Juniper Communities Implements UV Technology for Hospital-Grade Disinfection to Maximize the Health of its Residents
February 3, 2022
Juniper Communities, a leader in quality, value, and innovation in long-term care, is proud to announce it is implementing the R-Zero Arc ultraviolet light air disinfection system as its latest initiative to use technology to better the lives of its residents and associates.
UV-C light has special germicidal properties to destroy bacteria and viruses including seasonal influenza, E. Coli and SARS-COVID and prevent pathogens from reproducing or causing illness. It is the gold standard for infection prevention in hospitals to kill bacteria, viruses, molds, and a host of human pathogens on surfaces and in the air, but traditionally has not been used in the senior living industry. UV-C light destroys or inactivates bacteria and viruses by disrupting the molecular bonds of their DNA and RNA.
Juniper is pioneering the R-Zero ARC autonomous UV air disinfection platform, which will initially be implemented in four of its senior living communities in early 2022. It combines best-in-class efficacy with data science, sensor technology and modern software to provide an unprecedented level of health and safety for occupants within any shared indoor environment. R-Zero can destroy over 99.99% of the most common and harmful pathogens in a 1000 square feet area in 7 minutes.
“Hospitals have been using UV-C in their operating rooms for years, but for senior living and nursing communities this is new,” said Kathryn Bainbridge, Nursing Home Administrator, Juniper Village at Brookline, State College, PA. “We are using the R-Zero Arc to disinfect rooms for move-ins and for infection control in our common areas as we are caring for medically complex residents, many of whom have just arrived from the hospital.”
The R-Zero Arc will be used in conjunction with Juniper’s thorough cleaning and disinfection procedures and will become an integral part of the cleaning plan for the premises. The R-Zero Arc equipment provides chemical-free, eco-friendly disinfection that is safe to use around food and electronics, using UV bulbs that do not produce ozone.
Environmental Services Director Jason McMillen who is overseeing R-Zero Arc at the State College, PA campus said, “I am proud to be part of this community knowing that all knowledge and research in keeping residents and staff safe is being implemented to the best of standards. Our new UVC machine brings us to the next level in sanitation and safety.”
“Implementing the R-Zero Arc platform is just another example of Juniper’s high-tech approach to health care,” said Lynne Katzmann, founder, and CEO of Juniper Communities. “We are proud to innovate within the industry and increase the role of technology to conquer the challenges facing senior living providers and maximize the overall well-being of our residents.”
