Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide, and aged care facilities were among the hardest hit. Protecting the most vulnerable members of our society required swift action and innovative solutions. At ACW, we were at the forefront of these efforts, providing enhanced cleaning services to aged care facilities like Corpus Kristy during the pandemic. This blog post explores the critical role ACW played in safeguarding residents and staff during these challenging times, detailing the additional measures we implemented to ensure a safe and sanitary environment.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Aged Care Facilities
Aged care facilities, by their very nature, are environments where individuals with weakened immune systems live in close quarters. This made them particularly susceptible to the spread of COVID-19. The virus’s highly contagious nature and the severe consequences it posed for older adults meant that aged care facilities had to adopt stringent measures to protect their residents.
As the pandemic unfolded, it became clear that traditional cleaning protocols were not sufficient to combat the threat posed by COVID-19. Facilities needed enhanced cleaning and disinfection measures to mitigate the risk of transmission. At ACW, we quickly adapted our services to meet these new demands, implementing advanced cleaning protocols that went above and beyond standard practices.
Enhanced Cleaning Protocols
In response to the pandemic, ACW developed and implemented enhanced cleaning protocols specifically designed to combat COVID-19. These protocols were based on the latest guidance from health authorities and included several key measures:
- Increased Frequency of Cleaning: One of the first steps we took was to increase the frequency of cleaning in high-traffic and high-touch areas. This included door handles, handrails, light switches, and communal spaces such as dining rooms and lounges. By cleaning and disinfecting these areas multiple times a day, we significantly reduced the potential for the virus to spread within the facility.
- Electrostatic Disinfection: To ensure comprehensive disinfection, ACW introduced the use of electrostatic sprayers. This advanced technology allowed us to apply disinfectants more effectively, ensuring that all surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas, were thoroughly coated with a disinfectant that is proven to be effective against COVID-19. The electrostatic charge causes the disinfectant to adhere to surfaces more evenly, providing a more reliable and thorough clean.
- Use of Hospital-Grade Disinfectants: We also upgraded the cleaning agents used in our facilities to hospital-grade disinfectants. These products are specifically formulated to kill a broad spectrum of pathogens, including the coronavirus. By using these powerful disinfectants, we were able to provide an extra layer of protection for residents and staff.
Staff Training and Safety
The effectiveness of our enhanced cleaning protocols relied heavily on the skill and dedication of our cleaning staff. At ACW, we understood that our staff needed to be fully equipped to handle the challenges posed by the pandemic. This meant providing them with comprehensive training on COVID-19 cleaning protocols and ensuring that they had access to the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).
Our training programs covered a range of topics, including the correct use of PPE, proper disinfection techniques, and the importance of hand hygiene. We also implemented strict procedures for donning and doffing PPE to prevent cross-contamination. By ensuring that our staff were well-trained and well-protected, we were able to maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety throughout the pandemic.
Additionally, we made adjustments to our staffing schedules to reduce the risk of transmission among our team members. This included staggering shifts and limiting the number of staff on-site at any given time. By taking these precautions, we were able to minimise the risk of infection among our staff while ensuring that the facility remained clean and safe.
Supporting Resident Well-Being
Beyond cleaning and disinfection, ACW recognised the importance of supporting the overall well-being of residents during the pandemic. The stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic were palpable, and maintaining a clean and orderly environment played a crucial role in alleviating some of that burden.
We worked closely with the management at Corpus Kristy to ensure that our cleaning schedules were aligned with the needs of the residents. This included cleaning rooms and communal areas at times that were least disruptive to daily routines. By being flexible and accommodating, we were able to create an environment where residents felt safe and cared for, even in the midst of a global crisis.
Ongoing Vigilance and Adaptation
As the pandemic evolved, so too did our approach. We continuously monitored updates from health authorities and adjusted our protocols as needed. This included incorporating new disinfection technologies, updating training programs, and refining our cleaning schedules to reflect the latest best practices.
Even as the immediate threat of COVID-19 begins to recede, the lessons learned during the pandemic will continue to inform our approach to cleaning in aged care facilities. At ACW, we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and safety, ensuring that facilities like Corpus Kristy are well-prepared for any future challenges.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical importance of rigorous cleaning and disinfection practices in aged care facilities. At ACW, we are proud of the role we played in protecting the health and well-being of residents and staff at Corpus Kristy during these challenging times. Our enhanced cleaning protocols, comprehensive staff training, and unwavering commitment to safety ensured that we were able to meet the demands of the pandemic head-on.
As we move forward, ACW remains dedicated to providing the highest standards of cleaning and disinfection in aged care settings. We are prepared to continue adapting our services to meet the needs of our clients, ensuring that their facilities remain safe, clean, and welcoming for all.