The Pobroll®: A Cost-Effective, Dignified, and Sustainable Solution for Care Homes
The pobroll® is the invention of Pat O’Brien, a physiotherapist, Moving and Handling trainer, and Conflict Management tutor with over two decades of experience in care homes and nursing homes
Care home managers often face challenges in delivering intimate care while balancing efficiency and managing costs, particularly when these essential tasks provoke behaviours that can be challenging to safely manage. Traditional methods—especially for bed-bound residents—often lead to lengthy processes and frequent linen changes, driving up costs and consuming valuable staff time. The pobroll® provides a transformative solution that supports dignified care, achieves significant cost savings, and reduces the need for additional staffing.
The pobroll® is an innovative bed-bathing wrap specifically designed to enhance comfort and dignity during personal washing for individuals who require in-bed care. Centred on the resident’s experience, it minimizes distress by providing sensory comfort. Crafted with two layers of high-quality cotton-terry toweling and a waterproof layer in between, it delivers a soothing, calming experience while keeping the bed completely dry. Sized for a standard single bed, the pobroll®’s dual-layer design offers warmth and a sense of security and privacy, allowing residents to maintain comfort and dignity during bed-based bathing routines.
Boosting Cost Savings and Operational Efficiency
The pobroll®’s waterproof design enables caregivers to provide a complete wet wash without the risk of soaking the bed, minimising the need for frequent linen changes. This leads to fewer laundry loads, reducing labour and utility costs, as well as wear on linens. By reducing logistical tasks, caregivers have more time to focus on direct resident care, enhancing productivity overall. Additionally, reduced reliance on disposable wipes results in further cost savings and supports environmentally sustainable practices.
With its durable, reusable design, the pobroll® maintains hygiene standards and allows for extended use across multiple residents. As care homes face increased pressure to adopt sustainable practices, the pobroll® provides an effective solution that supports both economic and environmental goals.
Reducing Staffing Costs and Training Requirements
Managing resident agitation—particularly for those with dementia—often requires specialised training in restraint techniques. The pobroll® significantly reduces the need for physical intervention by providing a warm, secure covering that alleviates resident distress. This gentle approach minimizes aggressive or defensive reactions, reducing the number of staff needed for these interactions. As a result, facilities can potentially lower staffing levels without compromising care quality, yielding substantial cost savings.
Additionally, reduced dependence on physical intervention decreases training costs associated with restraint techniques. By simplifying the process of intimate care, the pobroll® reduces the need for specialised training, making onboarding smoother and lowering turnover-related training expenses.
Enhancing Safety, Compliance, and Resident Satisfaction
The pobroll® supports compliance with restraint reduction guidelines, helping facilities minimise documentation burdens and regulatory liabilities linked to physical interventions. This non-invasive solution improves safety for both residents and caregivers, fostering a culture of dignity and respect that boosts satisfaction among residents and their families.
Conclusion: A Valuable Asset for Quality Care and Cost Management
For care homes, the pobroll® represents a strategic investment, offering measurable savings by reducing reliance on disposable products, lowering laundry and training costs, and enabling efficient staffing. Most importantly, it prioritises resident dignity and comfort, setting a high standard for compassionate, person-centred care. For facilities seeking to enhance financial performance and care quality, the pobroll® is an invaluable addition to their resources.
Who created the pobroll®?
The pobroll® is the invention of Pat O’Brien, a physiotherapist, Moving and Handling trainer, and Conflict Management tutor with over two decades of experience in care homes and nursing homes. Pat’s focus has been on individuals who are frail, receiving end-of-life care, and often grappling with dementia-related challenges.
Throughout her experience of working alongside carers in Nursing and Care homes, Pat identified a common issue during personal care routines, particularly bed baths, where individuals with dementia would frequently experience distress, agitation, and discomfort, leading to compromised hygiene standards and heightened caregiver stress. Recognising the fundamental right to cleanliness and comfort, Pat embarked on a mission to devise a solution that could mitigate these challenges and enhance the overall care experience for all concerned. The result is the pobroll®, hailed as a “game-changer” for those requiring care in bed.
Selected as one of their 2023 Accelerator partners, the Alzheimer’s Society recognised the potential of the pobroll® to transform the bed bathing experience for individuals living with dementia and their families. Pat is currently being supported by the Alzheimer’s Society Innovation team as she moves forward with getting this new innovation to market.
FInd out more on our website: https://www.pobroll.co.uk/
