ADVERTORIAL
Take the Load Off
Berendsen, provider of textile services to the UK healthcare sector, explains the benefits of bringing in a laundry expert to a care home.
A quick search of ‘laundry in care homes’ on the internet throws up a whole host of providers and queries from concerned relatives seeking reassurances. That is because the process of laundering clothes is so intertwined in relatives’ minds with care and love. High quality care provision – even down to the laundry and its quality - is the main role of every care home manager and their team. However, delivering this, whilst improving efficiencies, is one of the administrative challenges faced daily by care home teams across the country.
Outsourcing laundry management is one such area that can improve efficiencies, promote infection control and reduce administrative headaches.
HELPING FREE STAFF TO
FOCUS ON RESIDENTS A major aspect of laundering linen that is oſten underestimated by care home management is the sheer amount of time, planning and physical demand that it places on care home staff – whether it’s employees that have responsibility solely for laundry or carers that must also take care of laundry provision. A survey carried out by Berendsen identified that the amount of time spent by staff on laundry was of particular concern and 46% of homes identified saving staff time as the biggest potential benefit of outsourcing their laundry services.
IT’S AS EASY AS 1,2,3! When a care home chooses to outsource its textile and hygiene needs, it is making a smart business decision, as outsourcing frees up time, space, staff, capital and resources that can be put to better use.
Outsourcing from an in-house laundry to an external provider is
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straightforward. The Berendsen process ensures that care homes have a seamless transition when outsourcing laundry – guaranteeing minimal disruption in the change-over period.
First, the clothing is tagged, so that it can be tracked and traced electronically, ensuring it is safely washed, dried, ironed (if required), packed and returned to the appropriate resident.
Secondly, a needs analysis is undertaken to establish how much flat linen is needed, based on usage, bed changing policies and residents’ needs. The level of linen stock is then agreed, including a buffer for unexpected usage. Berendsen also provides a rental service for linen including towels, bedding and kitchen linen, which saves additional capital costs for the care home.
Thirdly, a service schedule is agreed, which outlines the number of deliveries and collections the care home will receive each week and levels of communication are monitored to ensure that deliveries are sent with sufficient items to top stocks back up to required levels.
www.tomorrowscare.co.uk
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