What kinds of labels are commonly used in nursing homes?

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Clothing labels in nursing homes serve an essential function in ensuring personal items are easily identifiable and returnable to residents. Here’s a thorough breakdown of the most commonly used cloth labeling in nursing homes.

Woven Labels: These are often used for a more permanent solution, where the label is sewn directly into clothing. Woven labels are durable but can be uncomfortable for residents, especially in sensitive areas of the body.

Iron-on or Heat Transfer Labels: These are applied by heat, and they tend to be more comfortable than sewn labels. They’re commonly used for things like resident uniforms or other personal clothing, as they don’t require stitching.

Stick-on Labels: Some nursing homes use adhesive labels, but they tend to wear off or lose their stickiness after multiple washes, making them less reliable.

Tyvek Labels: These are durable, water-resistant labels often used in laundry systems, but they can be stiff and irritating for residents.

Some nursing homes use marking pens as a labeling method to distinguish the cloths from mixing them up. But it’s not a ideal method as they usually not tolerence to continually laundries. And marking pens ink may cause allergy, especially for those inorganic marking pens and transparency marking pens.

Challenges Faced in the Labeling Process:

Wear and Tear

Labels that are ironed or stuck on can fade or peel off due to frequent washing, especially when the garments are washed at high temperatures or with harsh detergents.

Comfort Issues

Tags and labels sewn into clothing can be irritating to the skin, especially for elderly residents with sensitive skin. The discomfort can affect their overall well-being.

Readability

As labels wear off, staff and residents may struggle to identify garments, causing confusion. This can lead to misplaced items, loss of belongings, or residents receiving the wrong clothing.

Durability and Longevity

Labels need to withstand frequent laundering without deteriorating. Some common labels simply don’t last, requiring regular replacements, which can be costly.

Time and Labor Intensity

Nurses or staff may have to spend significant time sorting and identifying clothing, especially in larger facilities with many residents. This adds to operational inefficiency.

Emerging Technologies in Nursing Home Labeling

DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing: This technology allows for high-quality, durable transfers. DTF labels are applied directly to the fabric using heat, and they bond well, providing long-lasting results. DTF printing is more efficient than traditional methods and doesn’t involve the uncomfortable, thick feel of some other labels.

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