As of 2022, over 400,000 people lived in care homes throughout the UK. With the continuing demand for exceptional care facilities, it comes as no surprise that the sector is under more pressure than ever to meet the standards set out by regulators. 

As the country faces higher costs of living and tighter budgets, some care home owners may begin to question the necessity of regular maintenance checks on equipment. However, when using specialist equipment in healthcare spaces, care providers must stay in line with all regulations, including Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and Care Quality Commission (CQC) guidelines. 

Why Are Servicing and Maintenance Important in Care Homes?

From keeping residents safe to lowering the cost of maintenance, regular servicing of care home equipment creates a better experience for everyone involved. Properly maintained manual handling equipment will have an extended lifespan and boosted reliability - because let's face it, no one wants to see equipment discarded because it wasn't looked after correctly. 

Another benefit of servicing your care equipment is the reduced upkeep cost. By spending small amounts of money now and again on maintenance, care homes can save extra cash in the long run rather than digging into the savings pot for replacement equipment. 

How Can I Effectively Service My Care Home?

Two of the most significant regulations for care homes are LOLER and CQC, both working to protect staff and residents against injuries and fatalities caused by faulty equipment and practices. 

Each year, various accidents and injuries occur within the health and social care sector due to incorrectly maintained equipment. Yet, by simply following regulations and actively servicing care home equipment, accidents can be prevented. 

Keep Safe With LOLER and CQC 

LOLER works to ensure that all lifting equipment used in the workplace is fit for purpose and subject to ‘thorough examination’. Care homes should keep up-to-date records of all examinations and any defects found. 

By keeping track of the age, model, number of repairs and any recommended improvements needed to each piece of equipment, care homes are in a much better position to manage their maintenance - let us know if you need help taking control of your LOLER. 

Much like LOLER, CQC help to regulate health and social care services throughout the UK and provide people with safe, effective and quality care. By monitoring and inspecting services, the Care Quality Commission help to protect care organisations from reputational risks while increasing patient safety. 

When Should I Service My Care Home Equipment? 

CQC inspections occur every five years, but complying with the LOLER Approved Code of Practice is an ongoing and more frequent responsibility.

To verify that all lifting equipment is safe for use, meticulous examinations should be carried out throughout the equipment’s lifetime. This includes before the equipment is used for the first time, before use at each location and regularly while in service. 

Unless there’s an ‘examination scheme’, lifting equipment and accessory inspections should be conducted every six months. 

Take Control of Your Care Homes Safety

We understand that equipment maintenance and servicing can be a significant investment of both time and money. However, it's essential to recognise the potential risks that staff and residents may face when equipment is not adequately maintained.

With the right guidance and routine processes, this vital aspect of care home management can be made simple, hassle-free and cost-effective. Want to learn more about how we can help ensure your care home's safety? 

Chat with a member of our team today!

What is the Importance of Bed Servicing in Care Homes?

The population of UK care homes is over 400,000, with around 85% of patients living in residential settings. With this in mind, beds and mattresses are used daily within care facilities and are essential for the health and comfort of residents and carers.

Although bed maintenance is often overlooked by care operators, it continues to play a leading role in the safety of everyone within the facility.

Here, we explore the importance of bed maintenance and the different components to look out for when carrying out risk assessments.

What Types of Beds are in Care Homes?

There are various bed types and mattresses on the market that are specifically designed for care home environments. From profiling beds to pressure alternating mattresses, care homes should offer the correct sleeping arrangement to benefit the residents.

Profiling beds are among the most commonly found beds in care homes; their design contributes towards the comfort, quality of life and recovery of patients. Helping to support the neck, head, back, and hips, the mattress is made of different sections to independently reposition residents using motor-driven mechanisms. Due to the automated turning and tilting, the profiling beds also aid carers by reducing the risks of manual handling related injuries.

Why Should Beds Be Serviced?

Beds and mattresses are crucial pieces of equipment within care homes and should be regularly maintained and serviced to ensure they are serving the residents and carers correctly.

Adhere to Compliance

There are vital pieces of legislation that govern the maintenance of beds within care environments, including the Provision of Use and Work Equipment Regulation (PUWER) and the UK Medical Devices Regulations.

Both regulations state that equipment provided at work must be “safe for use, maintained in a safe condition and inspected regularly to ensure someone correctly installed it and it does not subsequently deteriorate”.

Reduce Resident Risk

The healthcare sector uses aids such as safety rails to protect vulnerable people from the risk of falling out of bed. However, if these devices are not maintained correctly, they can cause patients to become trapped and induce serious harm.

Having beds regularly serviced by qualified individuals allows care home operators to ensure the equipment complies with the BS EN Dimensional Requirements. However, it is also essential for workers to carry out regular risk assessments on beds and accessories to prioritise the health and wellbeing of the residents.

What Is the Process of Servicing Beds in Care Homes?

Each bed should be serviced and maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations in the user manual.

During the service, the engineer should check the general condition of the bed, frame and all pivot points including the head and footboard. Any mechanical faults should be assessed along with fixing away any loose wires and cables. If applicable, the break functions should also be tested.

How Often Should Beds Be Serviced?

It is recommended that beds and mattresses are serviced by a qualified engineer at least every 12 months. Safety critical parts which could cause the equipment to fail should have a formal system of planned preventative maintenance to ensure that they are returned back to HSE standards.

At Andway, we offer service and inspections on all beds and mattresses. Our experienced engineers are here to ensure that your care home equipment meets PUWER standards while helping to save you money on emergency repairs.

For more information or to enquire about our maintenance services, contact us today!