Dear Reader:

Welcome to the LTL Showroom. Useful and innovative products are regularly being made available to professionals in long-term care, and this special segment of the 2009 BUYERS GUIDE gives you a simple and attractive guide to some of the best.

To request information on products that can make you and your fellow caregivers more efficient, your residents more comfortable, and your facility safer and more attractive, visit https://www.iadvanceseniorcare.com/ReaderService.

Thank you for reading Long-Term Living. Please feel free to contact me if you have any suggestions or comments about the publication.

Cordially,

Color-Coded Monthly Pillbox

The MedCenter System features a monthly stocking design, with 31 individual pill containers having four compartments available for morning, noon, evening, and nighttime dosages. The system itself is a visual cue. It is large enough to be noticed by the user, but not so large as to clutter a countertop or bureau. Each dated pillbox has red and green color coding-green indicates pills are to be taken, and once emptied, the pillbox is turned upside down with the red end showing. This allows users and caregivers to verify compliance at a glance.

For more information, call (866) 600-3244 or visit https://www.medcentersystems.com.

Pole Walking Activity

Exerstrider Products, Inc., offers both specially designed poles and easy-to-learn technique instruction to create community-based or self-directed total-body walking exercise programs. Using poles, this walking activity can reduce falls, build overall aerobic/muscle fitness, and improve walking confidence, balance, posture, and gait. It requires minimal investment, dedicated facility space, or staff involvement to launch and sustain. The program is suitable for active seniors and can even motivate and safely reactivate many frail, cane, or walker-using seniors.

For more information, call (888) 285-7392 or visit https://www.exerstrider.com.

Wound Dressing

The V.A.C.® GranuFoam Bridge Dressing simplifies application in chronic wounds, especially diabetic foot ulcers, where it is compatible with off-loading devices.

The V.A.C. GranuFoam Bridge Dressing kit includes a preformed bridge that allows the SensaT.R.A.C. Pad that is placed away from hard-to-access wound sites, a dressing that includes a new wicking layer designed to prevent damage to intact skin, presized V.A.C GranuFoam Bridge Dressing inserts designed for diabetic foot ulcers, reducing the need for resizing dressings, and a perforated drape that is designed to easily achieve a reliable seal around the wound. This dressing can be used with all of KCI’s V.A.C. Therapy systems and in combination with off-loading boots or devices.

For more information, visit https://www.kci-medical.com.

Accessible Bathtub

Safety Bath, Inc., offers the Safety Bath Supreme, which was designed to fill the gap between a household bathtub and an institutional lift tub. Special features in the Supreme make it suitable for long-term care environments where multiple users access the same bathtub. Also included is the hygienic San-Air Whirlpool system and a built-in disinfection system. Residents enjoy the privacy provided by the height of tub, which obscures the caregiver’s line of sight. Safety Bath products not only benefit residents, but caregivers and the facility as well.

For more information, call (877) 826-6666 or visit https://www.safetybath.com.

Medical Waste Removal

The Medical Waste Machine from Medical Innovations, Inc., replaces the expensive, ongoing cost of medical waste removal. The system can save large and small facilities up to 80% yearly. The Medical Waste Machine system improves liability because there are no sharps and other medical waste on site due to the sterilization process that converts the medical waste to ordinary waste. The system makes an environmental contribution because the waste going to the landfill is not only reduced by 75%, but is sterile as well. The system saves money, eliminates liability, eliminates paperwork, and improves the environment unlike other medical waste carriers.

For more information, call (508) 358-8099 or visit https://www.medicalinnovationsinc.com.

Incontinence Protection

Supersorb® Breathable Underpads from Attends provide protection for the bed and the user. This underpad has increased backsheet strength and absorbency, which is more effective than a standard poly-backed underpad. Additionally, the nonwoven/poly backsheet is breathable, making it suitable for use on airflow therapy beds or for residents who are at high risk for skin breakdown. Attends Supersorb Breathable Underpads reduce the need for multiple underpads.

For more information, call (800) 4-ATTENDS or visit https://www.attends.us.

Food Blender

The Vita-Mix® XL commercial-grade blender from Vita-Mix Corporation features a powerful 4.2 peak horsepower motor and 1.5 gallon real blending capacity that can make up to 24 8 oz. servings in a single batch. The XL creates fresh purees, soups, smoothies, and meals for residents with special diets. Its stainless steel blades pulverize the skins and peels of whole foods. The unit features variable speeds, pulse function at any speed, and preprogrammed time cycles.

For more information, call (800) 4DRINK4 or visit https://www.vitamix.com/xl.

Heel Cream

Links Medical Products, Inc., has introduced Hydrasyn25, an advanced skin care product formulated to treat and prevent cracked heels, fissures, and severe dry skin conditions in diabetics and others.

Hydrasyn25 is fortified with 25% urea and 6% alpha hydroxyl acid. The cream also is enriched with pure silk amino acid to nourish the skin and improve tone and luster. Hydrasyn25 is available in quick-dispense five-ounce tubes.

For more information, call (888) 425-1149 or visit https://www.linksmed.com.

Balance Training Program

Biodex Medical Systems’ Balance System SD helps to modify risk factors, improve mobility, and maintain independence for older adults. Testing and training balance in older adults is a critical component to reducing the risk of falls. The Biodex Fall Risk Screening and Conditioning Program is consistent with the American Geriatric Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for Prevention of Falls in Older Adults.

For more information, call (800) 224-6339 or visit https://www.biodex.com/balance.

Bed Rail With Adjustable Handle

Mobility Transfer Systems’ FREEDOM Grip® Plus with a cushioned adjustable height handle is suitable for residents with arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, or anyone who has trouble getting in and out of bed. The top of the handle is covered with skin-friendly foam that provides a firm, comfortable gripping surface. The handle height adjusts from 21.5″ to 24.5″ in one-inch increments. The FREEDOM Grip Plus requires no tools for assembly, installs in seconds, and fits any size home-style bed.

For more information, call (888) 854-4687 or visit https://www.mtsmedicalsupply.com.

Absorbent Pads

Kafko International’s new eco-friendly and economical Oil Eater absorbent pads absorb blood and urine and will not leak when saturated. Made of natural plant by-products, the pads absorb up to 20% more than melt-blown polypropylene pads. They are available in a variety of weights and finishes. Products sizes range for 16″ x 18″ to 28″ x 150′ rolls.

For more information, call (800) 528-0334 or visit https://www.oileater.com.

Hand/Foot Therapy Whirlpool

Acorn Engineering’s L’il Champ is a compact steel whirlpool tank designed for podiatry and hand-therapy use. It is welded and polished with a seamless bottom and drain for water evacuation. It can be used on a table top, floor, or on a stand. The variable speed turbine provides strong therapeutic currents. A GFIC cord is provided with every unit.

For more information, call (800) 488-8999 or visit https://www.acorneng.com.

Updated Rubber Flooring

norament® 925 serra, from nora systems, inc., is a high-performance floor covering inspired by the dramatic colors and textures of nature’s landscape. Select from among serra’s 25 nature-inspired colors in various hues of brown, grey, green, and red. Each color features a solid background and a fine scatter design of complementary color chips.

Like all nora flooring, norament 925 serra does not contain PVC. With a dirt- and stain-resistant surface, the floor never needs waxing or sealing.

For more information, call (800) 332-NORA or visit https://www.norarubber.com.

Sensor Pads

AliMed Sensor Pads are now sealed and urine-resistant. Liquids will not seep into the pad, an important feature for infection control. Unlike other sensor pads with air holes, these pads are completely sealed. Because they are not affected by incontinence, these pads are easy to wipe clean, last longer, and are more reliable. AliMed Sensor Pads are now thinner and more comfortable and they are unconditionally guaranteed. If the pad fails within the warranty period, AliMed will replace the returned pad free (shipping excluded), and the warranty will be renewed.

For more information, call (800) 225-2610 or visit https://www.alimed.com.

Disposable Clothing Protection

Colonial Medical Assisted Devices has introduced Napkleen, a disposable clothing protection alternative to bibs. Simple to use, Napkleen attaches to clothing using an adhesive strip. It features a waterproof lining and a “pocket” to catch dropped food. Napkleen clothing protectors are disposable and reduce a facilities laundry demands. Napkleen is sold in boxes of 50 or by the case.

For more information, visit https://www.colonialmedical.com.

Contactless Electronic Lock

The ILCO 790 contactless electronic lock uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to relay access information between the credential and lock via contactless communication. Users simply present their RFID credentials (keycards, wristbands, key fobs, and more) to the lock reader to gain access. This single-motion of operation is beneficial for those with limited dexterity. The lock maintains an audit trail of all the credentials used with the lock-a feature that is useful in deterring theft.

Staff credentials can be programmed to carry audit information, enabling more efficient and timely security reviews.

For more information, call (800) 999-6213 or visit https://www.kabamultihousing.com.

I Advance Senior Care

I Advance Senior Care is the industry-leading source for practical, in-depth, business-building, and resident care information for owners, executives, administrators, and directors of nursing at assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, post-acute facilities, and continuing care retirement communities. The I Advance Senior Care editorial team and industry experts provide market analysis, strategic direction, policy commentary, clinical best-practices, business management, and technology breakthroughs.

I Advance Senior Care is part of the Institute for the Advancement of Senior Care and published by Plain-English Health Care.