FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF)- A self sanitizing robot is the newest resident at the James L. West Center for Dementia Care in Fort Worth.
The robot is one of six UV technologies that employ ultraviolet rays to disinfect rooms and hallways in the West Center’s constant fight against COVID-19. Together, these elements form a 360-degree high-tech approach to fighting the coronavirus and additional infections that may arise in the future.
Homelike Solutions in partnership with Direct Supply sourced the UVD-Robots and UVC Cleaning Systems Chambers, UVC Cleaning System Safezone Towers, UVC Cleaning Systems and PathO3Gen Solutions shoe sanitizing stations collaborated to create this comprehensive disinfection protocol.
“COVID has had a significant impact on the long-term care sector and James L. West Center is moving boldly into the future – a future that includes COVID now and more viruses in the future,” said Cheryl Harding, Ph.D. and CEO of The West Center. ‘This technology complements our existing environmental services platform to create germ-free environments for today’s residents and our team, as well as for future West Center stakeholders.”
The technology extends far beyond a single robot. There’s is a mobile UV-C tower which disinfects tightly confined spaces such as restroom stalls and closets, Two UV-C cabinets which disinfect small items including cell phones, keys, laptops and eyeglasses (stationed at each of the Center’s two entry points), Three Ozone+UVC shoe sanitizing stations (also stationed at each of the entry points), Eight UV wands – disinfect keyboards and other difficult-to-reach devices and spaces, Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization System installed in the HVAC system to purify the air in the entire building and The star of the show: the fully autonomous UV-D robot – disinfects entire rooms and hallways as it travels a pre-programmed path.
James L. West Center CEO Cheryl Harding was impressed with the technology after researching the benefits of UV rays since the onset of COVID-19. “The more we read about ultraviolet ray technology, the more convinced we became that the Homelike Solutions protocols were the ideal solution. We are grateful to Mayor Betsy Price for dedicating some proceeds from CARES funding to underwrite the costs of this advanced technology.”
The Path03Gen Solutions UVZone Ozone + UVC disinfection technology has been proven to eliminate up to 99.999% of viruses, bacteria and fungi in any given setting. Residents depart their suite briefly while the robot enters and disinfects the area within 10 minutes. The intensity of the UV-C and UV-D rays destroys any virus present in the treated area, which is immediately safe for occupation upon completion of the process.
The West Center is recognized nationally for constantly being an innovator delivering a quality experience for residents impacted by dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Over the past 12 months, long-term care facilities, hospitals and additional health-related venues have faced the challenges of potentially compromised atmospheres. The coronavirus has claimed over 500,000 lives across our nation in this past year and the condition has led healthcare facilities to seek innovative solutions.
“With all the talk about COVID-19 and the concern for total safety of our residents, our employees and our family member visitors who will be coming soon, we have placed a sense of urgency at every potential point of contamination,” adds Harding. “By sanitizing shoes as people enter, we are keeping the germs from being walked in and are a visible sign of safety upon entering at the front door. This helps us further deliver a pristine and safe atmosphere.”
Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price was eager to provide the funding for the high-intensity UV ray technology. “I have long admired the James L. West Center for being one of Fort Worth’s treasures. Their leadership in the healthcare arena for dementia and Alzheimer’s is recognized throughout their entire industry. Dedicating these CARES funds helps our Fort Worth community benefit from this technology and I know that this action will inspire similar responses elsewhere in our area and across America. This technology reaffirms the leadership position that Fort Worth has in the healthcare space.”
The entire suite of products from Homelike Solutions purchased through Direct Supply became fully operational on Thursday, March 11, following two weeks of installation and comprehensive training. The UV-D robot is programmed to learn the spacing for each individual room and hallway. As a safety precaution, the door into each room is closed during treatment and an iPad is left outside the door. If anyone approaches within four (4) feet of the iPad, the robot’s disinfecting procedure halts immediately.
The addition of the robot extends the size of the West Center family and, as such, a naming competition will be announced on social media. The West Center plans to announce the selected name on its Facebook page-connect via social media to James L. West to watch the future unfold.