Delivering value to care homes

In June 2019, Fairfield Care enlisted Robert Scott to complete a cleaning product audit and offer recommendations for a group of residential care homes that specialise in the care of dementia patients. The group, which manages three care homes across the south east of England, wanted to modernise its cleaning regime and consolidate its extensive list of cleaning equipment and products to make efficiencies for staff and improve surroundings for residents.

Kelly Brierley, key account manager at Robert Scott, visited all three care homes to carry out an in-depth cleaning audit to provide product recommendations and demonstrations. Robert Scott also delivered training on implementing the new cleaning system to ensure the janitorial staff would get the best results from the products once installed. Brierley said: “Due to the needs of residents and staff within, we wanted to introduce a system that centred around microfibre. Microfibre is by far the most effective material for immediate cleaning of healthcare environments. Microfibre mops and cloths are designed to clean surfaces without the need for chemicals, which means that cleaners can improve sustainability and dramatically reduce costs while eliminating the need for certain chemicals and excessive amounts of water. A damp microfibre mop pad dries in approximately two minutes, whereas a traditional cotton mop could take upwards of 10 minutes. From the offset, it was important to reduce the amount of water that was being used in the current cleaning regime to benefit the residents in each home. People with dementia often mistake wet, freshly cleaned surfaces for pools of water, which can be quite confusing for them. Additionally, a reduction in excess water, particularly on floors, will lessen the risk of slip and trip hazards.”

Upon entering a space, Robert Scott uses a tried and tested top-middle-bottom analysis that ensures all areas are taken into consideration when carrying out an audit. Starting at the top, Kelly Brierley focused on high-reach areas, including windows, door panels and tops of wardrobes. Here, the Flexi Cleaning Tool, a handheld tool which bends into shape to clean hard to reach areas, was recommended. The microfibre sleeve attracts and holds dust and can be used dry for dusting or damp for tougher cleaning tasks, while the bendable tool eliminates the need for steps or ladders, making it a safer solution.

Moving on to the middle, Brierley focused on all reachable surfaces such as tabletops and counters. For these areas, Duop Reach was introduced due to its versatility and extendable handle which features an ergonomic ball and socket joint, making cleaning easy and strain-free for the user. It also reduces repetitive injuries caused by bending, kneeling, wrist flexing, twisting, and stretching.

Finally, Brierley looked at the bottom of a space including floors, skirting boards and any low-down areas, such as under beds and furniture in a resident’s room and in communal areas. It was here that the biggest difference was seen when Robert Scott’s Pro-mist Mop System was installed. The tool features a removable bottle and spray trigger and delivers a fine mist of solution directly to the cleaning surface, removing the need for buckets or constant wringing of traditional cotton mop heads.

The new system means that Robert Scott has consolidated a cleaning trolley full of products, tools and chemicals down to just three core products that could be used throughout the homes. Kelly Brierley continued: “Since implementing the new three-product regime, the homes have benefitted from cutting costs on equipment, a reduction in chemicals and water usage and happy staff who now have a set of ergonomic tools at their disposal. The group also reaps the rewards from an easier ordering system, eliminating the need to physically shop for products as they were doing previously. Fairfield Care and Robert Scott can now generate an order form which means products will automatically be replaced before running out, reducing admin time for busy staff.” Theresa O'Neill, business development manager at Fairfield Care, added: “We knew we could count on Robert Scott for an intelligent solution to an age-old problem that many businesses have. With no stone left unturned, Kelly not only considered the practical cleaning needs of the residential homes, but she gave thought to the needs of the cleaning staff and residents, finding a solution that fits all.”

www.robert-scott.co.uk