If you are in charge of supplies for an assisted living facility or home care environment, there are a lot of details to address to ensure that your staff always has the necessary equipment and materials on hand. Residents in the facility often have varying needs throughout the day, and it’s necessary to make sure that you are taking care of their comfort and quality of life at all times.
In this article, we examine the essential items that assisted living facilities should have on hand.
Comfortable Bedding Essentials
The truth is that a lot of residents in an assisted living facility spend more time in bed compared to other people who are younger and in better health. So, one way to improve the person’s well-being overall is by ensuring that they have bedding that is both durable and comfortable.
Basic bedding can only do so much, especially because the materials aren’t designed for the intensive use that happens in an assisted living environment. There are unique factors that need to be addressed, including:
- Ease of Cleaning: Bedding needs to be functional and easy to clean, especially when accidental messes need to be cleaned up.
- Durability: This bedding will be used more than normal, and it will be washed frequently. So, the materials need to be durable and strong to hold up in these conditions.
- Skin Sensitivity: Some patients have delicate skin, which can be irritated by harsh fabrics. The bedding should be soft and comfortable to avoid irritation over time. Look for materials that are moisture-wicking and hypo-allergenic to prevent skin rashes.
Each resident will need multiple sets of sheets and pillowcases, especially if the facility has a high turnover rate. It’s essential to always have extra sets of clean sheets on hand so the beds can be refreshed when needed.
To ensure quality and save money at the same time, consider sourcing bed sheets, pillow cases, and other necessary bedding from a wholesale supplier that offers deals for healthcare settings. Materials such as cotton or blends are a great option because they are long-lasting and very gentle on the skin.
Bathing and Personal Hygiene Supplies
Each day, residents need quality bathing and hygiene support to stay clean and healthy. Various supplies are necessary for these activities, including towels, washcloths, shampoo, soap, and more. Also, consider other supplies that can ensure safety, such as non-slip bath mats and railings to hold onto.
Some residents have limited mobility, which means they are unable to get into the bath or shower. For this reason, it’s a good idea to have no-rinse bathing solutions, such as body wipes. These items can be used to clean people who are unable to get out of their beds or wheelchairs.
Skincare products are also helpful to ensure comfort and good health. For example, use barrier creams and moisturizers – especially on patients who have sensitive skin or are bedridden.
Mobility Aid Equipment
How are you transferring residents from their beds to chairs, bathrooms, and other areas of the building? Sometimes, residents with mobility issues can benefit from the use of canes, walkers, and wheelchairs. These items enable as much independence as possible, which also supports equipment that can allow the person to move around a bit.
If staff members need to assist the person in moving, certain devices enable lifting while ensuring safety for both the resident and staff member. Have various tools in your facility, including transfer boards, gait belts, and lift devices.
Choosing padded transfer aids and ergonomic designs is important to minimize the strain on both residents and caregivers alike.
Laundry Management and Storage
As you are working to maintain a clean and comfortable environment in an assisted living facility, a lot of time and effort goes into laundry management. Not only do you need to clean the bedding and towels, but residents have clothing and personal items that need to be washed.
Invest in plenty of laundry baskets and/or carts to collect these items and move them to where they need to be. These tools will separate the soiled clothing and linens from the clean items. Plus, you can create a system to know which items need to be washed and which items are clean and ready to be put away.
Durable laundry bags are essential to have on hand at all times. These bags are helpful for transporting soiled items to the laundry facilities. They can be carried one at a time or put on a cart to move multiple bags together.
Choose heavy-duty materials for the laundry bags, such as canvas or mesh. Not only will the bags be used on a daily basis, but they are also washed frequently – so you need to make sure that they can withstand the washing and drying without wearing out too quickly.
Every resident will need a laundry bag. As with bedding, consider buying laundry bags and supplies in bulk to reduce costs and ensure quality.
First Aid and Medical Supplies
Since many of the residents in a care facility are in poor health, there is a high risk of medical complications occurring. So, make sure that you have first aid supplies and medical equipment stored in ideal locations throughout the facility. Necessary medical supplies and personal protective equipment include:
- Blood pressure monitors
- Thermometers
- Stethoscopes
- First aid kits
- Bandages
- Gloves
- Masks
- Hand sanitizer
- Wound care supplies
- Ointments
- Pain relievers
- Other over-the-counter medications as needed
These small items can make a big difference in ensuring the person’s comfort when specific needs arise.
Emergency Preparedness Supplies
While the hope is that you will never need to deal with an emergency situation, the reality is that you always need to have emergency supplies on hand just in case. If there is a power outage or natural disaster, you will need items such as flashlights, extra batteries, and blankets.
Make sure that all essential documents are easily accessible, and always have an evacuation plan if everyone needs to leave the building.
Additionally, keep bottled water and non-perishable food on hand in case there is a prolonged emergency situation. These supplies should be enough to last all of the residents and staff members for a few days.
Other Items for the Residents and Rooms
In addition to the essential bedding and medical supplies that are needed in an assisted living center, there are other items that can improve the resident’s comfort levels and make the rooms more inviting. Other items that you might need include:
- Clothing that is easy to wear
- Non-slip socks
- Personal items for each resident (glasses, hearing aids, dentures, clothing)
- Furniture (adjustable beds, recliners, tables, and comfortable chairs)
- Storage solutions for personal items
- Decorations, often provided by family members, such as photos to make the room more personal
- Entertainment (books, craft supplies, puzzles, board games, televisions, radios, etc.
Comfort, Health, and Safety are Priority
As you are finalizing your shopping list for your assisted living facility, it’s important to keep these three priorities at the top of your mind: comfort, health, and safety. The items you use in the facility will ensure that all residents are being cared for appropriately, and your staff can provide the necessary support for each person’s wellness and safety.
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Written by Becki Andrus