Course Access
4. How is the sector planning to train staff to be a lead IPC home care in future?
Thank you for this excellent question posted to the Q&A from the Train the Trainer webinar (18/6/25).
With regards to accessing training there is nothing to prevent providers from enrolling staff on a recognised IPC course. Whilst there may not be a specific regulatory requirements for Home Care to have an IPC lead on the roster, the new act and standards and the current Aged Care IPC guidelines have clear guidance on the responsibilities of providers in terms of having a workforce with various capabilities, including IPC. Below is an excerpt related to cleaning in Home Care as it relates to training. https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-08/The-Aged-Care-Infection-Prevention-and-Control-Guide.pdf
A big consideration for Home Care is that staff have risk assessment skills- the Home Care setting brings a range of variables to be considered.
My suggestion would be to determine how best you can support safe care for your clients and staff, regardless of where the sector is at- this page will provide further information:
https://www.health.gov.au/topics/aged-care/managing-respiratory-infection/infection-prevention-and-control-in-aged-care
I hope that gives a bit more information and I wish you well with this.
Perri Waddell