Essential Equipment for Resident Care Facilities

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1. Resident Rooms

When setting up resident rooms, consider the following essentials. If the room has a closet, an armoire is unnecessary. However, if a closet isn't available, the facility must provide an armoire at its cost.

• Hospital Beds: Adjustable beds with side rails, call-light compatibility, and waterproof mattress covers are crucial.
• Over-Bed Tables: These should be height-adjustable for meals and activities.
• Bedside Cabinets/Nightstands: Lockable drawers are essential for securing personal belongings.
• Resident Chairs: Comfortable chairs with armrests and washable upholstery are a must.
• Privacy Curtains or Screens: These are necessary for shared rooms.
• Hoyer Lift: A motorized lift with a built-in scale is highly desired. It helps reduce employee injuries and worker compensation claims.
• Linen & Bedding: Include pillows, blankets, sheets, incontinence pads, and waterproof protectors.
• Call Light System: This system should be accessible from both the bed and bathroom, whether wired or wireless.
• Labeling System for Residents' Clothes: It's essential to identify personal clothing. Advise families against bringing valuable items. If a resident is non-ambulatory and vent-dependent, a hospital gown is the best choice. Display signage stating that the facility is not responsible for items valued over $25. This helps deter claims of loss or theft. Custom signage can be created at SmartSign.
  
  

2. Nursing Station & Charting Area

The nursing station is a critical hub for care. Here are the essentials:

• Nursing Station Desk & Chairs: Ergonomic designs with storage for charting supplies are ideal.
• Lockable Medical Records Cabinets: Ensure HIPAA compliance for secure storage.
• Medication Carts: Lockable carts with drawers for each resident and space for supplies are necessary.
• Refrigerator for Medications: This should have temperature monitoring and log sheets. Ensure it connects to a generator backup to prevent medication loss during power outages.
• Sharps Containers: Wall-mounted for resident rooms and portable for medication carts.
• Blood Pressure Monitors: Include both manual and digital monitors with various cuff sizes.
• Stethoscopes: Provide both adult and pediatric stethoscopes for smaller patients.
• Pulse Oximeters: Portable fingertip models are ideal for continuous SP02 readings, especially if EMTs are delayed.
• Thermometers: Digital, tympanic, or infrared thermometers are needed, with backups for all residents.
• Scales: Include wheelchair and standing scales. A Hoyer lift with a built-in scale is beneficial for non-ambulatory patients.
• PPE Station: Stock gloves, gowns, masks, and face shields in an easily accessible container system. The easier it is for staff to find PPE, the more likely they are to use it.
• Crash Cart / Emergency Cart: This should include an AED, ambu bags, oxygen, suction, IV start kits, emergency medications (per MD orders), and a backboard for CPR.
  
  

3. Treatment / Exam Room

If included, the treatment or exam room should have the following:

• Exam Table: Ensure it has a disposable paper roll.
• Exam Lights: Adjustable, either overhead or mobile.
• Syringe & Needle Supply: Stock various sizes for different needs.
• Dressing Supplies: Include sterile gauze, bandages, and wound care kits.
• Specimen Containers: Provide containers for urine, stool, and sputum collection. Ensure that the lab company supplies these as part of the contract.
• Basic Diagnostic Tools: Include an otoscope, ophthalmoscope, reflex hammer, and tuning fork.
  
  

4. Common Living & Dining Areas

Creating a comfortable environment is essential. Consider these items:

• Dining Tables & Chairs: Sturdy, easy-to-clean, and wheelchair accessible.
• Refrigerator & Freezer: Choose either residential or commercial-grade models.
• Microwave, Toaster, Coffee Maker: These appliances benefit both staff and residents.
• TV, Sofa, Lounge Chairs: Provide recreational options for group activities.
• Activity Supplies: Stock puzzles, games, crafts, and light exercise equipment.
  
  

5. Kitchen & Food Service

A well-equipped kitchen is vital for food service. Include:

• Commercial-Grade Stove/Oven: Ensure it meets fire and health codes.
• Refrigerator & Freezer (Food Storage): Keep this separate from the medication fridge.
• Food Prep Tables (Stainless Steel): These should be NSF-approved.
• Dishwasher: A high-heat or chemical sanitizing model is necessary.
• Food Storage Racks: Off-floor shelving is essential for cleanliness.
• Cookware, Utensils, Plates, Cups, Flatware: Choose durable items that are easy to sanitize.
  
  

6. Laundry & Housekeeping

Proper laundry and housekeeping equipment are crucial. Include:

• Washer & Dryer: Industrial capacity is preferred, unless a linen service is planned.
• Linen Carts & Hampers: Clearly mark clean versus soiled items.
• Housekeeping Carts: Stock these with cleaning supplies, mops, brooms, and vacuums.
• EPA-Approved Disinfectants & Cleaning Agents: Ensure they are suitable for healthcare use.
• Biohazard Waste Containers: Use red bags and a regulated disposal system.
  
  

7. Bathroom & Personal Care

Ensure resident safety and comfort in bathrooms:

• ADA-Compliant Toilets & Grab Bars: These are essential for resident safety.
• Shower Chairs & Transfer Benches: Provide assistance for bathing.
• Handheld Shower Heads: Include temperature regulation features.
• Incontinence Supplies: Stock adult briefs, underpads, wipes, and skin protectants.
• Personal Hygiene Kits: Include toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and razors.
• Handrails in Hallways: Install these if required by the fire marshal.
  
  

8. Therapy & Rehabilitation

The number of supplies depends on the expected resident population. Include:

• Wheelchairs: Provide standard, reclining, and transport chairs.
• Walkers, Canes, Crutches: Stock various sizes for different needs.
• Hoyer Lifts / Patient Transfer Devices: Include slings for safe transfers.
• Physical Therapy Equipment: Stock therapy balls, resistance bands, and pedal exercisers.
  
  

A separate space is needed for therapies, ensuring patient privacy. If rooms are semi-private or private, therapists may work in the resident's room.

9. Safety & Compliance Equipment

Safety is paramount. Ensure you have:

• Fire Extinguishers: As required by the fire marshal.
• Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Use an interconnected system.
• Emergency Lighting: Include battery backup options.
• Evacuation Chairs: For safe stairwell evacuations.
• First Aid Kits: Keep these stocked and regularly inspected.
• Eyewash Stations: Required if chemicals are used.
• Oxygen Concentrators & Cylinders: Store these with appropriate racks.
  
  

10. Administrative & Office

Administrative efficiency is key. Include:

• Computers/Laptops: Ensure secure access for staff.
• Printers, Fax/Scanner: Necessary for records and communication.
• Telephones / VOIP System: Install in resident rooms and staff areas.
• Lockable File Cabinets: For HR and administrative files.
  
  

Pro Tip (Compliance Ready)

Surveyors will check not just for presence but for policies, logs, and maintenance records for items like:

• Crash cart checks and AED battery checks.
• Refrigerator temperature logs (medications and food).
• Fire extinguisher inspection tags. Directional signs for fire extinguishers are preferred.
• Staff competency and training logs for equipment use.
  
  

Ensure the facility has a fuel-powered generator capable of operating at full capacity for up to one week during a city power failure.

If admitting a patient with an infectious disease, prepare an extra set of equipment for vital signs and other necessary items, especially for blood pressure cuffs and thermometers. Disposable options may be used if applicable.