We’ve received several enquiries recently from care providers asking for our help in providing training for their care maintenance teams to give them more knowledge on lifting equipment and beds to aid in the general maintenance of their equipment and to enable them to take on a greater role in the #servicing of their essential care equipment.
Whilst we don’t currently offer any specific training courses for in house technicians, what we HAVE done is to put together a number of FREE servicing and maintenance resources designed to further their knowledge on best practice maintenance of your care equipment, which we hope you’ll find both helpful and valuable:
Our ‘Helping You To Create Safer Care Environments' Guide’ is dedicated to helping you keep the people you support and your care teams safe, your care equipment well maintained and your care home compliant with current legislation.
Our Industry Essential Requirements and Best Practice Servicing Guide will outline your responsibilities as a care provider and highlight exactly why it’s important to adhere to government regulations and industry standards, to assist you with the ongoing servicing and maintenance of your care equipment.
Hcsuk’s 'Complete Mattress Decontamination Guide' gives you all the advice and information you need to learn about all the different mattress decontamination methods, and in what circumstances each is appropriate
Our Air-flow Mattress Inspection Checklist ( complete with videos) will provide you with crucial information on how to complete a basic inspection of an airflow/alternating mattress, the importance of ensuring they function properly, promoting the prevention of pressure ulcers and providing adequate support and comfort for your residents’ well-being and safety.
I’ve also added a link to hear @Phil Cotton, our singing engineer, to make you smile 😊
If you haven’t already downloaded these guides, why wouldn’t you, they’re all FREE?? Links are in the comments below:
And you may be interested to read our latest blog which includes 14 Daily Checks to Keep Your Care Equipment in Good Working Order.
https://blog.hcsuk.co.uk/helping-you-to-create-safer-care-environments-guide
https://blog.hcsuk.co.uk/industry-essential-requirements-and-best-practice-servicing-guide
https://blog.hcsuk.co.uk/complete-mattress-decontamination-guide
https://blog.hcsuk.co.uk/air-flow-mattress-inspection-checklist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alkFQYtXH9Y
Hello, everyone! I'm Phil Cotton your friendly, singing service engineer here at Hcsuk Servicing, and today, I'm talking about the importance of daily equipment checks in your care home.
I’ve spent several years working in care homes and I can't emphasize enough just how essential it is to keep your care home equipment in tip-top condition.
These daily checks will not only ensure the well-being and comfort of your residents, but also help save you time, money, and headaches down the road.
1. Bed Checks: Ensure the bed rails are secure, and the height adjustments and backrest/ leg raise functions work smoothly. Regular checks underneath the bed platform are advised to ensure no power leads or actuator cables are at risk of being damaged or run over when using a portable hoist to get the residents out of bed, and that all handset functions work as they should, and there are no bared wires on the coils of the cable. Also, check for any signs of wear and tear on the mattress and replace it if necessary.
2. Wheelchair Inspections: Care homes often rely on wheelchairs to transport residents. Inspect the wheelchairs daily to ensure the wheels are clean and functional, tyres are inflated to the correct pressure, the brakes are working, there are no sharp edges or protruding parts that could cause harm and there are no tears in the armrest pad, seat and backrest panels. Also ensure the footrest hangers and footplates are secured and in a good and level condition.
3. Hoists and Lifts: If you have hoists or lifts for transferring residents, check their operation for Any squeaks, jerks, or irregular noises that could be signs of potential issues needing attention. Batteries on portable and fixed hoists need to be kept fully charged, so if a hoist has a detachable battery pack it is advised that it is put back onto the charging dock once it has been used so that there is always sufficient charge for the next carer to be able to use it fully.
4. Slings: These should ideally be quickly inspected by the carers before each use, to check for any damage to the lifting tapes and that the main sling body material has no cuts or tears, and that it has an in date LOLER inspection label attached before use.
5. Pressure Relief Mattresses: Pressure relief mattresses are crucial in preventing bedsores. Regularly inspect them for leaks and ensure the settings are as per the needs of individual residents. Also, when beds are being made, always ensure that the snorkel air tubes are not kinked or bent which will undoubtedly cause bladder function issues if this is not done.
6. Rotundas and standing aids: Ensure that hand grips are secure, the wheels and turntable are running smoothly and that the frame is in a good secure condition.
7. Kitchen Equipment: Care home kitchens are the heart of meal preparation. Check that stoves, ovens, microwaves, and other cooking equipment are clean, in working order, and free from any hazards.
8. Washing Machines and Dryers: Cleanliness and hygiene are paramount in care homes. Regularly inspect washing machines and dryers to prevent any malfunction, as clean linens and clothes are vital for resident comfort.
9. Bathroom Safety: Ensure that grab bars, handrails, and shower chairs are securely fixed and not loose. This will help in preventing accidents and injuries.
10. Emergency Response Systems: Test the emergency response systems daily, including call buttons, alarms, and intercoms. Quick responses can be lifesaving in an emergency.
11. Lighting: Check the lighting throughout the care home, especially in hallways and common areas. Adequate lighting ensures safety and minimizes the risk of falls.
12. Fire Safety Equipment: Regularly inspect fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and emergency exit signs. Ensure they are in working order and that staff members are aware of their locations.
13. Temperature Control: Maintain a comfortable temperature for your residents by ensuring heating and cooling systems are working as intended.
14. Medical Equipment: If your care home uses medical equipment like nebulizers or oxygen concentrators, ensure they are clean and functioning properly. Regular maintenance can prevent medical complications.
By incorporating these daily checks into your care home routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, ensure the comfort of your residents, and extend the lifespan of your equipment. Remember, prevention is better than cure, and a proactive approach to equipment maintenance will keep your care home running smoothly and your residents safe and happy.
In conclusion, as a service engineer with experience in the field, I can attest to the significance of daily equipment checks in a care home.
It's not just about maintaining the equipment; it's about ensuring the well-being of your residents and providing them with a safe and comfortable environment.
So, make these checks a part of your daily routine and keep your care home equipment in good working order, your residents will thank you for it, and you'll have peace of mind, knowing that you're providing the best possible care.
