Infection control in SIL and shared homes

Why shared living is different

In supported independent living (SIL) and other shared homes, several people share bathrooms, kitchens, lounges and sometimes equipment. One person's infection can spread to housemates quickly.

Everyday practice

• Clean high-touch surfaces daily: handles, switches, taps, remotes, benches.
• Keep personal care items such as towels, toothbrushes and razors separate.
• Clean shared equipment between people.
• Support residents' own hand hygiene, especially before meals and after the toilet.

When someone is unwell

• Tell your supervisor straight away and follow the provider's plan.
• Where the person agrees, support them to rest in their own room and use a separate bathroom if one is available.
• Increase cleaning of shared areas and use PPE for care.
• Watch housemates for similar symptoms — two or more people unwell may mean an outbreak.

Rights and dignity

Measures to reduce spread should be explained, discussed and agreed wherever possible, in line with the participant's rights and support plan. Ask your provider if you are unsure what is appropriate.