Course Access
IPC Resources for Australasian Aged Care
Australasian Aged Care
IPC in residential care and home care is unique and governed by its own Aged Care Quality and Safety Standards.
The following page of IPC aged care resources aims to guide, support, and inform aged care providers, healthcare workers, residents, visitors and the broader community.
Note: Resources shared across all health care settings are located in the collaborative resource pages in accordance with country or region.
Aged Care Act - Rights and Diversity
The new rights-based Aged Care Act
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/aged-care-act/about?language=en
Aged Care Act Rules
https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2025L01173/asmade/text
Aged Care Code of conduct
https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/for-providers/code-conduct
Sector Code for Visiting in Aged Care Homes
Centre for Cultural Diversity in Aging
https://www.culturaldiversity.com.au/resources/national-policies-and-initiatives
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Standards – ACQSC
Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards
https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/strengthened-quality-standards
Standard 2: The organisation
https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/resource-library/standard-2-organisation
Standard 4: The environment
https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/resource-library/standard-4-environment
Standard 5: Clinical care
https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/strengthened-quality-standards/clinical-care
National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards Aged care module and User Guide for Multi-Purpose Services
Self-Assessment Checklists:
Infection prevention and control (IPC) governance self-assessment checklist
ipc-governance-self-assessment-checklist.pdf (agedcarequality.gov.au)
Infection prevention and control (IPC) operational readiness self-assessment checklist
ipc-operational-readiness-self-assessment-checklist.pdf (agedcarequality.gov.au)
Aged Care Infection Management by Pathogen Type
Victorian guideline on CPO for long-term residential care facilities
VICNISS Herpes Zoster in aged care
DoHAC – Interim guidance on the infection prevention and control of Monkey Pox at home or in non-healthcare settings
DoHAC – Intrem guidance on Monkey Pox for healthcare workers
NCAS – Community Information Sheets on Common Infections (Bronchitis, cellulitis, cystitis, leg ulcers, Otitis media, Rhinosinusitis, Tonsilitis)
Animals in Aged Care
Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) – Companion animals in aged care accommodation – Policy
AVA Survey Pet Friendly aged care
https://www.ava.com.au/news/survey-pet-friendly-aged-care/
Companion Animal Network Australia – Australia (CAN)
CAN- Pet friendly aged care
https://petfriendlyagedcare.com.au/
RSPCA – Community aged care program
https://www.rspcansw.org.au/what-we-do/working-in-communities/community-aged-care-program/
Aged Care Guide – can my pet live with me in aged care
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/information/can-my-pet-live-with-me-in-aged-care
Pets and Positive Aging (PAPA)
https://www.petsandpositiveageing.com/
Pets in Aged Care Homes Makes Paw-fect Sense with New Tool
Animal Contact Guidelines SA
Antimicrobial Stewardship
ACSQHC – AMS Book. Chapter 16 Antimicrobial Stewardship in the community and residential aged care
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/ams-book-chapter-16-antimicrobial-stewardship-community-and-residential-aged-care
CDC – The core elements of Antibiotic Stewardship for Nursing Homes
https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/core-elements/pdfs/Nursing-Homes-Core-Elements-C-508.pdf
Antimicrobial Stewardship Self-Assessment Tool and User Guide
https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/resource-library/antimicrobial-stewardship-self-assessment-tool-and-user-guide
Guidance for implementation of the Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) Clinical Care Standard in aged care
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/guidance-implementation-antimicrobial-stewardship-ams-clinical-care-standard-aged-care
ACSQHC – Antibiotics (Antimicrobials) and older people – what you should know
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/antibiotics-antimicrobials-and-older-people-what-you-should-know
ACQSC – Antimicrobial stewardship resources for providers and clinicians
https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/providers/clinical-governance/medication-management#antimicrobial-stewardship-resources-for-providers-and-clinicians
Antimicrobial Stewardship Clinical Care Standard
Antimicrobial Stewardship Clinical Care Standard | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
Guidance for implementation of the Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) Clinical Care Standard in aged care
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/guidance-implementation-antimicrobial-stewardship-ams-clinical-care-standard-aged-care
NPS Medicine wise – Antibiotic Resistance, the facts
https://www.nps.org.au/consumers/antibiotic-resistance-the-facts
NPS Medicine wise – How to reduce AB resistance
https://www.nps.org.au/professionals/reducing-antibiotic-resistance
NPS Medicine wise – Antimicrobial use and resistance in Australia: keeping Australia informed and prepared
https://www.nps.org.au/news/antimicrobial-use-and-resistance-in-australia-keeping-australia-informed-and-prepared
National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (NAPS)
https://www.naps.org.au/Default.aspx
What is the Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (AC NAPS)?
https://www.naps.org.au/Resources/Information_sheet_ACNAPS2021_Updated.pdf
NCAS – National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship – Aged Care
https://www.ncas-australia.org/aged-care
NCAS – National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship Resources
https://www.ncas-australia.org/aged-care-resources
NCAS – Clinical Antimicrobial Fact Sheets for clinicians and residents
https://www.ncas-australia.org/ClinicalFactSheets#clinicalfactsheets
https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/resource-library/antimicrobial-stewardship-self-assessment-tool-and-user-guide
AURA 2023 Aged Care Highlights – Antimicrobial use
ACSQHC – Fact sheet – Topical Antifungals Aged Care
NCAS- Topical Antifungals – Tips
NCAS- Topical Antifungals – assessing and treating
https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/d820f98f/files/uploaded/RC%20211020%20Topical%20Antifungals.pdf
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
Multi-Purpose Services Aged Care Module
Multi-Purpose Services Aged Care Module | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
Australian National Guidelines
Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control Guide
Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control Guide summary resource
Building and Construction
Victoria – Aged care design guidelines
Cleaning and Disinfection
ACSQHC – Environmental Cleaning Practices in small health services
ACSQHC – Flowchart – The process and product selection for routine environmental cleaning
ACSQHC –Environment cleaning: information for cleaners
ACSQHC –Infographic – Benefits of Environmental Cleaning
ACSQHC -Fact sheet – Principles of environmental cleaning product selection
Comparison of IPC Aged Care Guidelines
Dementia IPC Support
Dementia Support Australia
IPC Resources for Australasian Aged CareIPC Resources for Australasian Aged CareSevere Behaviour Response Team (SBRT) flyer
National Aged Care Alliance
https://www.dementia.org.au/resources/national-aged-care-alliance
Dementia Training Australia
Dementia Australia
https://www.dementia.org.au/
https://www.dementia.org.au/living-dementia/mood-and-behaviour-changes/wandering
ACQSC – Infection prevention and control in aged care Cognitive decline and dementia
ACQSC – Cognitive impairment and COVID-19
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/cognitive-impairment/cognitive-impairment-and-covid-19
Dental for older people
Better Oral Health in Residential Care
Food and nutrition safety
AUS NZ Food standards
https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/
DoHAC – Food Standards and Safety
https://www.health.gov.au/topics/food-and-nutrition/about/food-standards-and-safety
DoHAC – Food and nutrition in aged care – regulation and compliance
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/improving-food-nutrition-aged-care/regulation-compliance
ACQSC – Residential aged care food services
Food Safety Information Council
https://www.foodsafety.asn.au/food-safety/
Association of Nutrition and Food Service Professionals (ANFS) – Long-Term Care Facility Garden Policy 2019
Hospital Health Care – Playing it safe in the vegetable garden
Dining Recommendations for Long-Term Care Facilities
Dining Recommendations for Long-Term Care Facilities (infectioncontroltoday.com)
Hand Hygiene
ACSQHC – National Hand Hygiene Initiative – National Hand Hygiene initiative (HHI)
What is Hand Hygiene – NHHI
5 Moments of Hand Hygiene in Aged Care ACSQHC
The 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene in aged care – fact sheet
Hand Hygiene – Helping others with hand hygiene
https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/resource-library/hand-hygiene-helping-others-hand-hygiene
How to handrub poster – WHO
https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/how-to-handrub
How to Hand wash Poster – WHO
Incontinence Associated Dermatitis with suspected infection
VICNISS – Incontinence Associated Dermatitis with suspected infection – Guidelines
https://www.vicniss.org.au/media/chfbpa5b/iad_landscape-2023.pdf
Indwelling Urinary Device and associated infection management
Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI)
APIC The Power of 10 – CAUTI
https://apic.org/Resource_/TinyMceFileManager/Topic-specific/APIC_Infographic_-_LTC_-_FINAL-02.jpg
AHRQ Guide to Implementing a Program To Reduce Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections in Long-Term Care
Device Resources
Indwelling catheterisation in adults – Urethral and suprapubic
https://nurses.uroweb.org/guideline/indwelling-catheterisation-in-adults-urethral-and-suprapubic/
Effective urinary catheter care: Essential tips for aged care nurses
Introducing a person-centred approach to indwelling urinary catheter care in aged care homes
QLD Urinary catheter insertion or change
Breaking the chain of infection for indwelling catheters (IDC) in residential aged care: NARI’s IDC-IMPROVE Project
QLD Urinary catheter (IDC or SPC): trouble-shooting a blocked catheter
QLD Supra-pubic Catheter Care
Leg Bag Resources
Frequently Asked Questions About the Use of and Care for Leg Bags in the Long-Term Care Setting
https://www.ahrq.gov/hai/quality/tools/cauti-ltc/modules/resources/tools/prevent/leg-bags-faqs.html
Identifying safe practices for use of the urinary leg bag drainage system in the post acute and long-term care setting: An integrative review
Urine drainage bags: Medline
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000142.htm
Home Care
Home management of your catheter
https://ccpatientinfo.org.au/patientinfo/HNEHomeManagementOfYourCatheter.pdf
Home care of your catheter
https://melbourneurologycentre.com.au/home-care-of-your-catheter/
NSW Patient Information Urinary Catheter for SPC
https://www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/concord/urology/content/PDF/DISCHARGE/SPC_care.pdf
Governance and Requirements
Urinary Catheter Governance
https://www.acipc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Urinary-Catheter-Governance-2025.docx
Infection Prevention and Control Leads (IPC leads)
Department of Health and Aged Care – IPC leads
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/infection-prevention-and-control-leads
Evaluation of the IPC Lead role – Final report released
IPC lead contact email
https://www.health.gov.au/contacts/infection-prevention-and-control-lead-contact?language=en
IPC Education and Training
Aged Care COVID Infection Control Training – DoHAC
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/aged-care-covid-19-infection-control-training
ACSQHC –Infection prevention and control for aged care eLearning modules
Infection prevention and control for aged care eLearning modules – National Hand Hygiene Initiative Learning Management System
https://nhhi.southrock.com/cgi-bin-secure/Home.cgi?msecs=1705556182112
Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control Training Tool – ACQSC
Clinical Educators Guide Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare
https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/attachments/Clinical-Educators-Guide-WEB.pdf
Laundry Management
Laundry practice AS 4146:2024
https://www.standards.org.au/standards-catalogue/standard-details?designation=AS-4146-2024
Australian HealthCare Laundry & Linen Services Association. (2012). Codes of Practice for Public Healthcare Operated Laundries and Linen Services.
Laundry and Infection Control in Home Care
Laundry and Infection Control in Residential Aged Care
Management of Gastroenteritis in Aged Care
DHAC – GASTRO-INFO Outbreak Coordinators Handbook
NSW Health – Gastroenteritis/Norovirus in aged care
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/gastroenteritis/Pages/gastro-agedcare-facilities.aspx
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/norovirus.aspx
Management of Respiratory Infection
Communicable Diseases Network Australia. National Outbreak Management Guideline for Acute Respiratory Infection (including COVID-19, influenza and RSV) in Residential Aged Care Home
Infectious respiratory disease prevention: responsibilities and obligations
infectious-respiratory-disease-prevention-responsibilities-and-obligations.pdf
VICNISS -Preventing Influenza in aged care
https://www.vicniss.org.au/media/2056/influenza-rfq04061-pdi-agedcarefactsheet_a4_c-final.pdf
DoHAC – Handbook – Influenza Kit for Home Care
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/handbook-influenza-kit-for-home-care
VICNISS -Preventing pneumonia in aged care
https://www.vicniss.org.au/media/2057/pneumococcal-rfq04061-pdi-agedcarefactsheet_a4_a-final.pdf
DoHAC – Government support for providers and workers
https://www.health.gov.au/topics/aged-care/managing-covid-19/government-support
Management of Suspected and confirmed UTI
ACQSC To Dip or Not to Dip Implementation Guide for Nurse and Pharmacist Champions
ACQSC – Clinical pathway for older people in aged care homes: Suspected Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) With Catheter
ACQSC – Clinical pathway for older people in aged care homes: Suspected Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) Without Catheter
ACQSC To Dip or Not to Dip Antibiotic Audit
https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/sites/default/files/media/audit-tool-to-dip-ot-not-to-dip.pdf
Approaches to improve UTI management in Australian Residential Aged Care Services
https://www.vicniss.org.au/media/2421/uti-in-aged-care_ipc-lead-forum-25821.pdf
NCAS – National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship – Aged Care – Urinary Tract Infections
Medication Management
Medication management in residential aged care facilities
Medication management in the community
Aged care on-site pharmacist
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/aged-care-on-site-pharmacist
Multi-Resistant Organism Management in Aged Care
Multi-resistant organisms Residential care facilities.
Victorian guideline on CPO for long-term residential care facilities.
International – Enhanced Barrier Precautions in Nursing Homes
Outbreak Management
Department of Health and Aged Care – Outbreak Checklist
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/outbreak-preparedness-checklist
Outbreak Management Plan – key features
Outbreak Management Plan – Key features
Gastroenteritis:
CDNA Guidelines Norovirus and suspected viral gastroenteritis – Aged Care pg. 49
Gastro-Info Outbreak Coordinator’s Handbook
Respiratory Tract:
CDNA Outbreaks of Acute Respiratory Infection in Residential Care Facilities
How prepared are you for a COVID outbreak – ACQSC
First 24hrs – managing COVID 19 in residential aged care facility – DoHAC
Managing a COVID Outbreak in Residential Care
NDIS – Coronavirus outbreak preparedness, prevention and management
Respiratory Hygiene/cough etiquette
- ACSQHC – respiratory protection
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards/primary-and-community-healthcare/guide-primary-and-community-healthcare-standards/clinical-safety-standard/preventing-and-controlling-infection#respiratory-hygiene-cough-etiquette-and-physical-distancing
Cover your cough Posters :
- SA –
https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/e8e8d0a7-92ef-4411-85fa-cdbfd6b729fe/Cover-Your_Cough-poster-A4-landscape-cdcb-ics-20190417.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE-e8e8d0a7-92ef-4411-85fa-cdbfd6b729fe-oaF9cLi - SA Community –
https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/9b4fe236-fb3f-4534-8473-92129d1b1876/19040.1-1+CYC-Poster-A4-public-web.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE-9b4fe236-fb3f-4534-8473-92129d1b1876-oFJ7Sgd - ACT –
https://health.act.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-03/2.3%20poster%20-%20cough%20sneeze%20etiquette.pdf - TAS-
https://www.health.tas.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-12/Cover-your-cough-and-sneeze.pdf - Victoria –
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-09/instructions-hand-hygiene-and-cough-etiquette-posters.pdf - Victoria Community –
https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/2093210/Cough-and-Sneeze-poster.pdf
Risk Assessment
WorkSafe
https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/how-conduct-risk-assessment
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission – Risk Management in Aged Care
https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/sites/default/files/media/topic-guide-15-risk-management.pdf
Social Factors
DoHAC and ACQSC – Webinar effective IPC behaviours
Standard and Transmission Precautions
Standard Precaution Poster -ACSQHC
Contact Precautions Poster -ACSQHC
Contact and Droplet Precautions Poster – ACSQHC
Airborne Precautions Poster – ACSQHC
Airborne and Contact Precautions Poster – ACSQHC
Guide for managing the transmission of pathogens through the air in aged care settings
N95 mask Fit checking poster –State
QLD –
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0035/974294/p2-n95-fit-check.pdf
NSW-
https://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/566776/Principles-of-fit-checking.pdf
Facial Hair styles and Filtering Facepiece Respirators – CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/facialhairwmask11282017-508.pdf
Ventilation
Victorian Health Department – Ventilation strategies for residential care settings
Victoria – WPHU – Ventilation aged care checklist