Managing Legionella within an Aged Care facility is critical to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Here are some key steps to manage Legionella effectively:

1.  Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment of the facility to identify potential sources of Legionella growth and transmission. This includes assessing water systems, cooling towers, hot water systems, showers, taps, and any other water sources. 
2. Water Management Plan: Develop a comprehensive water management plan tailored to the facility's specific needs and risks. This plan should outline strategies for controlling Legionella growth, including temperature control, disinfection procedures, and regular monitoring.
3. Temperature Control: Maintain water temperatures outside the ideal range for Legionella growth. 
4. Water Treatment: Implement appropriate water treatment measures to control Legionella bacteria. Regularly monitor and maintain appropriate disinfectant levels.
5. Cleaning and Maintenance: Ensure regular cleaning and maintenance of water systems, including removing sediment and biofilm where Legionella can grow. Pay particular attention to areas where water stagnates or where temperatures fluctuate.
6. Monitoring and Testing: Establish a regular monitoring and testing schedule to assess the effectiveness of control measures and detect any potential issues early. This may include sampling water for Legionella bacteria and other indicators of water quality.
7. Staff Training: Provide training for staff on Legionella awareness, prevention, and control measures. Staff should be educated on the importance of proper water management and hygiene practices to minimize the risk of Legionella transmission.
8. Documentation and Review: Keep detailed records of Legionella management activities, including risk assessments, water testing results, and corrective actions taken. Regularly review and update the water management plan based on new information or changes in the facility.

A water/temperature monitoring system offers several benefits and values within Aged Care facilities:

• Early Detection of Issues: Monitoring systems can detect deviations from safe water temperatures or other parameters that could indicate potential problems such as Legionella growth or equipment malfunctions.
• Preventive Maintenance: Continuous monitoring helps identify maintenance needs, such as cleaning or repairing equipment, before they lead to significant problems. 
• Compliance with Regulations: Many regulatory agencies require Aged Care facilities to monitor water quality and temperature to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. Implementing a monitoring system helps facilities meet these regulatory requirements and demonstrate adherence to best practices.
• Enhanced Resident Safety: By maintaining optimal water quality and temperature, monitoring systems help ensure the safety and well-being of residents. 
• Data-driven Decision Making: Monitoring systems provide valuable data on water quality trends, usage patterns, and system performance over time. Facility managers can use this data to make informed decisions about water management strategies, resource allocation, and infrastructure improvements.
• Cost Savings: Proactively managing water quality and temperature can help reduce operational costs associated with water treatment, energy consumption, maintenance, and potential outbreaks of waterborne illnesses. Investing in a monitoring system can lead to long-term cost savings by preventing costly repairs and mitigating risks.

Overall, a water monitoring system is a valuable tool for Aged Care facilities to safeguard resident health, comply with regulations, and optimise operational efficiency. It provides real-time insights and early warning capabilities that help prevent issues before they impact residents or lead to regulatory non-compliance.

Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) in Aged Care facilities are subject to local regulations and standards such as AS/NZS 4032.3:2016, ensuring they mix hot and cold water to maintain safe outlet temperatures typically between 38°C and 45°C, crucial for preventing scalding among vulnerable residents. 

Installation, maintenance, and documentation must align with regulatory requirements, with qualified plumbers responsible for installation and periodic maintenance to ensure proper functionality. 

Staff training on TMV operation and response procedures to temperature-related incidents is essential, as is conducting risk assessments of water systems to identify and mitigate potential hazards, ultimately safeguarding resident safety and compliance with regulations.
 

Products designed for visually impaired individuals and those with dementia should prioritize simplicity, ease of use, and safety. Here are some examples of products that are well-suited for these populations:

• Tactile and High-Contrast Design: Opt for tapware and sanitaryware with tactile markings and high-contrast colours to aid individuals with visual impairments in distinguishing between different fixtures and controls easily.
• Simple Operation: Choose fixtures with straightforward and intuitive controls, such as lever handles or single-handle faucets, to minimize confusion and make it easier for individuals with dementia to use the bathroom independently.
• Temperature Control: Install thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) to regulate water temperature and prevent burns, ensuring the safety of individuals who may have difficulty perceiving hot water due to visual or cognitive impairments.
• Accessibility Features: Incorporate accessibility features such as grab bars, adjustable showerheads, and raised toilet seats to enhance safety and facilitate ease of use for individuals with mobility challenges or balance issues.
• Hygiene and Cleaning: Choose sanitaryware with smooth surfaces and easy-to-clean materials to maintain hygiene and minimise the risk of bacterial growth, particularly important for individuals with compromised immune systems or susceptibility to infections.
• Anti-Ligature Design: Select tapware and sanitaryware with anti-ligature features to reduce the risk of self-harm or accidents, especially in environments where individuals may be at risk of unintended harm due to cognitive or behavioural challenges.
   

In an aged care bathroom, you'll typically find a range of products and features designed to promote safety, accessibility, and comfort for elderly residents. Some common products include:

• Grab Bars - Installed near toilets, showers, and bathtubs to provide support and stability for individuals when standing, sitting, or moving around the bathroom.
• Raised Toilet Seats: Designed to increase the height of the toilet, making it easier for residents with mobility limitations or joint pain to sit down and stand up.
• Shower Seats and Benches: Fold-down or built-in seats in shower areas allow residents to sit comfortably while bathing, reducing the risk of slips and falls.
• Walk-In Showers or Roll-In Showers: These accessible shower designs eliminate the need to step over a barrier, making it easier for residents with mobility aids or wheelchair users to enter and exit the shower safely.
• Handheld Showerheads: Flexible showerheads with adjustable height and spray settings provide greater control and convenience for residents who may have difficulty standing or reaching.
• Motion-Activated Lighting: Sensor-based lighting systems automatically illuminate the bathroom when someone enters, improving visibility and reducing the risk of accidents, especially at night.
• Accessible Washbasins: Install washbasins with ergonomic designs and rounded edges to minimize the risk of injury and provide easy access for residents with mobility challenges. Incorporating lever taps or sensor-operated faucets can also enhance usability for individuals with limited dexterity or hand strength.
• Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs): TMVs regulate water temperature to prevent scalding and ensure a safe and comfortable bathing experience for residents, particularly those with sensory impairments or limited mobility.

Our GalvinAssist range provides tailored solutions for assisted care aged care and dementia markets. This range is crafted to support elderly people bathing, showering and toileting safely. Explore our aged care offering here.
 

Maintaining bathroom hygiene in aged care facilities requires a comprehensive approach to cleanliness and infection control. Several key strategies can be implemented to achieve this:

• Regular Cleaning Schedule: Establishing a routine cleaning schedule for bathrooms, including daily cleaning of toilets, sinks, floors, and surfaces, and more thorough deep cleaning on a regular basis.
• Use of Disinfectants: Using appropriate disinfectants to effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that may be present in the bathroom environment.
• Hand Hygiene Practices: Encouraging residents, staff, and visitors to practice good hand hygiene by washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom.
• Proper Waste Disposal: Ensuring that waste bins are emptied regularly and that waste is disposed of properly to prevent the spread of germs and odors.
• Ventilation: Ensuring adequate ventilation in bathroom areas to reduce humidity and prevent the buildup of mold and mildew, which can contribute to poor indoor air quality and respiratory issues.
• Regular Inspections: Conducting regular inspections of bathroom facilities to identify any maintenance issues or areas in need of cleaning or repair.
• Use of Hygienic Products: Installing hygienic products such as touchless faucets, soap dispensers, and hand dryers to minimize the spread of germs through shared surfaces.
• Monitoring and Feedback: Monitoring bathroom cleanliness regularly and soliciting feedback from residents, staff, and visitors to identify any areas for improvement and ensure that high standards of hygiene are maintained.