Terminology

Term

Setting

Referenced

Definition

Aged Care

Residential or home care

Australian Government Department of Health

The range of support services provided to older people who need help with daily living, personal care or health management.

Healthcare facility

All settings where care is provided

NHMRC

Any facility that delivers healthcare services.

A healthcare facility can include but is not limited to hospitals, general practice clinics, dentistry and community-based office practices, day surgery centres, emergency services, domiciliary nursing services, long-term care facilities, aged care facilities, indigenous medical services, alternative health provider facilities and other community service facilities.

Healthcare setting

All settings

NHMRC

The environment within which health care is provided.

A healthcare setting can include but is not limited to hospitals, residential aged care facilities, community/primary health settings and private office-based settings.

Healthcare worker

All settings where care is provided

NHMRC

A person who works in a healthcare or social care setting.

Including medical practitioners, nurses, midwives, carers, dentists, allied health professionals, psychologists, students on placement; as well as volunteers, executives, managers and administration.

This definition applies to people who are paid or unpaid, permanent or casual and including visiting, sessional and agency staff.

Home Care

Home/ community care

Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards (2025).

Department of Health and Aged Care (2025).

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Home Care Standards Guidelines.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Guidelines.

A range of services designed to help individuals, especially older persons and those with disabilities, maintain their independence and live safely in their own homes, rather than in a hospital or residential aged care service.

Hospital

Hospital setting

A facility where individuals receive medical care, encompassing various departments and areas like emergency rooms, wards, mental health units, and outpatient clinics.

Individual, or

Older person/people

Aged care

(Residential and home care)

Aged Care Act (2024).

Strengthened Aged Care Standards (2025).

A person who in a residential or home care setting, where they receive assistance with daily living activities and healthcare services

Infection Prevention and Control Professional

All settings

World Health Organization (2020).

A healthcare professional who has completed postgraduate education in IPC, as well as IPC practical and clinical training.

Infection Preventionist

All settings

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – United States,

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) – United States,

Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

A healthcare professional responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing infection prevention and control (IPC) programs in healthcare settings, to prevent the spread of infection and ensure a safe environment.

Patient

Hospital,

day procedure centre,

National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (NSQHS).

NHMRC

A person who is receiving care in a hospital setting.

Resident

Residential care

A person who resides in a residential aged care home, where they receive assistance with daily living activities and healthcare services

Residential care home

Residential aged care

National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (NSQHS).

The Aged Care Act (2024).

Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards (2025).

A facility that provides care to people who can no longer live independently, they receive accommodation and 24/7 care, including personal care, nursing care, and access to health services