Guide to Cleaning Assisted Living Facilities and Nursing Homes

Cleaning assisted living facilities presents unique challenges and opportunities for building service contractors. These environments require tailored approaches to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of residents while maintaining high cleanliness standards. Whether you’re expanding your services or have to train new staff, this guide will help you navigate the intricacies of this specialized sector.

In recent years, nursing homes and assisted living facilities have increasingly outsourced cleaning for two primary reasons:

1. Cost-Effectiveness: Outsourcing eliminates the need to hire, train, and supervise in-house custodians, reducing overhead costs.
2. Specialized Expertise: Facilities expect cleaning crews to meet stringent cleanliness and hygiene requirements without additional supervision.

It’s crucial to understand the unique needs of these settings.

The Unique Challenges of Cleaning Assisted Living Facilities

Unlike office environments, assisted living facilities house older adults who may have weakened immune systems or specific health needs. This increases the stakes for effective cleaning practices. Some key challenges include:

• Infection Control: These facilities are often home to a higher prevalence of germs, bacteria, and infectious diseases.
• Frequent Spills and Accidents: Cleaning must be discreet, thorough, and timely to maintain resident dignity.
• High-Touch Areas: Light switches, door handles, railings, and beds require extra attention to minimize infection risks.

Developing an Effective Long-Term Care Cleaning System
A systematic approach is essential for ensuring both efficiency and resident satisfaction. Here are the components of a robust cleaning program:

1. Resident Evaluation
   Assess the demographics and needs of the residents. Facilities with active, healthy residents may require standard cleaning, while those with more infirm individuals may need specialized care.
2. Defining Roles
   Clarify the responsibilities of the BSC versus facility staff. For instance, most BSCs focus on common areas, leaving medical and care station cleaning to facility staff.
3. Scheduling Strategically
   Cleaning schedules must be carefully planned around resident activities. For example, avoid cleaning cafeterias during meal times and focus on other areas during these hours.
4. Workloading for Productivity
   Use effective workloading to optimize cleaning staff’s time and resources. Supervisors should estimate task durations and allocate workers accordingly.
5. Emergency Response
   Ensure quick responses to spills and accidents with proper communication systems. Supervisors should always know who is available to handle urgent needs.
6. Selecting Specialized Products
   Use cleaning chemicals designed to tackle pathogens such as MRSA and VRE. Train staff thoroughly in their proper use to maximize safety and efficacy.
7. Prioritizing Floor Care
   Floors should meet safety standards for slip resistance and be cleaned regularly to maintain traction. Carpets can also be effective, provided high-filtration vacuums and low-moisture cleaning systems are used to protect air quality.

Benefits Beyond Cleaning
One of the often-overlooked advantages of cleaning assisted living facilities is the potential for building relationships. Custodial staff often form bonds with residents, fostering a positive atmosphere and boosting morale. With proper training, equipment, and cleaning systems, you can provide exceptional service while making a meaningful impact on the lives of residents and staff.

Interested in assessing the cleaning needs of a long-term care facility?
​Contact MCS Building Solutions for a comprehensive building assessment. Let us help you develop a customized cleaning program that ensures health, safety, and satisfaction.

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