WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN CHOOSING WORKWEAR FOR NURSING HOMES 

She has just sat Mrs Baker upright in her hospital bed and helped her to drink. Now Mr Orlowski rings and needs help getting into the shower. And Mrs Yalcin's dressing needs to be changed at the same time. This, or something similar, is what everyday working life is like for employees in the care sector. At all hours of the day and night, they look after the well-being of the elderly and perform at their best both physically and mentally. 

However, there is often a lack of respect in society, be it in terms of working conditions or pay. With this in mind, it is not surprising that the care sector is currently suffering from a shortage of skilled workers . Employers are luring the sought-after skilled workers with money or the prospect of regular working hours. However, one factor is often underestimated, even though it is very important for carers: workwear.

"Employers who provide their employees with comfortable, high-quality geriatric care clothing are showing them respect - and greatly increasing their chances of attracting sought-after carers," says Frank Dondajewski, Product Manager at Cologne-based workwear manufacturer BP - Bierbaum-Proenen. Founded in 1788, BP is known for its innovative workwear concepts, including for the healthcare and nursing professions. Dondajewski is in close contact with both the nursing staff and the facilities; he knows both sides and knows what he is talking about.

VARIETY OF FITS 

So, what is important when choosing workwear for geriatric care? "First of all, the clothing should be very light and comfortable and support the typical movements of the employees," explains Dondajewski. That's why it's important that geriatric care clothing actually fits people - regardless of whether they are women or men, short or tall, thin or rather sturdily built. Under the slogan "Because everyone is different", BP has therefore developed a modular system for trousers and tops that offers a variety of fits. 

Another selection criterion is the design of the workwear for geriatric care: it should look good and professional, as it reflects the self-confidence and pride of the employees in their socially important work. At the same time, workwear for geriatric care becomes the calling card of every retirement home. "In order to give teams a uniform yet individual look, the clothing should also score points with a well thought-out colour concept that allows many possible combinations," says BP expert Frank Dondajewski. "This creates a sense of togetherness within the team and radiates a positive image to the outside world."

THE MIX OF MATERIALS MAKES THE DIFFERENCE 

One extremely important aspect is the suitability of clothing for hygienic washing. The coronavirus pandemic has recently shown just how important this is. When geriatric care clothing is regularly industrially washed and hygienically reprocessed, it is a real endurance test for the material. To ensure that the clothing can withstand these stresses, manufacturers of workwear for geriatric care generally use a material mix of different fibres. "The aim is to meet the requirements of hygienic underwear on the one hand and the needs of the wearer on the other, which are at least as important." 

Cotton is comfortable to wear, dries well and is airy. This is an extremely important aspect for employees who are constantly on the move. Synthetic fibres such as polyester, meanwhile, bring stability, dye retention and ease of care to the material mix. And special stretch fibres ensure a high degree of freedom of movement.

One point that is increasingly playing a key role in the selection of workwear in geriatric care is sustainable production. Generally speaking, the larger the facility, the more importance is placed on the sustainable production of workwear. And if the geriatric care clothing is awarded as part of a tender, socially and ecologically compatible production is often a basic requirement. 

When it comes to sustainability, BP is considered a pioneer in the industry and was expressly praised by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Development in a study for its commitment to socially and ecologically responsible production. "However, our greatest contribution to sustainability is the quality and durability of our clothing," says Frank Dondajewski. "This saves valuable resources. And the claim doesn't just relate to fabrics, yarns and materials, but also extends to reducing energy consumption and C02 emissions." 

Would you like to find out more about workwear in geriatric care? Here you will find an overview of BP® workwear for geriatric care.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ITEMS OF CLOTHING FOR GERIATRIC NURSES

Here is a small list of work clothing that no geriatric carer should be without: 

• Geriatric care trousers: First and foremost, geriatric care trousers must be comfortable. Whether in white or colourful - the important thing is that the fit suits you and that you feel comfortable in your geriatric care trousers! 
• Geriatric care tunic: The geriatric care tunic is the classic top in geriatric care. Here, too, you can go colourful. Nursing scrubs for the elderly are usually offered as slip-on or button-up styles. It is important that the tunic is short-sleeved. This is for hygienic reasons and is also more comfortable when caring for the elderly. 
• Elderly care shirts: In addition to scrubs for elderly care, simple shirts such as T-shirts or polo shirts are also very popular with elderly care staff. There are no limits when it comes to the fit and colours of geriatric care shirts. 
• Geriatric care blouses: In rare cases, blouses are also worn in geriatric care. These blouses make a dignified impression and are a nice change in geriatric care clothing for all more formal occasions. 
• Geriatric care jackets: Geriatric nurses work both indoors and in the fresh air. Therefore, thin jackets such as fleece jackets or softshell jackets are practical companions in everyday care work.
• Care shoes: Here too, the shoes must first and foremost be comfortable. 
• Protective clothing for geriatric nurses: Of course, geriatric nursing staff also need protective clothing for their daily work. This is already provided by the employer and includes gloves, mouth and nose protection and disposable protective gowns.

Here you will find a comprehensive overview of nursing clothing for geriatric care.