When it comes to mental health facilities, the safety of the people within them is paramount.
Arguably, one of the biggest challenges involved in creating a safe and secure environment for patients is to choose the right furniture and, in particular, beds.
Anti-ligature beds are specifically designed to prevent self-harm, which makes them an essential piece of equipment in any mental health setting.
But with so many options out there, how do you know which one is best for your facility?
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to consider when selecting anti-ligature mental health beds for your facility.
This will include highlighting its key features, outlining some important considerations to take into account, and offering helpful tips to choose the right ones for your needs.
Hopefully, you will find it a useful resource.
Contents
Why Anti-Ligature Beds Are Essential
First off, it is a good idea to define what exactly “anti-ligature” means.
Simply put, anti-ligature furniture is designed in a way that minimises points where a cord, rope, or bedsheet could be tied or attached, which significantly reduces the risk of a person committing an act of self-harm or suicide.
As you can imagine, in mental health facilities, where patient safety is paramount, anti-ligature mental health beds play a critical role in protecting the well-being of vulnerable individuals.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing anti-ligature beds, here are some of the main features you should keep an eye out for:
1. Smooth, Rounded Edges
Beds with sharp or protruding edges can present very real risks, especially in mental health facilities. Therefore, you should look for beds with smooth, rounded corners and edges that will minimise the risk of injury.
2. Robust and Durable Construction
Overall, beds should be robust enough to withstand tampering, misuse, or aggressive behaviours without breaking down or creating safety hazards.
Therefore, you should bear in mind how durable the bed you are considering buying is likely to be.
3. Easy to Clean and Maintain
It is a good idea to choose anti-ligature beds that are made from easy-to-clean materials like heavy-duty plastic or steel with smooth surfaces. They tend to be more resistant to stains and bacteria and easier to clean.
4. Concealed Fixtures and Fittings
Exposed fittings, screws, or bolts can pose major safety risks, which is why you should make sure that all hardware is concealed or securely sealed to prevent people from being able to access or tamper with them.
5. Weight-Bearing Capacity
Beds should safely and comfortably support a wide range of patients. For this reason, it is vital to consider the weight-bearing capacity of the bed to reduce any risk of injury due to structural failure.
Considerations When Choosing an Anti-Ligature Bed
If you are considering which type of anti-ligature bed to order, there are a few things you should bear in mind. They include the following:
1. Facility-Specific Needs
Every mental health facility is unique, which is why you must consider your specific environment carefully. Some of the things to weigh up include the age and condition of your patients, their needs, behaviours, and the level of security required.
For instance, a facility housing younger patients or adolescents may require different specifications as compared to one that is designed for adults.
2. Compliance with Australian Standards
It is important to always certify that any anti-ligature bed you buy meets Australian health and safety standards.
Beds must comply with relevant guidelines, such as AS/NZS 3200.2.38:2007, and cover safety requirements that are specific to hospital furniture and equipment.
3. Comfort and Functionality
While safety is paramount, comfort should not be overlooked. Comfortable, supportive beds can significantly improve a patient’s well-being, which can result in them experiencing better sleep patterns, reduced levels of agitation, and an improved recovery overall.
Mattresses specifically designed for mental health facilities are typically fire-resistant, anti-ligature, and offer therapeutic comfort. So, it might be a good idea to focus your search around them.
4. Ease of Installation and Maintenance
You will also need to think about the practicalities of installing and maintaining the beds.
Ideally, you should choose models that are straightforward to set up, move, and maintain. Doing this will not only reduce downtime but also help your staff focus more on patient care rather than the upkeep of equipment.
Types of Anti-Ligature Beds Available
Typically, anti-ligature beds come in three different forms: platform, fully enclosed, and adjustable. Here is some more information about them.
1. Platform Beds
These beds are popular in mental health settings due to their sturdy, simple design. As platform beds have no exposed hardware, they eliminate potential ligature points.
They’re typically made from moulded, high-strength plastic, which is easy to clean and highly durable.
2. Fully Enclosed Beds
Fully enclosed anti-ligature beds are specifically designed for high-risk patients, and as such, they feature no gaps or crevices.
Usually, they are constructed from seamless materials, provide maximum security and are easy to clean and sanitise.
3. Adjustable Beds
While adjustable beds can pose additional risks due to their moving parts, there are anti-ligature designs specifically crafted for mental health environments.
These beds allow for extra comfort, positioning, and flexibility while incorporating concealed or secured mechanisms that minimise ligature risks.
Tips for Selecting the Right Anti-Ligature Bed
When it comes to selecting the right anti-ligature bed, the choice can be confusing. That is why it is a good idea to seek feedback from your staff and healthcare professionals. Their frontline experience will offer invaluable insights into what will best suit your patients.
It is also worth reviewing feedback from other facilities because their real-world experiences can provide salient insights into how the beds have performed in their setting.