Infection prevention and control


to a higher standard, accreditation from a reputable third party can help organisations promote their commitment to maintaining clean and safe environments. For example, accredited facilities


can display a special seal throughout the building to communicate the achievement, and accreditation can also be promoted through external marketing efforts. With many loved ones concerned about their relatives and friends in care homes during the pandemic, accreditation can bring them greater peace of mind. Additionally, for older adults looking to


become residents in care homes in the coming years, accreditation can help care homes stand out from non-accredited facilities. In the wake of the pandemic, optics are everything. Prospective residents and their families will be even more concerned about infectious disease management in care homes moving forward. Accreditation is further proof that the facility is taking the right steps to keep people safe. To showcase their continued commitment, care homes should avoid a one-and-done approach to accreditation. Accreditation is valuable because it requires facilities to set high standards and adhere to them now and in the future. Accreditation programmes that


require annual renewal hold facilities and their teams accountable for their goals and encourage ongoing improvement. As experts learn more about new pathogens, efforts to prevent infections are likely to change, making it important to revisit and update cleaning, disinfecting, and infection prevention practices. It is also important to look for a


performance-based programme that is developed and overseen by leaders in the field of bio-forensic restoration. In other words, are the experts you will be consulting with experienced in responding to and remediating both known and unknown infectious diseases and biohazardous materials? Having access to a panel of experts can be instrumental both during the accreditation process and after. Some care homes may object to the


idea of accreditation, as they already adhere to strict requirements set and monitored by the CQC. Yet by taking a closer look at the process, managers of care homes will realize that becoming accredited and upholding accreditation actually helps their facilities stay compliant with important rules and regulations. It can also help care homes better


prepare for inspections and audits, making the process easier for everyone involved. Additionally, accreditation fills gaps in knowledge and ensures


Some care homes may object to the idea of accreditation, as they already adhere to strict requirements set and monitored by the CQC. Yet by taking a closer look at the process, managers of care homes will realize that becoming accredited and upholding accreditation actually helps their facilities stay compliant with important rules and regulations


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facilities have top-to-bottom support for processes that help organisations prevent, respond to, and recover from outbreaks.


Best practices for earning accreditation An accreditation process requires dedication and careful planning in order to achieve the desired outcome. Consider the best practices below to help your care home ensure it is thorough yet efficient in its approach to accreditation: l Identify your goals. It is important to determine your care home’s priorities from the beginning. For example, if a facility aims to enhance its cleaning routine by introducing new disinfecting techniques and equipment and scheduling cleaning times throughout the day, it should document its plan to ensure it aligns with the accreditation programme.


l Dedicate time to educate all staff about the process. Before starting an accreditation programme, spend some time with staff members at all levels to share your plans and goals for accreditation. This is also a good time to check in and see what training requirements will be needed so you can prepare your employees for potential changes to their routines.


l Review your cleaning schedule. Most if not all care homes have a system in place to routinely clean residents’ rooms and common areas, but it is important to have a schedule that staff have access to and follow. Additionally, it is critical for management to regularly monitor cleaning activities throughout the day to ensure it is being done correctly. Having information about your schedule and process on hand


www.thecarehomeenvironment.com • August 2021


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