Mar 4
Winter Preparedness 2026 in Australasian Aged Care
Don’t wait for an Outbreak!
Winter in aged care is a high-stakes season, where preparation involves more than just
providing extra blankets; it demands a sophisticated approach to infection control,
environmental safety, and resident wellbeing. To get ready for the 2026 season in
Australia and New Zealand, facilities are moving away from reactive "outbreak modes"
to a proactive "Respiratory Readiness" model. By adopting global best practices,
management and care workers can create a safe, warm, and vibrant environment for all
residents.
The second part of this blog provides a checklist to help you get ready for winter.
The second part of this blog provides a checklist to help you get ready for winter.
Global Insights: The "Respiratory Readiness" Model
The 2026 Australasian strategy is largely influenced by "tripledemic" (COVID-19, Flu,
and RSV) strategies developed in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Surveillance First (USA & Canada): Management is transitioning to real-time "Syndromic Surveillance," monitoring "influenza-like illnesses" (ILI) to adjust staffing levels before an official outbreak is declared.
- Engineering over Lockdowns (Europe): There is a significant shift towards engineering controls, such as CO₂-monitored ventilation systems and antimicrobial surfaces, to lower airborne viral loads without implementing facility-wide lockdowns.
- Diagnostic Speed: The most successful facilities are those that prioritise
diagnostic speed over strict isolation. Detecting and identifying a specific virus
within 15 minutes through multiplex testing allows management to isolate a
single room rather than an entire floor.
Clinical Governance & Preventive Health
The main aim is to maintain residents' health and prevent hospital admissions through
efficient medical responses.
- Vaccine Bundling: Following models in the UK and Ireland, facilities should consider "bundling" vaccinations - co-administering Flu, COVID-19, and RSV shots together -to reduce "vaccine fatigue".
- Mandatory Reporting: Ensure all staff are trained on the 2026 Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) and its mandatory reporting requirements.
- Antiviral Pre-Stocking: Implement "pre-consenting" for antiviral medications
such as Tamiflu or Paxlovid so treatment can begin within the critical 24-hour
window after the first symptoms appear.
Environmental Safety & Engineering Controls
Modern Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is shifting from a total emphasis on
"washing hands" to "cleaning air" and maintaining physical safety.
- The Hierarchy of Controls: Management should apply a tiered approach: Elimination (digital screening kiosks), Engineering (HEPA/UV-C disinfection), and Administrative (staggering staff breaks to prevent cross-infection in tea rooms).
- Thermal Comfort and Maintenance: Keep internal temperatures steady between 20°C and 23°C. Also, check backup generators and make sure outdoor walkways are free of damp leaves or ice to prevent slips for staff and visitors.
- Lighting for Falls Prevention: As days shorten, increased lighting is essential to
help residents with low vision or those experiencing "sundowning" symptoms
avoid falls.
IPC Operations and Daily Care
Effective winter management demands accuracy in daily tasks and attention to clinical
risks.
- Multiplex Testing: Shift from "COVID-only" tests; adopt 3-in-1 rapid antigen tests (COVID/Flu/RSV) to ensure the correct isolation protocol is followed immediately.
- The "5 Moments" 2.0: Emphasise resident hand hygiene, especially before meals and after social activities, to address a common gap in traditional IPC.
- Winter Hydration: Residents often lose their "thirst trigger" in the cold, which
can lead to UTIs or falls. "Winter Hydration" protocols, providing warm teas and
soups, are essential.
The Human Element: Mental Health and Wellness
Safeguarding the emotional well-being of residents and staff is essential during the peak
burnout season.
- The "Green Zone" Strategy: Instead of facility-wide lockdowns, adopt a "Cohort but Connect" approach. If one wing experiences an outbreak, it is isolated, while "Green Zones" (unaffected wings) continue with social activities.
- Tackle Vitamin D Deficiency: Arrange indoor "sunlight" activities and evaluate dietary supplements to help prevent seasonal depression.
- Staff Wellness: Create contingency plans for high absentee rates and enforce
clear "Stay Home if Unwell" policies to prevent cross-contamination.
Conclusion
Proactive care makes the difference between a managed season and a crisis. By
adopting advanced diagnostics, environmental upgrades, and a focus on mental health,
Australasian facilities can move towards an "Active Prevention" model. Starting early
ideally by late March - ensures that when the peak winter months hit, your facility
remains a safe and connected community.
AU NZ Winter Readiness Checklist: 2026 Season
1. Clinical Governance & Vaccine Strategy
- Pre-Consenting for Antivirals: Ensure residents have signed consent forms on file for Flu (Oseltamivir) and COVID-19 (Paxlovid/Lagevrio) treatments to enable administration within the critical 24-hour window from symptom onset.
- The "Tripledemic" Rollout: Schedule on-site clinics for the "Big Three": Influenza, COVID-19 latest variant boosters, and RSV vaccines.
- Staff Immunisation Audit: Update the staff vaccination register and implement a "Stay Home if Unwell" policy with clear guidelines on shift coverage.
- Baseline Vital Signs: Update "Normal" baselines for temperature and oxygen
saturation in digital care plans for all residents.
2. IPC Operations & Diagnostics
- Multiplex Testing Stockpile: Procure Combo RATs (COVID/Flu A&B/RSV) to ensure correct clinical pathways.
- N95/P2 Fit-Testing: Complete annual fit-testing for all frontline clinical staff and ensure a 4-week "surge" supply of PPE is physically on-site.
- Waste Management: Review how often clinical waste is collected to cope with an increase in infectious waste.
- The "Five Moments" Audit: Conduct a hand hygiene audit in communal dining
areas, emphasising resident hand hygiene before meals.
3. Environmental & Engineering Controls
- Ventilation Optimisation: Service HVAC systems or deploy HEPA air purifiers in "high-risk" zones such as staff breakrooms and foyers.
- Thermal Comfort Check: Ensure heating systems keep a steady 21°C–23°C and humidity levels stay between 40% and 60%.
- Lighting & Falls Prevention: Audit corridor lighting and replace flickering bulbs;
ensure sensor lights in bathrooms are functional.
4. Management & Wellbeing Strategy
- "Green Zone" Social Plan: Develop a contingency plan for "Cohort Activities" to ensure unaffected wings stay socialised during partial lockdowns.
- Supply Chain Buffering: Stock 30 days of "Shelf-Stable" nutritional supplements and pantry staples.
- Hydration Stations: Set up "Winter Hydration" stations (warm herbal teas,
soups) to counter reduced thirst drive.
This blog and others can be found on the IPS website – the HUB
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Talk to EVE, our multilingual bot, or speak to someone real at support@infectioncontrol.care
We are on Facebook and LinkedIn – be sure to like and share
Take advantage of our expertise in IPC. See the HUB for policies, resources and courses relating to this very important subject. Ask EVE for a quick answer to your question.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Talk to EVE, our multilingual bot, or speak to someone real at support@infectioncontrol.care
We are on Facebook and LinkedIn – be sure to like and share
Take advantage of our expertise in IPC. See the HUB for policies, resources and courses relating to this very important subject. Ask EVE for a quick answer to your question.
Lyndon Forrest
Managing Director | CEO
Lyndon is the Managing Director of Infection Prevention Services (IPS), bringing over 30 years' experience supporting aged care providers across Australia and New Zealand.
With a background spanning outbreak response, compliance, and infection risk management — alongside hands-on experience leading teams, managing multi-site operations, and navigating business turnaround — he understands both the clinical and organisational pressures aged care providers face. Lyndon holds a Master of Commerce (Industrial Relations), and applies that foundation to the people, process, and growth challenges that come with running a complex healthcare services business.
He is passionate about building the systems and capability that make infection prevention sustainable — not just compliant — and about helping organisations grow their confidence alongside their practice.
Lyndon's focus is straightforward: strengthen operations, develop the right people, and drive proactive infection prevention strategies that protect residents, staff, and communities for the long term.
Lyndon is the Managing Director of Infection Prevention Services (IPS), bringing over 30 years' experience supporting aged care providers across Australia and New Zealand.
With a background spanning outbreak response, compliance, and infection risk management — alongside hands-on experience leading teams, managing multi-site operations, and navigating business turnaround — he understands both the clinical and organisational pressures aged care providers face. Lyndon holds a Master of Commerce (Industrial Relations), and applies that foundation to the people, process, and growth challenges that come with running a complex healthcare services business.
He is passionate about building the systems and capability that make infection prevention sustainable — not just compliant — and about helping organisations grow their confidence alongside their practice.
Lyndon's focus is straightforward: strengthen operations, develop the right people, and drive proactive infection prevention strategies that protect residents, staff, and communities for the long term.
Erica Callaghan
Marketing Manager
Erica Callaghan is a dedicated professional with a rich background in agriculture and nutrient management. Growing up on her family's farm in Mid Canterbury, she developed a deep passion for farming. She currently resides on her partner's arable property in South Canterbury.
In 2017, Erica joined the Farm Sustainability team, focusing on nutrient management and environmental stewardship. In February 2024, she became the Manager of Marketing and Sales at Bug Control New Zealand - Infection Prevention Services, where her passion now includes improving infection prevention outcomes.
Outside of work, Erica loves cooking and traveling, often combining her culinary interests with her explorations in Italy and Vietnam. She enjoys entertaining family and friends and remains actively involved in farm activities, especially during harvest season.
Erica Callaghan is a dedicated professional with a rich background in agriculture and nutrient management. Growing up on her family's farm in Mid Canterbury, she developed a deep passion for farming. She currently resides on her partner's arable property in South Canterbury.
In 2017, Erica joined the Farm Sustainability team, focusing on nutrient management and environmental stewardship. In February 2024, she became the Manager of Marketing and Sales at Bug Control New Zealand - Infection Prevention Services, where her passion now includes improving infection prevention outcomes.
Outside of work, Erica loves cooking and traveling, often combining her culinary interests with her explorations in Italy and Vietnam. She enjoys entertaining family and friends and remains actively involved in farm activities, especially during harvest season.
Toni Sherriff
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Toni is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in Infection Prevention and Control. Her career began as a kitchen hand and caregiver in Aged Care facilities, followed by earning a Bachelor of Nursing.
Toni has significant experience, having worked in Brisbane’s Infectious Diseases ward before returning home to New Zealand, where she continued her career as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control within Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ).
Toni brings her expertise and dedication to our team, which is instrumental in providing top-tier infection prevention solutions to our clients.
Toni is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in Infection Prevention and Control. Her career began as a kitchen hand and caregiver in Aged Care facilities, followed by earning a Bachelor of Nursing.
Toni has significant experience, having worked in Brisbane’s Infectious Diseases ward before returning home to New Zealand, where she continued her career as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control within Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ).
Toni brings her expertise and dedication to our team, which is instrumental in providing top-tier infection prevention solutions to our clients.
Julie Hadfield
Accounts & Payroll
Julie is experienced in Accounts & Payroll Administration & after a long career in both the Financial & Local Government Sectors, is now working with our team. Julie brings her strong time management & organisational skills to our team, which is important to keep the company running in the background to enable the rest of our team to provide top notch service to all of our clients.
Julie is experienced in Accounts & Payroll Administration & after a long career in both the Financial & Local Government Sectors, is now working with our team. Julie brings her strong time management & organisational skills to our team, which is important to keep the company running in the background to enable the rest of our team to provide top notch service to all of our clients.
Andrea Murray
Content Editor
I attended Otago University in NZ and graduated as a Dental Surgeon. After 40 years in the profession, I retired in 2022. Infection prevention knowledge was part of everyday practice, dealing with sterilisation, hand hygiene, and cleaning.
Before retiring, I began doing some editing and proofreading for Bug Control as I am interested in the subject and in the English language. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I attended the ACIPC course "Introduction to Infection Prevention and Control", which increased my interest in the subject. I now work part-time as the Content Editor for the company.
I attended Otago University in NZ and graduated as a Dental Surgeon. After 40 years in the profession, I retired in 2022. Infection prevention knowledge was part of everyday practice, dealing with sterilisation, hand hygiene, and cleaning.
Before retiring, I began doing some editing and proofreading for Bug Control as I am interested in the subject and in the English language. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I attended the ACIPC course "Introduction to Infection Prevention and Control", which increased my interest in the subject. I now work part-time as the Content Editor for the company.
Personally, I lived in the UK for 10 years. My two children were born in Scotland, and now both are living in Europe, one in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and the other in Edinburgh, Scotland. I live close to Fairlie on the South Island of NZ, a beautiful part of the country, and I love being out of the city.
Princess
Customer Support
Princess began her career as a dedicated Customer Service Representative, honing her communication and problem-solving skills. She later transitioned into a Literary Specialist role, where she developed a keen eye for detail. Her journey then led her to a Sales Specialist position, where she excelled in client relations.
Now, as a Customer Support professional in Infection Prevention Services. Princess focuses on ensuring customer satisfaction, building loyalty, and enhancing the overall customer journey.
Princess began her career as a dedicated Customer Service Representative, honing her communication and problem-solving skills. She later transitioned into a Literary Specialist role, where she developed a keen eye for detail. Her journey then led her to a Sales Specialist position, where she excelled in client relations.
Now, as a Customer Support professional in Infection Prevention Services. Princess focuses on ensuring customer satisfaction, building loyalty, and enhancing the overall customer journey.
Dianne Newey
Senior Infection Prevention and Control Consultant
Dianne is a Senior Clinical Consultant at Infection Prevention Services (IPS), bringing over 35 years of nursing experience and a depth of clinical knowledge that most people would need two careers to accumulate.
Having served as Clinical Director at Royal Ryde Rehabilitation Hospital alongside a career spanning the full breadth of clinical practice, Dianne has seen it all — and more importantly, knows exactly what to do about it. She is the person in the room that everyone quietly hopes will speak first.
For more than seven years she has been a cornerstone of the IPS team, providing clinical advice, developing and reviewing policies and procedures, delivering monthly IPC webinars to IP Leads, and conducting environmental audits in aged care facilities across Australia and New Zealand. If infection prevention has a question, Dianne almost certainly has the answer — and she'll deliver it with a laugh that you'll hear from the other end of the corridor.
A true fountain of knowledge, wrapped in the kind of warmth and humour that only three decades of nursing can produce. Customers don't just trust Dianne — they look forward to hearing from her.
Dianne is a Senior Clinical Consultant at Infection Prevention Services (IPS), bringing over 35 years of nursing experience and a depth of clinical knowledge that most people would need two careers to accumulate.
Having served as Clinical Director at Royal Ryde Rehabilitation Hospital alongside a career spanning the full breadth of clinical practice, Dianne has seen it all — and more importantly, knows exactly what to do about it. She is the person in the room that everyone quietly hopes will speak first.
For more than seven years she has been a cornerstone of the IPS team, providing clinical advice, developing and reviewing policies and procedures, delivering monthly IPC webinars to IP Leads, and conducting environmental audits in aged care facilities across Australia and New Zealand. If infection prevention has a question, Dianne almost certainly has the answer — and she'll deliver it with a laugh that you'll hear from the other end of the corridor.
A true fountain of knowledge, wrapped in the kind of warmth and humour that only three decades of nursing can produce. Customers don't just trust Dianne — they look forward to hearing from her.
Caoimhe (Keva) Stewart
Clinical & Business Operations Manager
Caoimhe is the Clinical & Business Operations Manager at Infection Prevention Services (IPS), bringing a clinical background as a Registered Nurse across the UK and Australia — and an almost unsettling ability to make technology do exactly what she wants.
With experience in Occupational Health, Palliative Care, and Community Nursing, she understands the real challenges faced by healthcare teams. What she may lack in stature she more than makes up for in impact — Caoimhe is the kind of person who walks into a problem, sizes it up, and has three solutions before anyone else has finished reading the brief.
Customers love her. Not just because she delivers — though she always does — but because she genuinely cares about the outcome on the other side. She is passionate about creating seamless learning experiences and empowering organisations with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to strengthen infection prevention practices and improve care outcomes.
Small in size. Mighty in results. Completely irreplaceable.
Caoimhe is the Clinical & Business Operations Manager at Infection Prevention Services (IPS), bringing a clinical background as a Registered Nurse across the UK and Australia — and an almost unsettling ability to make technology do exactly what she wants.
With experience in Occupational Health, Palliative Care, and Community Nursing, she understands the real challenges faced by healthcare teams. What she may lack in stature she more than makes up for in impact — Caoimhe is the kind of person who walks into a problem, sizes it up, and has three solutions before anyone else has finished reading the brief.
Customers love her. Not just because she delivers — though she always does — but because she genuinely cares about the outcome on the other side. She is passionate about creating seamless learning experiences and empowering organisations with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to strengthen infection prevention practices and improve care outcomes.
Small in size. Mighty in results. Completely irreplaceable.
Bridgette Mackie
Clinical Nurse Educator
Bridgette is an experienced New Zealand Registered Nurse, qualified Healthcare Auditor, and Healthcare Educator with a strong background in clinical quality, competency assessment, and infection prevention. She has led large-scale OSCE and CAP training programmes for internationally qualified nurses, developed sector-specific educational resources, and coordinated HealthCERT audit preparation in the surgical sector.
Known for her engaging teaching style and genuine passion for supporting learners, Bridgette excels at making complex topics accessible and relevant. She blends operational leadership with a deep commitment to professional development and safe, effective practice.
Bridgette is an experienced New Zealand Registered Nurse, qualified Healthcare Auditor, and Healthcare Educator with a strong background in clinical quality, competency assessment, and infection prevention. She has led large-scale OSCE and CAP training programmes for internationally qualified nurses, developed sector-specific educational resources, and coordinated HealthCERT audit preparation in the surgical sector.
Known for her engaging teaching style and genuine passion for supporting learners, Bridgette excels at making complex topics accessible and relevant. She blends operational leadership with a deep commitment to professional development and safe, effective practice.