Cost savings with the right pressure care

Maximising Cost Savings with the Right Pressure Care Solutions

When managing a care home, balancing quality care with budget efficiency is crucial. Investing in appropriate pressure care mattresses not only enhances resident comfort and well-being but also contributes to significant long-term cost savings.

Reducing Treatment Costs for Pressure Sores

Pressure sores, also known as pressure ulcers, are both painful for residents and costly for care homes. The expense of treating a pressure sore often surpasses that of prevention. Effective pressure care mattresses redistribute pressure, reducing skin breakdown and the subsequent need for costly treatments, additional staffing, and extended hospital stays.

• Treating a Grade 1 pressure sore costs from approximately £2,000 per patient, while more severe cases (Grade 4) can cost up to £20,000 per patient, calculated using 2016/2017 reference costs (NHS Improvement, 2018).(1)

• Pressure sores cost the NHS £1.4 million each day, accounting for 4% of its total expenditure.(2)

• Approximately 95% of pressure sores are preventable with appropriate interventions, including the use of suitable pressure care mattresses.

‍Minimising Equipment Replacement Expenses

Investing in high-quality, durable pressure care mattresses leads to fewer replacements and repairs over time. While cheaper alternatives may seem cost-effective initially, they often deteriorate quickly, resulting in more frequent replacements and increased expenses. Opting for reliable products with longer lifespans ensures better value for money.

• A low-quality foam mattress may need replacing every 12–18 months, whereas a high-quality pressure-relief mattress can last 5 years or more.

Enhancing Staff Efficiency and Productivity

Proper pressure care mattresses can reduce the incidence of pressure sores, thereby decreasing the need for intensive wound care and frequent repositioning of residents.

This allows staff to allocate their time more efficiently, focusing on other critical areas of resident care.

• Care staff spend an estimated 30 minutes repositioning a single resident every 2–4 hours — a time commitment that adds up significantly across multiple residents.
• Investing in high-quality pressure care mattresses can reduce repositioning frequency, potentially saving 2–4 hours of staff time per resident each day.

Preventing Legal and Compliance Costs

Inadequate pressure care can lead to regulatory penalties and legal action if residents suffer avoidable pressure sores. Ensuring your care home is equipped with appropriate pressure care solutions not only protects residents but also safeguards your organisation from costly fines or litigation.

• Care homes facing negligence claims due to pressure sores have incurred high cost settlements.
• Regulatory fines and compliance breaches due to inadequate care can amount to tens of thousands of pounds in penalties.

Cost Breakdown: Choosing the Wrong vs. Right Pressure Care

Selecting inappropriate mattresses can lead to significant additional costs, including:

• Treatment Costs: Managing a severe pressure injury can cost up to £20,000 per resident (Grade 4), while prevention through appropriate mattresses is considerably more economical.
• Equipment Replacements: Frequent replacement of low-quality mattresses can cost £8,000+ annually, whereas investing in high-quality mattresses with longer lifespans reduces replacement frequency.
• Staffing Costs: Increased time spent on repositioning and wound care adds to operational expenses, whereas appropriate mattresses reduce staff workload and improve efficiency.
• Legal Risks: Regulatory fines and potential legal claims for inadequate care can be avoided with proper pressure care solutions.

‍Expert Advice Backed by Clinical Expertise‍

Choosing the right pressure care mattress depends on factors such as risk level, mobility, and weight distribution. Blueleaf offers expert advice backed by clinical expertise to help care homes select the most cost-effective and clinically appropriate solutions. Our team collaborates closely with you to assess resident needs and recommend the best pressure care products to enhance both comfort and cost efficiency.

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Conclusion

Investing in the right pressure care mattresses is a proactive strategy that delivers both financial and care benefits. By reducing treatment costs, minimising equipment replacement, improving staff efficiency, and preventing legal risks, care homes can achieve substantial cost savings while ensuring residents receive the best possible care.

To learn more about selecting the right pressure care mattresses for your care home, contact your Blueleaf representative today.

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References:

• (1)Birmingham & Solihull Pressure Ulcer Management and Prevention Policy
• (2)The British Journal of Nursing