We’ve recently been asked to submit a proposal for the supply of 18 electric profiling beds to a residential care home for clients who are new to the sector and as part of the process of understanding the customers’ needs we asked them a lot of questions, to ensure we’re providing equipment which is both fit for purpose and meets the customer’s needs. 

In a care home, ensuring the comfort, safety, and well-being of the people you supports is of paramount importance. One crucial aspect of achieving this goal is investing in appropriate equipment, including profiling beds. 

Profiling beds offer numerous benefits, including enhanced mobility, improved support, increased independence for residents with limited mobility or medical conditions as well as improved access and flexibility for carers to ensure safe and effective moving and handling.

However, selecting the right profiling bed for your care home requires careful consideration so this week’s article highlights the key points to keep in mind, enabling you to make  informed decisions that meet the needs of both residents and caregivers.

Resident Needs Assessment:

Before purchasing a profiling bed, you will need to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the residents' specific needs. Consider factors such as any mobility limitations, pressure ulcer risk, falls risk, weight capacity requirements, and any existing medical conditions. Understanding these needs will help you select a bed with appropriate features and specifications.

Safety Features:

Ensure that the profiling bed incorporates essential safety features. These may include side rails to prevent falls, emergency stop buttons, anti-entrapment mechanisms, and a low height option for easier access. Additionally, check if the bed meets relevant safety standards and regulations. (https://www.hse.gov.uk/healthservices/electric-profiling-beds.htm)

Adjustability and Profiling Functions:

Profiling beds typically offer various adjustable features to enhance comfort and support. 

Consider beds with adjustable head and foot sections, allowing residents to find optimal positioning for activities like reading, eating, or watching television.

In addition, a Trendelenberg feature can be integrated into most profiling adjustable beds, a position that places the persons head down and elevates their feet, so that whole body is sloping down with the feet higher than the rest of the body position. This is use widely for patients with respiratory issues as raising the legs above the head helps improve the blood flow to the organs and it is also proven effective in maintaining skin integrity for people at higher risk of developing a pressure ulcer when used with a pressure, relieving mattress

Assess the ease of use of the adjustment mechanisms and their range of motion.

Mattress Compatibility:

Check the compatibility of the profiling bed with different mattress types and its best practice to buy beds and mattresses from the same manufacturer to ensure correct fit of mattress to bed to prevent any entrapment issues.

Add link to Article on Avoiding Entrapment

Some beds require specific mattresses to maintain optimal functionality and support, while others offer flexibility in choosing a suitable mattress. Ensure the bed supports pressure redistribution to prevent pressure ulcers and promote resident comfort.

https://hcsuk.co.uk/product-category/hcsuk-catalogue/nursing-equipment/pressure-area-care/

Budget

Its important to set a realistic budget for your purchase of profiling beds to ensure you invest wisely and you receive value for your outlay.

 There are ways you can trim your expenditure without compromising on quality, for example you can choose to have the head and foot boards either covered or uncovered, (the covered ends essentially conceal the motors).

Accessories

Are there any additional extras you need to consider investing in to ensure that comfort and safety of your resident, in addition to the bed itself, ie if the bed has bed rails then bed rail bumpers https://hcsuk.co.uk/product-category/hcsuk-catalogue/nursing-equipment/beds-and-bedroom-aids/avoiding-bed-rail-entrapment/bed-rail-bumpers-protectors/ will be required to ensure the resident doesn’t injure themselves on the rails and to prevent entrapment. 

If a Low bed is deemed to be the most suitable option, then crash mats or fall out mats  https://hcsuk.co.uk/product/fall-out-mat-fom/can be good additions to ensure  the resident doesn’t injure themselves if the either get out or roll out of bed. 

And if a resident is at risk of falling of getting out of bed during the night then considering an on bed falls prevention system where a  mat is positioned under the mattress and is  linked to the nurse call system can be really helpful as an early warning system for carers, designed to alarm as soon as someone gets out of bed to prevent falling and injuries. 

https://hcsuk.co.uk/product/airlert-bed-pressure-mat-fall-alarm-for-paging-system/

Durability and Maintenance:

Invest in a profiling bed that is built to last. Consider the bed's construction materials, weight capacity, and warranty. Look for beds with robust frames and mechanisms to ensure durability even with regular use. Additionally, assess the ease of maintenance, availability of spare parts, and the manufacturer's support services.

Here at Hcsuk, were very aware, after over 10 years of servicing and maintaining profiling beds that sometimes with cheap imported, often own branded profiling beds it can be problematic to obtain spare parts, leading to some homes having to buy new beds highlighting the reality of the phrase, ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ . 

Accessibility and Manoeuvrability:

Consider the ease of access and manoeuvrability for caregivers. Look for features such as lockable castors for easy bed movement and a suitable height that minimizes strain while providing optimal care. Assess the bed's design for clearance under the frame to accommodate hoists, to  ensure smooth transfer of residents.

Infection Control and Hygiene:

Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is vital in a care home. Look for profiling beds with materials that are easy to clean and disinfect. Consider features such as removable and washable covers, antimicrobial coatings, or compatibility with infection control protocols.

Delivery and Installation

Make sure to ask about the detail of delivery of your new beds. Some companies will only provide a basic service where beds are delivered flatpacked to your door, leaving you to install and place in rooms.

Most companies offer professional installation at an additional charge per bed so if you don’t have your own maintenance team or anyone suitably qualified to erect your new beds, this is an extra service available for your convenience and peace of mind

Ongoing Servicing, Maintenance and Support

Check with any potential suppliers what after sales support they are able to offer. Will they be able to attend any breakdowns? Do they stock spare parts for the beds in the future? Some companies work on a supply only basis with no after sales support service available.

For peace of mind, its worth knowing that you’re dealing with a company who want an ongoing relationship with you and will be able to look after your beds in the future.  

https://hcsuk.co.uk/everything-you-need-to-know-about-profiling-bed-servicing/

Staff Training and Support:

Ensure that the supplier or manufacturer provides comprehensive staff training on the proper use, maintenance, and safety protocols associated with the profiling beds. This will enable caregivers to provide the best possible care and avoid potential accidents or misuse.

Choosing the right profiling bed for your care home involves a thoughtful and thorough evaluation of resident needs, safety features, adjustability, durability, maintenance requirements, accessibility, infection control, and staff support. By considering these crucial points, you can make an informed decision and select a profiling bed that enhances the quality of life for residents while providing peace of mind to caregivers. Remember, investing in high-quality equipment is an investment in the well-being and comfort of those in your care.