As seen in the Fall/Winter 2025 issue of Long Term Care Today

Long-term care (LTC) homes are a place where seniors should feel safe, carefree and comfortable. Whether you’re managing day-to-day maintenance or taking on a redevelopment project, the safety, dignity and quality of life of your residents is paramount, particularly when it comes to infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices.

IPAC practices are foundational to providing a safe and resilient care environment. In relation to managing LTC home redevelopment projects, risks run high. Every action – or inaction – has the potential to impact residents’ health, the wellbeing of your staff and families’ trust.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges to LTC, placing many homes under a microscope. In response, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) published a new national standard, CSA Z8004:22, which aims to create safer, more resilient LTC homes across Canada. This standard marks a pivotal step forward for infection control practices. It also provides actionable guidance for creating an environment that minimizes infection risk, while enhancing care quality during redevelopment projects.

What is IPAC and why is it important?

IPAC is a set of evidence-based practices and procedures used in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases among residents, patients, healthcare workers and visitors. It minimizes the risk of acquiring infections through practices like proper hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and following standard and transmission-based precautions.

IPAC best practices should help you enhance quality of care and provide you with a strategy to significantly lower the risk of infectious disease outbreaks, respiratory infections, structural damage caused by microbial growth or contamination and more.

When followed correctly, IPAC protocols should have little to no impact on your residents regardless of whether you’re taking on a redevelopment project or a renovation. IPAC measures are intended to enhance the way you, your staff and your project team disinfect, manage contaminants and, most importantly, protect the health and wellbeing of everyone in your home.

How does CSA Z8004:22 impact LTC homes?

CSA’s new standard for LTC homes was developed with input from LTC residents, family members, caregivers and clinical staff. While the standard isn’t mandatory, it could be incorporated into legislation in the future.

It is best practice to include IPAC measures when designing a new LTC home, renovating an existing LTC facility, or taking on a construction project of any kind. Depending on the size and age of your home, you may need to consider a renovation or redevelopment project to achieve CSA compliance. Heating, cooling and air ventilation (HVAC), lighting, carpeted floors, and other building materials and systems in older LTC homes may contribute to the spread of infections or contaminants. When upgrading your space, it can be helpful to have an expert – be it a member of your team, a project manager or an IPAC-certified external consultant – help you identify IPAC risks, mitigation strategies, materials, and equipment to deliver your project safely.

Although this standard applies to LTC homes, you and your staff are not solely responsible for developing and upholding protocols. When you initiate a redevelopment project, an Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) should be developed and included in the tender documents for General Contracting services. When engaged in any construction project, the contractor is generally responsible for developing a hoarding plan that would then be reviewed and approved by the Infection Control Practitioner prior to starting any work. Following this process transfers the IPAC risk to the contractor delivering the project.

Something as simple as replacing a window in a resident’s room involves temperature control, dust control, tools, materials and equipment that could physically and/or medically impact a resident. We as project managers work to lessen the impact of renovation or redevelopment projects on all residents. However, in this scenario, IPAC protocols may include temporarily relocating the resident, sealing off the room to contain any drafts, dust particles and/or other contaminants, creating a negative air pressure environment within the area and disinfecting the room before welcoming the resident back into the space.

Integrating CSA Z8004:22 into your LTC project plans

In Ontario, LTC homes are required to have at least one lead with a Certification in Infection Control (CIC) or Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP). This lead can work with contractors, project managers and/or external IPAC consultants to develop robust, customized infection control protocols for your capital project.

By taking small, actionable steps towards IPAC through renovations or redevelopments, you can better align your home with CSA guidelines. There are several small-scale projects that can have a significant impact in the LTC space. Offset sinks, for example, can be installed in resident rooms and handwash stations to mitigate Aspergillosis, an infection caused by a type of mold that affects the respiratory system. Sinks can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Offset sinks reduce the amount of splashing caused by water entering the drain or sink basin, which can otherwise send bacteria or other disease-causing pathogens into the air. The sink material itself can also play a factor. For example, biocidal sinks have been proven to significantly reduce the number of bacteria in the sink between routine cleanings.

For managers and senior leaders, understanding and implementing these principles isn’t just a regulatory requirement — it’s an opportunity to deliver redevelopment projects with vision and purpose. With the right resources, you can approach capital projects with confidence, knowing that you and your project team are working together to improve health, safety, quality of life and quality of care.

Finding the right project partner

Navigating the complexities of infection prevention and compliance with standards like CSA Z8004:22 during a redevelopment project requires expertise and foresight. At Colliers Project Leaders, we understand the unique challenges LTC homes face and are here to guide you every step of the way. We have the knowledge and experience to support your redevelopment projects, connect you with IPAC-certified professionals, and help you implement practical solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of your residents and staff.

Integrating IPAC measures and CSA standards into your home’s redevelopment projects isn’t just about mitigating risks – it’s about building a culture of care that sets the gold standard for long-term living spaces across Canada. Let’s work together to redefine what’s possible in LTC – starting with the power and impact of proactive infection prevention and control strategies.