Furniture
significantly contribute to infection control and prevention.
Regular screening and testing Implementing regular health screenings for both residents and staff, including temperature checks and symptom assessments, can be vital in reducing the spread of infection.
Ventilation Keeping indoor spaces well-ventilated can help to reduce the risk of airborne contaminants. Fresh air can be circulated by opening windows and doors or perhaps using air filtration systems, if available.
What does the future hold? In a world where health and safety have taken precedence, infection control should extend to every aspect of the care home environment, including the furniture that is used daily by residents, carers, and visitors. By making proactive choices when it comes to choosing furniture, spaces can prioritise both aesthetics and hygiene. The future of infection control in furniture is poised to evolve in response to emerging technologies, heightened
awareness of public health, and the ongoing need to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
It is likely that antimicrobial fabrics in furnishings, which inhibit the growth and speed of pathogens, thus reducing the need for frequent disinfection, will become the norm. This will be useful in healthcare settings, especially as staff numbers dwindle.
There is ongoing research into the creation of self-cleaning fabrics and responsive materials that repel liquids and pathogens, supporting thorough cleaning. Developments in fabric technology may lead to responsive textiles that change colour or texture when exposed to contaminants, providing a visual cue for when cleaning is needed.
Furniture with embedded sensors and data collection capabilities could provide insights into usage patterns, cleaning frequencies, and contamination risks, helping optimise infection control strategies and reducing the spread of bacteria.
As designers, manufacturers, and healthcare professionals collaborate to create furniture that actively contributes
Jason Brown
Jason Brown is director of design & development at Knightsbridge Furniture, which specialises in furniture for healthcare, hospitality, and the workplace.
to a safer and healthier world, we can look forward to a future where our living spaces not only inspire comfort and aesthetics, but also actively champion our health and wellbeing.
n
Transform Health & Social Care
Management with Platinum6 Platinum6 supports Care Homes, Supported Living, Domiciliary, Disability & Palliative. More than a Care Planning system, built by Health & Social Care professionals, Platinum6 is a single web browser-based program with all you need included.
Free Business Intelligence Views, auto generated Quality Indicator Reporting, eMAR, HR, Education/Competencies, Continuous Improvement, Document Library, Forms/Report Builders, suppliers/stock/assets, finance, staff & resident/client & family Apps represent the form changes you make in real time.
DSCR APPROVED
Contact us for a free demo:
leecare.co.uk
leecare.com.au leecare.sg leecare.co.nz leecare.africa
leecare.irish
leecare.asia Follow us: @le ecare_solutions
May 2024
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 39
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
