Infection Control in Residential Aged Care

Communal living in residential care increases contact between people, which raises the risk of infection, especially when residents have difficulties with daily activities (e.g., toileting).

In aged care facilities, residents and the staff members who care for them are the most likely sources of infectious agents. Care workers’ hands, in particular, are a common source of transmission to residents.

Residents and care workers are the most common susceptible hosts in residential aged care facilities. Visitors and other people working in the facility may also be at risk of infection or transmission.