​Airborne Pathogens That Cause Diseases Reduced Significantly with Air Purification Technology

Retirement Unlimited (RUI), a family-owned, Roanoke, Va.-based senior living community management company, recently installed a powerful new air purification system in two of its communities after new research showed that the technology significantly reduces the transmission of COVID-19 and other disease-causing pathogens.

Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization (NPBI), flowing through residents’ apartments and throughout common areas, works by injecting billions of invisible, charged ions into the airstream to clean the indoor air everywhere. These ions attach to harmful pathogens and particles, inactivating them before they can harm anyone.

NPBI is safe and certified ozone-free, unlike older forms of ionization, and at the same time improves the efficiency of HVAC filters and personal protective equipment. Independent lab testing showed that NPBI inactivates a variety of pathogens, including norovirus, MRSA, and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, breaking the chain of infection and reducing exposure to pathogens and infection risk.

“Independent research found that installing NPBI was estimated to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection by up to 41 percent in senior living communities,” said Doris-Ellie Sullivan, RUI president.

For more information: Visit www.rui.net.

Expanded Seating Program Designed for Senior Living Spaces

H Contract, Martinsville, Va., a supplier of upholstered seating and case goods for senior living, is expanding its seating program to provide its contract interior design customers with a wider variety of products for commercial living spaces. The expansion will include 21 new styles, including a mix of fully upholstered chairs and exposed-wood accent chairs, recliners, and benches that were designed with senior living spaces in mind.

The Andie Chair, Mattie Bench, and Abbott Recliner were developed with commercial-grade construction to ensure longevity in demanding and highly populated environments and were designed with senior-friendly dimensions, making them more easily accessible for the aging population and those with varying strength and mobility.

The transitional styles of the pieces allow designers to cultivate an in-home feel for their residents through both comfort and design. The expansion also includes a collection of recliners that feature handle-operated mechanisms, making them easy to use for both residents and caregivers.

The Andie delivers a modern spin on the classic wing chair design. Its high back helps provide privacy, and the arms-forward design provides seniors something to hold for easy ingress and egress. The Mattie Bench features a supportive backrest and rests on an elegant wood base. The Abbott features a tall back with transitional arms and a handle-operated mechanism that is easier to operate for some seniors with limited strength and mobility.

For more information: Visit hcontractfurniture.com.

Monitoring Device Improves Workflow, Accuracy

Smart Meter, a leader in cellular-connected remote patient monitoring devices, data, and services has launched its iGlucose cellular-connected blood glucose system in more than 45 long term care facilities across the United States. Smart Meter’s iGlucose now provides more than 1,300 residents and their providers real-time data, a critical factor in identifying out-of-range blood glucose readings and improving patient outcomes.

Diabetes, a growing concern for older Americans, affects nearly 27 percent of seniors. Diabetes can be challenging to manage, especially in a long term care setting where readings may be required multiple times per day to maintain stable glucose levels and determine appropriate medication.

iGlucose is an easy-to-use, single patient-use blood glucose meter that improves clinical efficiencies, infection control efforts, and patient outcomes with real-time data immediately sent to health care provider portals and PointClickCare.

The instant cellular transmission of blood glucose readings eliminates the need for pairing, creating paper logbooks, or manually uploading results, which in turn helps improve workflows and ensures data accuracy.

“We are thrilled to provide the iGlucose to these facilities, further enhancing their data accuracy, appropriate treatments, and improved patient care,” said Casey Pittock, chief executive officer of Smart Meter.   

For more information: Visit smartmeterrpm.com/iglucose.