aged care cleaning

Aged care cleaning is a specialised cleaning service designed for residential and healthcare environments where elderly residents live or receive support. It goes beyond surface tidiness to focus on hygiene, infection control, and the emotional wellbeing of residents. These services are tailored to meet the unique health and safety standards required in aged care facilities, nursing homes, retirement villages, and home care settings.

What Is Aged Care Cleaning?

Aged care cleaning covers routine and deep cleaning tasks that ensure safe, hygienic, and comfortable living conditions for older adults. This includes sanitising high-touch areas, disinfecting shared spaces, maintaining odour control, and ensuring compliance with Australian health regulations such as the Aged Care Quality Standards.

Professional cleaners in this field are trained to:

 Prevent cross-contamination through colour-coded cleaning systems.

 Use hospital-grade disinfectants approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

 Adhere to infection control protocols recommended by the Department of Health and Aged Care.

 Respect resident privacy and routines while working discreetly and compassionately.

Why Is It Important?

Clean environments in aged care aren’t just about appearance. They directly affect residents’ health, safety, and emotional comfort. A poorly cleaned space can increase the risk of infections, respiratory issues, and anxiety among elderly residents. Consistent hygiene helps protect vulnerable immune systems and builds trust among families choosing a facility.

Typical Services Include

 Daily cleaning of resident rooms, bathrooms, and communal areas

 Laundry and linen management

 Carpet and upholstery cleaning

 Window, kitchen, and dining area sanitation

 Scheduled deep cleaning and infection control treatments

Standards and Compliance

In Australia, aged care cleaning must comply with:

 Aged Care Quality Standards (Standard 5: Organisation’s service environment)

 Infection Prevention and Control Standards (AS/NZS 4187)

 Safe Work Australia cleaning protocols

Many cleaning providers also undergo audited hygiene certification to demonstrate compliance and quality assurance.

Human-Centred Approach

Good aged care cleaning goes beyond the checklist. It involves empathy, patience, and awareness of how cleaning practices influence residents’ sense of dignity and safety. For example, cleaners are often trained to interact gently with residents experiencing dementia or mobility challenges. This personal touch helps create a sense of stability and trust in daily routines.

Example of an Australian Context

Many Australian facilities now combine traditional cleaning with behavioural insights. For instance, cleaning schedules may align with residents’ quiet times to minimise stress, and scentfree disinfectants are used to prevent sensory discomfort. This approach blends clinical hygiene with the comfort of home.

Summary

Aged care cleaning is a specialised, regulated, and people-focused service essential for maintaining health, dignity, and comfort in senior living environments. It balances hospital-grade infection control with empathy and respect for residents’ needs.