TickYouOff
Sign in
Back
🦠

COVID-19 infection prevention and control — LTCF preparedness

Medium 19 items · 30 min
testuser's avatar
testuser Published 2 months ago
Health

This checklist helps long-term care facility staff prepare and strengthen infection prevention and control practices to reduce COVID-19 spread. It’s aimed at facility administrators, IPC focal points, and caregiving teams who manage resident health and operations. Inspired by World Health Organization guidelines. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Inspired by World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional where applicable.

Progress
0 / 19
  1. Designate an IPC lead — Assign a staff member to coordinate infection prevention activities and oversight.
  2. Develop a COVID-19 response plan — Create clear steps for detection, isolation, staffing, supplies, and communications.
  3. Keep updated resident and staff health records — Record chronic conditions, medications, vaccination status, and emergency contacts.
  4. Train staff on hand hygiene and PPE use
  5. Teach proper handwashing and sanitizer use — Show 20-second handwashing steps and correct sanitizer technique.
  6. Demonstrate correct donning and doffing of PPE — Practice putting on and removing PPE under supervision to avoid contamination.
  7. Maintain adequate PPE and supply stock — Check inventory regularly and set reorder thresholds for masks, gloves, and gowns.
  8. Store PPE in a dry, accessible location — Keep supplies organized and easily reachable for staff on every shift.
  9. Implement entry screening for symptoms and exposures — Screen staff, visitors, and contractors for symptoms and recent exposures before entry.
  10. Restrict non-essential visitors and group activities — Limit gatherings, use virtual visits, and stagger activities to reduce contacts.
  11. Designate isolation area for suspected or confirmed cases — Identify single rooms or a cohort zone and limit staff rotations into this area.
  12. Set testing, notification, and reporting procedures — Define when to test, who to notify, and how to report cases to public health.
  13. Promote COVID-19 vaccination for residents and staff — Provide information, consent support, and help accessing vaccines.
  14. Increase cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces — Clean door handles, rails, and shared equipment at least daily or as needed.
  15. Improve ventilation and reduce air recirculation — Open windows, use exhaust fans, or upgrade filters when feasible.
  16. Plan staff backups and contingency staffing — Cross-train personnel and prepare for increased absenteeism during outbreaks.
  17. Communicate regularly with residents and families — Share case updates, prevention measures, and any changes to visiting rules.
  18. Run regular drills and review lessons learned — Practice scenarios, record weaknesses, and update the response plan accordingly.
  19. Provide mental health support and wellbeing checks — Offer counseling, peer support, and routine check-ins for residents and staff.
Sign in to save
📝 My Notes