Sustaining cost-effective care bathing

Gainsborough baths are proven to reduce costs

Intelligently designed to save time and cost whilst maintaining utmost care

Gainsborough powered care baths are proven to reduce costs, lower utility consumption and enhance operational performance – whilst still maintaining ultimate care and safety. So how do they do this? Their market leading results are achieved by:

Lowering gas, electric and water consumption

Gainsborough baths can reduce water usage and subsequently gas and electric consumption. This provides a significant cost saving as water heating is estimated to be responsible for over 12% of energy consumption in a care home.* Add to this reduced staffing costs through efficient bath operation and less downtime thanks to renowned reliability, these savings mean incremental bathing cycles can be effectively free.

This water saving is achieved through a unique internal bath shape which mimics a ‘keyhole’. The keyhole design consists of a wider end for the bather’s body and a narrower tap end for legs and feet. By implementing this contoured volume, less water is required to achieve depth whilst space for the bather is not compromised. Additional water is saved by pre-set depth level indicators eliminating unnecessary top ups. Not only does this lower water usage and the energy required to heat it, but waste output is also reduced so environmental impacts are lower.

“Our Gainsborough Gentona baths at Ashlands Manor care home help us focus on delivering a luxurious service in the most energy efficient way – they are key to this approach.”

Kay Johnson, Group Commissioning Operations Manager, New Care Projects.

Maximising carer resources

Gainsborough baths incorporate a multitude of design aspects which assist with saving time. These provide operational benefits to carers, service users, management teams and facility owners. A major benefit is shorter bathing cycles which means more residents can be bathed in less time. This is achieved through bath features such as faster filling taps, depth level indicators and powered bather transfer seats with detachable transit trolleys. These optional onward transit facilities mean bathers can be seamlessly transferred in and out of the bathroom – again saving carer time and reducing moving and handing.

From a therapeutic point of view, specialist bathing solutions can also reduce pressures on staff by improving resident mood and behaviour. Bathing is regarded by many service users as a soothing and calming experience when compared to being assisted in a shower by a carer. Access to a full-length bath can strengthen engagement and positivity resulting in easier condition management and rehabilitation outside of the bathroom.

Increasing safety for all

Powered bather transfer seats also assist from a safety point of view. Manual lifting and lowering of bathers in and out of the bath is eliminated for carers along with the associated risks of musculoskeletal injury. Preventing back injuries amongst staff is a high priority for all healthcare providers to ensure carers are safe and avoid time off work due to illness. Equally, variable height functionality means engagement is possible at eye-level without the need to bend or stoop. Personal care can be administered with a healthy posture and without the risk of pain or discomfort. Overall, this benefits the carer–client relationship and underpins a positive bathing experience for all.

The ergonomic safety aspects of Gainsborough baths are complemented by their in-built antimicrobial protection – BioCote. This invisible silver-ion technology is integrated during the GRP manufacturing process so cannot be wiped or worn away. It provides 99.99% protection against microbes such as influenza A H1N1, E.coli and MRSA. It is a proven solution for advanced hygiene and can complement all existing infection control procedures.

Increasing operational savings further

In addition to reducing utility and energy consumption, Gainsborough baths provide efficient operational performance through assured reliability and durability. Built with quality and robust components, these bathing solutions rarely develop issues or cause downtime. Servicing and maintenance contracts are diligently delivered with comprehensive warranties for assured value.

In terms of wet rooms and bathrooms delivered through Gainsborough’s G360 services, each installation reflects the quality of its UK manufactured baths. Finish, fixtures and fitting are all precisely delivered for long term performance – whether that’s leak-free accessible showers through to highly specialist anti-ligature sanitaryware.

Image: Keyhole contoured bathing space for maximum water efficiency without compromising comfort

Saving time through project outsourcing

By choosing Gainsborough as a specialist bath and bathroom supplier, commissioning and facilities managers save time throughout the whole ownership process. From initial specification, bathroom design and install through to ongoing operation, Gainsborough provides a single source for 360-degree solutions – eliminating the need to liaise with multiple suppliers. Its dedicated account managers continually leverage decades of expertise which is in tune with the needs of developers, healthcare providers, carers and most importantly, bathers.