health authorities as required. Every residential aged care home must have an infection prevention and control lead, a nurse with specialist training, who oversees infection control and outbreak preparation. The lesson ends with a course summary.

This case study is set in a residential aged care home during winter. Mrs Papadopoulos, who is usually bright and chatty, is found confused with a new cough and a temperature. The lesson follows her care worker from the first signs through reporting, isolation and testing, and on to the outbreak that follows, including staff cohorting, visitors and communication with families. Key points: in older people, confusion can be the first sign of infection, report straight away, follow the outbreak plan, and keep residents connected with their families safely.

This case study follows Faisal, a home care worker who visits several older clients each day. One morning, a client's wife rings to say her husband has a fever and cough. The lesson shows how Faisal checks with his coordinator before the visit, uses the PPE and hand rub he carries, avoids relying on the client's supplies, manages waste and plans his route to protect other clients. It finishes by bringing together the key messages of the whole course. Key points: check before you visit, carry your own supplies, and think about everyone on your run.