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The BattPAT: A Helping Hand for Care Homes

Running a care home is no small task. With residents to look after, staff to manage, and a million other responsibilities, ensuring electrical safety compliance might not be at the top of your to-do list. But it’s essential. 

Faulty appliances can pose a serious risk, and meeting safety regulations is non-negotiable. That’s where the BattPAT comes in – a battery-powered portable appliance tester that makes in-house PAT testing easier than ever.

Why Care Homes Need a BattPAT

Care homes rely on a range of electrical appliances, from hoists and beds to nurse call systems. Regular PAT testing is necessary to ensure everything is safe for use, but booking external testers can be costly and time-consuming.

The BattPAT is designed to give care homes more control, allowing staff to conduct their own safety tests quickly and efficiently. And the best part? You don’t need to be an expert to use it.

Simple, Straightforward Testing

Nursing home staff have a lot on their plate, so it was important for us that the BattPAT is incredibly easy to use. With clear PASS or FAIL results, even those new to PAT testing can be up and running within 30 minutes of unpacking. 

The comprehensive user manual, downloadable test forms, and included Calibration Certificate mean you have everything you need to get started right away.

What’s Included?

The BattPAT kit comes with everything you need for straightforward and hassle-free testing:

  • BattPAT PAT Tester

  • Earth Bond Test Lead

  • Rechargeable NiMH Batteries

  • Battery Charger

  • Short IEC Lead

  • User Manual

  • Equipment Test Record Form

  • Equipment Register Form

  • Lifetime Warranty upon Tester Registration

That means no hidden extras – just a reliable, ready-to-use kit designed to make your life easier.

Giving Care Homes a Helping Hand

Keeping a care home running smoothly means having the right tools for the job. The BattPAT helps you stay on top of compliance, ensuring your appliances are safe for residents and staff alike. 

Plus, with its portable design and battery-powered operation, you can carry out PAT testing wherever it’s needed – no need to be tied to a power source.

Peace of Mind with Lifetime Warranty

We stand by the quality of our products, which is why the BattPAT comes with a Lifetime Warranty when registered. That means you can invest in the BattPAT with confidence, knowing that it will support your care home for years to come.

Make Compliance Easier for You

Regulatory compliance can feel like an uphill battle, but it doesn’t have to be. The BattPAT takes the stress out of PAT testing, ensuring that your electrical appliances meet safety standards without the need for external contractors.

We’re committed to helping care home staff focus on what matters most – caring for residents. With the BattPAT, we’re giving you a helping hand in keeping your care home safe, compliant, and running smoothly.

Ready to simplify PAT testing? Email Kayleigh@andwayhealthcare.org.uk to find out more about the BattPAT and place your order.

Servicing with Andway: Keeping You Compliant

Running a care home comes with enough challenges, and staying on top of equipment servicing and compliance shouldn’t be one of them. As you know, failing to keep up with inspections and maintenance can lead to equipment failures, staff frustrations, and, most importantly, risks to residents.

At Andway, we’ve built a servicing model that takes the stress out of compliance, ensuring your essential equipment is safe, fully operational, and compliant, at all times.

Regulations and Compliance

Regulations exist to protect both staff and residents, and staying compliant isn’t optional. 

Are you confident that all your lifting equipment has been inspected within the last six months? Do you have a system in place to prevent breakdowns before they happen? Here’s a quick refresher on what the law requires:

Missing an inspection can put residents at risk, lead to costly repairs, and even result in legal repercussions. That’s why we use an internal scheduling system to ensure your servicing is always booked in advance. 

No last-minute scrambles, no compliance gaps, just peace of mind.

Scheduling and Repairs

When was the last time a crucial piece of equipment failed unexpectedly? Did you have to wait weeks for an engineer to arrive?

Our internal system tracks and schedules inspections, ensuring all recurring servicing is completed on time, every time. Engineers operate nationwide during standard working hours and are even available at short notice when needed.

During a visit, engineers will inspect and service equipment as planned. If a fault is found, they’ll complete a repair whenever possible –even right there and then if possible. If additional parts are required, they’re ordered immediately, and a follow-up visit is scheduled without delay.

Recently, during a routine LOLER inspection, our newest engineer, Simon, found a faulty hoist on site. Rather than leaving it out of action, we arranged for it to be collected that day (Thursday) and brought back to our warehouse for repair.

One of our brilliant engineers completed the work that same afternoon, and by Monday morning, it was back on-site in working order.

Contracts and Cost-Effective Packages

Every care home or facility has different requirements, so we offer a range of servicing options to suit different needs:

  • Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) ensures six-month and annual inspections are always completed. 

  • Fixed-price contracts lock in pricing for up to 12, 24, or 36 months, preventing unexpected cost increases.

  • No call-out fee applies when servicing five or more pieces of equipment (T&Cs apply). 

Most of our group clients opt for a fixed contract, giving them predictable costs and guaranteed coverage for the foreseeable future. Once in place, there are no hidden charges, just straightforward, reliable servicing that keeps equipment working.

Why Investing In Servicing Pays Off

If a key piece of equipment breaks down, it can be a huge inconvenience. It can disrupt care, impact staff productivity, and even put residents at risk. Regular servicing can:

  • Extend equipment lifespan – Prevents breakdowns, reducing the need for costly replacements.

  • Train staff – Helps your team use and maintain equipment properly, improving efficiency.

  • Protect residents – Ensure hoists, beds, and wheelchairs are always safe to use.

  • Give families peace of mind – Demonstrates your commitment to high-quality care.

Nationwide Coverage and Experienced Engineers

Andway is a family-run business with a team of senior engineers equipped with decades of experience. We cover the whole of the UK and prioritise quick response times for servicing and emergency repairs. If equipment needs urgent attention, we’ll arrange for an engineer to be on-site as soon as possible.

For a partner that simplifies compliance, get in touch to discuss a servicing plan that works for you.

How To Find Help and Support at Home

How To Find Help and Support at Home 

As we grow older, we inevitably start thinking about where we are going to live and the care that we may need in the future. With a wide range of options to choose from, this can be a daunting process.  

Whether you choose to stay in your own home, or move somewhere else, everybody should have access to the help and support that they need. 

Even with the desire of independence, many older people still require assistance around the home. Local councils and charities offer many types of support. We’ve gathered them all together to help you decide what’s best for you. 

Home Care 

Homecare, sometimes known as domiciliary care offers different levels of supportwithout long-term commitment.This flexible system is very popular and helps over 950,000 people in the UK every year. It involves a paid carer coming to a person’s house as often as is needed, from once a week to more than once a day. They can support people with activities such as: 

  • Getting in and out of bed 

  • Bathing and washing  

  • Preparing meals 

  • Cleaning 

Homecare is a very popular resource that helps over 950,000 people in the UK every year. 

How Do I Receive Home Care? 

First you must inform your local authority that you require assistance. After assessing your care needs, they will decide if you are eligible for homecare services or a home carer. If you are accepted for support, the council will provide you with a written care plan. 

If you are not successful in your search for homecare, you will be given advice and information on any other options that may be suitable for you. Continue to look around for other care options if you feel you need to. 

How Much Does Home CareCost? 

Prices vary for individuals depending on their needs. The local council will work out how much you can afford to pay, to ensure that you are left with a reasonable level of income. Some councils place an upper weekly limit on the amount you have to pay, so be sure to contact them to find out more information. 

If you are struggling to afford care, there are benefits available. This includes the Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payments. These systems can help you meet the cost of homecare and ease your financial worries. More information is available on the NHS website. 

Home Help 

Home help is slightly different from homecare as it offers more general assistance with domestic tasks. Home help staff are unable to assist with personal care such as dressing or bathing but will help with jobs such as: 

  • Cleaning  

  • Gardening  

  • Washing 

  • Laundry 

  • Shopping 

This is a very flexible service that can be tailored to an individual’s personal needs; it offers a perfect solution for people who only need a small amount of support. No matter what you require, all home helps are experienced and fully trained to ensure the best care possible. 

Unfortunately, home help is not provided through local councils. To find out more about this opportunity, get in touch with charities such as AgeUK and The Red Crossto see what help they can offer you. 

How Can We Help? 

Deciding to stay at home can leave people feeling frightened and unprepared. Here at Andway, we have a range of products that will help you adapt your home into the safest environment possible.   

Whether you require help moving, bathing or just general assistance, get in touch and find out how we can help you today.