Infection control for home care workers

Where the infection risks are

• Moving between several clients' homes in one shift
• Personal care, continence care and laundry without on-site supplies
• Clients who may be frail, recently discharged from hospital or living with chronic illness
• Your car, phone, bag and keys carrying germs between homes

The habits that matter most

• Carry hand rub, gloves, aprons, masks and bags for every visit
• Clean your hands on arrival, before and after care, and when leaving
• Ask before each visit whether anyone in the home is unwell
• Keep your bag and phone off beds and benches
• Report changes in a client's health promptly

Rules and expectations

Home care is part of Australia's aged care system, and providers are expected to manage infection risks as part of the Aged Care Quality Standards. Your provider's procedures tell you what's required in your role.

What the course covers

Eight short modules: how infections spread, hand hygiene, PPE, respiratory hygiene, cleaning and disinfection, blood and body fluid spills, waste, linen and sharps, and standard and transmission-based precautions. Then a 20-question assessment and your certificate.