Hi there, Phil Cotton again here, your trusted service and maintenance specialist and Field Service Engineer for hcsuk , and as such, I understand the critical role profiling beds and mattresses play in ensuring the comfort and well-being of residents in care homes.
Proper maintenance not only prolongs the lifespan of the beds and mattresses ( protecting your investment in them) but also contribute to the overall quality of care provided.
In this blog, I'll outline the key maintenance tasks necessary for ensuring the optimum functioning of both profiling beds and mattresses in a care / nursing home environment.
Regular Cleaning and Sanitisation
First and foremost, regular cleaning and sanitisation are imperative for maintaining hygiene standards and preventing the spread of infections. Bed frames, side rails, and mattresses should be cleaned daily using appropriate disinfectants recommended by healthcare authorities. Pay special attention to areas prone to accumulation of bodily fluids, such as seams and crevices. Additionally, mattresses should be rotated periodically to ensure even wear and tear.
However, taking this one step further; at a time when infection control and prevention is of paramount importance in care and nursing homes, how do you ensure that your mattresses are hygienically clean as well as physically clean? Regulation 12 of CQC KLOE’s; Safe Care and Treatment outlines that providers must make sure that equipment being used is safe, and that it includes prevention of and controlling the spread of infection.
It is recommended that all mattresses undergo a decontamination process at least once a year, or more so if needed, in order for your organisation to remain compliant.
You can download our FREE Best Practice Mattress Decontamination Guide Here
And here is a link to a previous article regarding mattress decontamination which I’m sure you will find helpful.
Inspecting Mechanical Components
Profiling beds are equipped with various mechanical components such as motors, actuators, and control panels, all of which require regular servicing and inspection to identify any signs of wear or malfunction. Service engineers such as myself should conduct thorough examinations at least once a year, but if you have your own in-house maintenance team, they should run checks of these components at least once a month, ensuring they are functioning correctly to address any issues promptly. Lubrication of moving parts should also be carried out as per the manufacturer's recommendations to prevent friction and prolong the component’s lifespan.
Checking Electrical Systems
Electrical safety is paramount when it comes to medical equipment. Service engineers should inspect electrical cords, plugs, and sockets for signs of damage or wear. Any frayed wires or loose connections should be addressed immediately to prevent electrical hazards. Moreover, testing the functionality of bed controls and safety features such as emergency lowering mechanisms is essential to ensure residents' safety in case of power outages or emergencies.
Download our FREE Industry Essential Requirements And Best Practice Servicing Guide
Monitoring Pressure Relieving Air Flow Mattresses
Air flow mattresses are crucial for preventing pressure ulcers among bedridden patients. Regular monitoring of these mattresses is essential to ensure optimal pressure relief and comfort for residents. Service engineers should perform through inspections for signs of wear, leaks, or malfunction in the internal air bladder cells or foam layers. Adjustments to pressure settings should be made according to each individual resident’s needs, and replacements should be considered if the mattress no longer provides adequate support and relief.
Training and Education
Lastly, ongoing training and education for care home and agency staff are essential to ensure proper maintenance practices are being followed consistently. Training sessions should be factored in regularly on equipment care, including cleaning procedures and standard maintenance safety checks as mentioned. Additionally, staff should be encouraged to report any equipment problems promptly to facilitate timely repairs and prevent potential safety risks.
In conclusion, good and proper maintenance of profiling beds and mattresses is crucial for ensuring the comfort, safety, and well-being of residents in care homes. By adhering to a regular maintenance and in house training schedule and addressing issues promptly, care home administrators can extend the lifespan of their equipment and provide a higher standard of care to their residents.
Please click here which will navigate you to a previous article we have written in regards to Profiling Bed Servicing.
To discuss your care home servicing needs, why not book a meeting with our Servicing Support Manager Lee here or contact him at servicing@hcsuk.co.uk or call 01773 713713.
Until next time,
Phil.
