Basic American Medical has introduced a new line of long-term care beds which provides a antimicrobial surface protection for the life of the bed deck and all painted surfaces. 

Infection prevention in long-term care settings is a high priority, taking into consideration the projected increase in our elderly population in the United States. As it stands today, the number of residents in long-term care is growing at a higher rate than acute care. Research from the U.S. Government has found that the number of people who will need long term care in their lifetime is rapidly increasing. In 2008, the government found that about 9 million Americans over the age of 65 would need long term care services. By 2020, that number will increase to 12 million. 

Infection control is one of the most critical issues in both home and long-term care settings and overall health care today. About 103,000 deaths were linked to hospital infections, 13,000 more than the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calculated last year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hospital infections are now the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease, cancer and strokes. Residents typical in a nursing home are 65 years of age and older, have multiple illnesses, and are on numerous medications which lead them to be confused, immobile and unaware of their environment. This in turn leads to incontinence, infectious diarrhea and other illnesses that cause infection problems in nursing homes today. 

With such a high importance on infection control in health care today, Basic American’s offering of Antimicrobial protection in its new line of long-term care beds and Lumex Patriot Homecare beds affirms our commitment to providing safe and effective infection control solutions to improve patient outcomes. 

Health care facilities and caregivers are focusing on implementing infection control programs and looking for alternative solutions on how to prevent hospital associated infections.

The introduction of the antimicrobial SilverSolutionsTM in the Basic American beds will allow us to work with caregivers to address this issue together. 

What is Bacteria and Why is it Present? 

Bacteria are single-celled organisms which can only be seen through a microscope. In long-term care facilities, the presence of a large number of residents with significant underlying diseases and indwelling foreign bodies such as catheters and feeding tubes increases the likelihood of bacteria being present. Also the high person-to-person transition involving resident interaction, staff to resident ratios, limited infection control programs and limited hand washing can also facilitate cross infection. 

How Does the SilverSolutions Technology Work? 

Anti-microbial technology is designed to interfere with the growth and reproduction of bacteria. The technology uses silver, a well-known anti-microbial agent that has a long history of preventing illness. It is one of nature’s most powerful antimicrobial agents. The silver ions are activated when moisture is present and bind to bacteria proteins, deactivating any microbes and bacteria.  Many tests have proven over a 99% efficacy in the reduction of surface bacteria thus reducing any cross contamination. 

What are the Benefits of SilverSolutions? 

• Powerful antimicrobial technology that suppresses the growth of bacteria, algae, fungus, mold and mildew thus reducing chances of infections

          Provides antimicrobial surface protection for the life of the bed deck and all painted bed surfaces

• Proven efficacy rate of over 99% for stain and odor causing bacteria                                                  
• Reduces unpleasant, embarrassing odors which keeps residents comfortable 
• Non-allergenic and environmentally-friendly 
• Reliable and long lasting - inert to cleaners and does not affect appearance where applied 
• Invaluable cost effective solution to assist with health care infection control 

For more information, on our Long-Term Care Basic American Medical Products, Lumex Patriot beds, and SilverSolutions, contact your Basic American or Graham-Field representative today. Please visit us online at www.grahamfield.com