In New Zealand, the demand for aged residential care is forecast to increase by an estimate of 15,000 beds by 2030, emphasising the significant demand for laundry services within this sector. As our population ages, the susceptibility to various illnesses and infections increases, making infection prevention and control paramount in elderly care. This responsibility falls upon all caregivers.
The difficulty of providing aged care and prevention calls for a strong foundation. Even while cleaning bed sheets, towels, and other linens might seem simple, maintaining good hygiene standards requires more than just a cold wash and air drying. Therefore, infection control education is crucial in elderly care laundry facilities. This article seeks to arm you with the knowledge you need to operate your elderly care laundry effectively while putting the security of the residents, staff, and visitors first.
While infections can spread anywhere without restriction, the danger of disease and infection is noticeably higher in facilities for the elderly. This problem is shockingly highlighted by research that shows four out of five elderly care patients are at risk of developing a serious illness or passing away if they get COVID-19. It's crucial to understand, though, that COVID-19 is not the only prevalent disease that needs to be taken seriously because it spreads through elderly care institutions at a startlingly high pace.
Common Diseases Spread by Aged Care Facilities
These transmissions occur primarily due to two key factors:
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Compared to younger people, the immune systems of the elderly are frequently poorer. They become more prone to infections and have less efficient disease resistance due to this natural reduction in immunity. Infectious diseases can therefore spread quickly and afflict a high number of residents in aged care homes.
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Insufficient Hygiene Practices: Inadequate hygiene practices in aged care homes is another contributing factor to the spread of common infections. The transmission of illnesses must be stopped at all costs by practicing good hygiene. Unfortunately, some elderly care facilities may not meet minimum standards for hygiene owing to a variety of reasons, including a lack of funding, inadequate staffing, or poor infrastructure. Inadequate hand washing, inadequate sanitisation of equipment and common areas, incorrect trash disposal, and a disregard for cleaning procedures are a few examples of this.
Infection Control Process for Laundry Items in Aged Care Facilities in New Zealand
Preventing the spread of infections in aged care facilities is crucial to maintaining a safe environment for residents. Even a single case of gastro, possibly contracted from a visiting family member or during an outing, can quickly escalate into an outbreak. To effectively prevent and control infections, it is essential to implement proper laundry processes and educate staff members on New Zealand's laundry standards.
Here's what you need to know about safely handling soiled linen and clothing in aged care facilities:
Laundry education is essential because, as a caretaker, you must first take care of yourself. Wear gloves at all times when handling filthy linen and clothing to reduce risk. The use of full personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks or face shields, goggles, and gowns, may be necessary if there is a significant danger of contamination from faeces, vomit, or spit.
Soiled clothing and linens should be taken as quickly as possible from the resident's body, bed, and room and placed right into a collection bag or leak-proof plastic bag. If the laundry is on-site, place it right into a hot wash after taking it to the laundry room with the fewest number of hands feasible. If not, store it in a dry location on its own until pickup. After finishing this, make sure to properly wash your hands.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Hygiene Practices: It is important to prioritise staff safety. When handling soiled linen and clothing, always wear gloves to minimise the risk of contamination. In cases involving a high risk of exposure to vomit, or spit, full PPE may be necessary, including masks or face shields, goggles, and gowns. Remember to dispose of gloves properly and wash hands thoroughly after handling soiled items.
Proper Collection and Transport: Promptly remove soiled linen and clothing from the resident's body, bed, and room. Place them in a leak-proof plastic bag or collection bag. Minimise contact and handoffs during transport, ensuring that as few hands as possible are involved. Take the soiled items directly to the laundry room. If the laundry is located on-site, transfer the bagged items into the washing machine immediately. If not, store them in a dry area designated for laundry, ready for collection.
Water Temperature: To effectively disinfect soiled linen and clothing, follow the guidelines set by AS/NZS 4146:2000. The wash cycle should be a minimum of 65°C for 10 minutes or a minimum of 71°C for at least 3 minutes. It is advisable to use higher temperatures and longer cycles whenever possible. This ensures proper disinfection. Additionally, using the appropriate laundry chemicals recommended for aged care facilities is crucial.
High-Quality Detergents and Antibacterial Washes: Choose quality detergents and antibacterial washes specifically designed for aged care facilities. These products are formulated to effectively remove dirt, stains, and bacteria from linen and clothing. Consult with laundry suppliers or experts to identify the most suitable products for your facility. Regularly review and update your detergent selection based on industry standards and best practices.
Laundry Facility Maintenance: Maintaining a clean and well-maintained laundry facility is essential for infection control. Regularly clean and disinfect laundry equipment, including washing machines, dryers, and laundry carts. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can contribute to the growth of bacteria or fungi. Regularly inspect and replace damaged or worn-out laundry equipment and maintain a hygienic storage area for clean linen.
How to comply with AS/NZS 4146
AS/NZS 4146:2021 is the Australian and New Zealand Standard for Laundry Practices, which sets the benchmark for acceptable standards of service and compliance in the laundry industry. It provides guidelines specifically tailored to the healthcare setting, ensuring that healthcare-operated laundries and linen services maintain high-quality laundry performance. Here are some key considerations to help you comply with AS/NZS 4146:2021 in New Zealand:
Familiarise Yourself with the Standard: Read and understand the requirements outlined in AS/NZS 4146:2021. It covers various aspects, including laundry design, equipment, processes, infection control, and quality management. Ensure that you are familiar with the specific recommendations and obligations outlined in the standard.
Thermal Disinfection: Thermal disinfection is an effective method for killing bacteria and viruses in the laundry process. It involves exposing the linens and laundry equipment to moist heat at a minimum temperature of 65°C for a specified duration. Implement washing systems that can provide the required heat for effective disinfection. Ensure that your equipment is capable of maintaining the necessary temperature and time parameters for thermal disinfection.
Chemical Disinfection: Chemical disinfection involves the use of disinfectants to kill microorganisms and remove organic debris from the laundry. Different chemicals can be used, such as chlorine compounds, hydrogen peroxide, or peracetic acid. Collaborate with reliable chemical providers who can assist in setting up your commercial washing machines for automatic dosing and optimal programming. This ensures accurate and appropriate chemical usage, customized to different fabrics and levels of contamination.
Why Electric Laundry Repair Is Best for Aged Care Laundry Facilities
If you're seeking durable and high-quality washing machines and dryers for your aged care facility in New Zealand, Electric Laundry Repair is a trusted partner. With over 30 years of experience in the laundry industry, we are known for our reliability and commitment to providing premium laundry equipment from top manufacturers. We understand the importance of infection control in aged care laundry facilities, and we can assist you in achieving optimal standards.
Contact our team today to learn more about our offerings and how we can support your infection control efforts. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional service and helping you create a safe and hygienic environment for your residents.
