Commercial equipment specialist JLA, partner with care home owners and architects to design, fit out and maintain efficient, CQC-compliant on-site laundries and kitchens. Here, JLA share their top tips for creating functional, staff-friendly spaces that put resident care front of mind.

Planning a kitchen that works harder for you

Given the unique complexity of the care sector, JLA recommends that your build partner understands your day-to-day challenges. So, whether you’re installing or upgrading a care home kitchen, you should seek practical advice on making the right investments for your needs and budget, not to mention residents’ health.

Along with improving service efficiency, any new care home kitchen should work first and foremost for the catering team running it. From storage to cooking, refrigeration to warewashing, it’s vital to consider staff and put their needs and wellbeing first.

As a priority, then, your kitchen design should maximise every foot of available space. It should also be comfortable and ergonomic to move around and work in, and help the staff avoid the common mistakes that lead to unhygienic practices and the risk of cross-contamination. And all of this while improving efficiency and reducing running costs.

In JLA’s new video, these principles underpin a broader approach to planning, layout and beyond. Watch now to see how you can create a kitchen that maximises safety, efficiency and meets regulations.

Designing a laundry room that keeps you compliant

Alongside the kitchen, a care home laundry room plays a crucial role in maintaining high standards of hygiene and infection control.

An on-premises laundry allows the care home to run more cost-effectively versus outsourcing, and also allows care homes to control every aspect of the process, from reliable disinfection to careful storage.

With these processes in mind, JLA recommends focusing on optimal space use and logical workflow. A well-planned layout will keep soiled laundry separate from clean

items, reducing the risk of infection spreading. What’s more, thoughtful positioning of laundry machines and folding stations will improve productivity and staff safety.

From accessibility to laundry flow, watch JLA’s video for eight tips on achieving the ideal care home laundry room.

Visit our website for more help and advice on commercial equipment for care homes then.