The Overlooked Importance of Equipment Hygiene in Assisted Living Facilities
- Kate Hughes
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
When we think about hygiene in residential facilities, the focus is often on handwashing, disinfecting common areas, and ensuring residents receive proper personal care. However, one crucial element is often overlooked: the hygiene of mobility equipment.
From wheelchairs to shower chairs and hoists, these essential tools are frequently used by multiple residents, making them a prime breeding ground for bacteria and harmful pathogens.
How Mobility Equipment Can Spread Infections
Mobility equipment is one of the most frequently touched and least sanitised items in many aged care and assisted living facilities. Studies have shown that wheelchairs can carry dangerous pathogens such as Clostridium difficile (C. Diff), Staphylococcus aureus, and other healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). These bacteria can survive on surfaces for days or even weeks, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.
According to the Clinical Excellence Commission, approximately 165,000 healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) occur annually in Australian health facilities. Many of these infections are preventable with proper hygiene measures, but mobility aids often fall through the cracks.
Signs Your Equipment May Be a Contamination Risk:
Visible grime buildup on handrails, seats, or wheels
Unpleasant odours caused by bacteria and moisture retention
Sticky or greasy surfaces indicating a lack of regular deep cleaning
Worn-out upholstery or padding that can harbour germs and allergens
In short, if a piece of mobility equipment looks clean, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s free from bacteria. This is why standard cleaning methods may not be enough.
Best Practices for Mobility Equipment Hygiene
To ensure the safety and well-being of residents, assisted living facilities must implement a structured hygiene program that goes beyond basic cleaning. Here are some best practices:
1. Daily Wipe-Downs
Use hospital-grade disinfectant wipes on high-touch areas like hand rims, seats, and footrests.
Avoid using overly harsh chemicals that may damage the equipment over time.
2. Weekly Deep Cleaning
Remove dust and debris from wheels and casters.
Use a mild soap solution to clean frame surfaces and dry thoroughly.
Inspect brakes and ensure all moving parts are functioning correctly.
3. ATP Testing for Bacteria Levels
Facilities should consider incorporating ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) testing, a technology widely used in food safety and healthcare to measure surface contamination levels.
This ensures that even invisible bacteria are accounted for and eliminated.
4. Quarterly Professional Sanitisation
In addition to in-house cleaning, partnering with professional sanitisation services ensures that deep-seated bacteria, odours, and pathogens are effectively removed.
Services like Pure Wheelchairs' Equipment Hygiene Program (EHP) use advanced technology to measure contamination and provide a structured approach to hygiene.
Introducing the Equipment Hygiene Program (EHP)
To bridge the gap in hygiene standards for shared mobility equipment, Pure Wheelchairs is launching the Equipment Hygiene Program (EHP)—a comprehensive service designed to help aged care and assisted living facilities maintain the highest hygiene standards.
How the Program Works:
Initial Hygiene Assessment:
ATP testing is conducted to measure the level of contamination on wheelchairs and other equipment.
Data is collected to establish a hygiene baseline for each facility.
Customised Cleaning & Maintenance Plan:
Based on the assessment, a tailored hygiene program is developed for weekly, monthly, and quarterly cleaning routines.
Facilities receive training on proper day-to-day cleaning techniques.
Professional Deep Cleaning & Sanitisation:
Using advanced cleaning technology, mobility aids undergo thorough disinfection to eliminate bacteria and allergens.
Hospital-grade disinfectants and steam technology are used for optimal results.
Ongoing Monitoring & Improvement:
Regular ATP testing is conducted to track hygiene improvements over time.
Facilities receive performance reports to ensure continued compliance and hygiene excellence.
Why It Matters:
Improves resident safety by reducing infection risks
Ensures compliance with hygiene regulations and standards
Extends the lifespan of mobility equipment, reducing repair and replacement costs
Provides peace of mind to residents, families, and staff
The Future of Hygiene in Assisted Living
As the aged care industry evolves, hygiene standards must evolve with it. Assisted living facilities are responsible for ensuring that every piece of equipment used by residents meets the highest safety standards.
The Equipment Hygiene Program (EHP) by Pure Wheelchairs offers a structured, science-backed approach to keeping shared mobility equipment free from harmful bacteria. By incorporating regular professional cleaning, ATP testing, and customised hygiene plans, facilities can significantly reduce infection risks and improve overall resident care.
Are you ready to elevate hygiene standards in your facility? Learn more about the Equipment Hygiene Program (EHP) and how Pure Wheelchairs can help by contacting us today.
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