You cannot see it, smell it, or hear it coming—but infection risk in aged care is like a quiet thief. One missed step, and suddenly half the home is down with something nasty. Sounds dramatic? Maybe. But if you work in aged care or healthcare, you know this is no exaggeration.

So, how do you protect the people in your care and yourself? It starts with understanding the risks and knowing exactly what to do every single day.

Let us walk through this together—no jargon, no fluff. Just plain talk that gets straight to the point.

Why Infection Control Matters

In aged care, the people you look after are more likely to get sick from something others might shake off. Their immune systems are not what they used to be. Something as simple as a cold can turn into something much worse.

If infection control slips, things can spiral quickly. One person gets sick. Then another. Before you know it, you are dealing with a full-blown outbreak and calling families to explain what happened. Nobody wants that.

The Silent Spreaders: Common Infection Risks

Some bugs are sneaky. They hop from one surface to another. They ride on hands, clothes, equipment—even visitors. Here are the usual troublemakers in aged care:

• Respiratory viruses like influenza
  
• Gastrointestinal bugs that cause vomiting or diarrhea
  
• Urinary tract infections
  
• Skin infections from pressure sores or wounds
  

The tricky part? These germs do not carry signs saying, “Here I come!” You often only realise there is a problem once someone is already unwell.

Hand Hygiene: Your First Line of Defence

You have probably heard it a thousand times, but washing your hands properly is the most effective way to stop germs in their tracks. Yes, it is that simple.

Here is what hand hygiene actually means:

• Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. That is about the time it takes to hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
  
• If hands are not dirty, an alcohol-based hand rub works too.
  
• Clean your hands before and after every resident interaction. Not just when you think it is needed.
  
• Dry your hands well. Wet hands carry germs more easily.
  

Quick tip: Use those wall posters and signs. Not just for show. People forget. Reminders help.

When Things Go Sideways: Outbreak Prevention

When someone starts coughing, sneezing, or showing signs of something contagious, it is time to act fast. Outbreaks spread quickly in aged care because people live close together, share common spaces, and often need personal help.

Here is how to nip things in the bud:

• Isolate the person showing symptoms until a diagnosis is made.
  
• Notify leadership and infection control staff straight away.
  
• Clean shared areas more often—think bathrooms, railings, dining rooms.
  
• Keep visitors informed without causing panic.
  

And please—do not try to “wait and see” when someone looks unwell. Speak up. The sooner you report, the less likely the bug spreads.

The Right Way to Use Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment is not just a box of gloves in the hallway. It includes masks, gowns, face shields, and shoe covers too. Each has a time and place.

A few ground rules:

• Put on gloves before touching anything that could be contaminated.
  
• Take gloves off and throw them away immediately after use.
  
• Change masks every time they get wet or dirty. No, they are not meant to last all day.
  
• Wash your hands after taking off any protective gear.
  

And please, no nose-peeking from behind the mask. It is not a fashion statement. It only works if it covers your nose and mouth completely.

Cleaning and Disinfecting: Do Not Cut Corners

You would not reuse a dirty plate, so why take shortcuts with cleaning surfaces? Proper cleaning is one of your best tools against infection.

Some things need more attention than others:

• Bed rails
  
• Light switches
  
• Door handles
  
• Call buttons
  
• Bathroom fixtures
  

Use the right products. Follow the instructions on the label. Some cleaners need to sit on a surface for a certain amount of time to actually kill the germs.

And do not forget shared items—wheelchairs, thermometers, hoists. Clean them between each use.

Educating Staff and Keeping Skills Fresh

Even the best team needs regular training. Infection control is not a "set and forget" kind of task. Rules change. New bugs pop up. Old habits sneak in.

Make time for:

• Refresher sessions
  
• Role-playing different infection scenarios
  
• Spot checks and feedback
  
• Honest conversations about what is working and what is not
  

No one likes being told they are doing something wrong. So keep the tone kind. But be firm. Infection control is not a personal preference—it is a shared responsibility.

Visitors: Friendly Faces, Unfriendly Germs

We all know visitors bring joy. But they can also bring unwanted passengers—like cold and flu viruses.

Here is how to keep visits safe:

• Provide hand washing stations at entry points.
  
• Ask sick visitors to come back when they are better.
  
• Let families know if there is an outbreak.
  
• Offer masks when needed and show how to wear them right.
  

It might feel awkward asking someone to stay away when they are sniffly, but remember—you are protecting everyone in the home.

Food, Laundry, and Waste: Do Not Overlook These

Infection risks hide in places you might not think about:

Food handling:
Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. Cross-contamination is a real thing. Do not mix raw and cooked items. And never guess how long something has been sitting out—if in doubt, toss it.

Laundry:
Dirty linen needs to be handled like it is covered in germs—because it might be. Use gloves. Wash at the right temperature. Keep clean and dirty loads separate.

Waste:
Used gloves, tissues, wound dressings—they all need to go in the right bin. Not on a table. Not in a pocket. Not “just for a second.”

Make Infection Control Part of the Daily Routine

Infection control should not feel like an extra chore. It should be part of how you work—like checking vitals or helping with meals. The more natural it becomes, the more consistent it will be.

Build habits. Repeat them. Talk about them. Celebrate when your team does it well.

Because keeping people safe is not just about ticking boxes. It is about care. Real care.

Final Thoughts: You Make the Difference

Infection control risk in aged care is real, and it is serious. But it is also something you can handle.

You are the eyes, the ears, and the hands that keep infections out. You notice when something is off. You speak up when something does not feel right. You clean. You guide. You protect.

It is not always easy. But it matters more than most people realise.

So keep washing those hands. Keep putting on that gear. Keep doing what you do—with heart and with care.

Because every clean surface, every hand wash, every mask worn right—it all adds up.

You are not just preventing infection. You are saving lives. One simple step at a time.