Nursing homes and long-term care facilities and their residents comprise an increasingly larger part of our population. An estimated 70% of people turning 65 will require long-term care and they will receive care for an average of three years. With these institutions and facilities being so important to seniors and their families, maintenance and cleanliness is a key concern. In fact when visiting prospective nursing homes there is one distinct observation that can be vital in the decision making process: offensive odors.
The way a facility smells when you enter, can immediately tell you about its level of sanitation and safety. However, there is more to be noticed other than a malodorous scent. While odor is obvious, an overwhelming or heavily perfumed fragrance can also be the sign of an attempt to mask foul and harmful odors. With odor and stain control being such a significant issue in long-term care and retirement facilities, the focus on actual odor elimination is critical for the health, safety, and comfort of residents, visitors, and staff.
So how do you move from simply controlling odor to eliminating it? The answer is to begin at the source. If you eliminate the harmful bacteria that creates odor from organic sources, you not only have a cleaner and healthier surface, you also don’t have to worry about that scent from that source returning. Organic materials are the leading cause of odors in nursing homes. This covers everything from: urine, feces and vomit. Traditionally there have been three different types of solutions for solving odor problems: air fresheners, odor counteractants, and odor eliminators.
Why Nursing Homes Shouldn’t Use Air Fresheners
Air fresheners are becoming used less frequently as other options have become more developed and effective. While having a fresh, pleasant fragrance in the air is a nice option to have, air fresheners have absolutely no effect on the life or source of the odor.
Why Nursing Homes Shouldn’t Use Odor Counteractants
Counteractants are designed to pair with foul odors and create an environment where they go unnoticed by the human nose. More often than not, you end up smelling both the counteractant and the original odor. This exposes everyone in the facility to a chemical reaction and multiple, unpleasant aromas.
Why Nursing Homes Should Use a Bacteria Based Odor Eliminator
The only true way to eliminate odor is to destroy it at the source. The bacteria strains used in Digest Plus, produce enzymes that contribute to the thorough digestion and consumption of cause agents of malodors and stains. Digest Plus is effective on all surfaces, especially soft, porous surfaces like fabric, furniture, and flooring. Even set-in, old stains and odors can be eliminated by the enzymatic reaction created by Digest Plus.
Enzymatic, bacteria-based odor digesters are perfect for nursing home facilities where odors and stains can be difficult to control. Digest Plus is even evolving to include pleasant scents. Now not only will your odors be eradicated, but your surroundings can be filled with a fragrance that isn’t covering a malodorous scent, or attempting to counteract anything. The new Digest Plus with an agreeable green tea fragrance, offers a subtle, botanical option that not only freshens the air, but completely eliminates stains and odors.
For nursing home and long term care facility maintenance and housekeeping, Chemex Industries provides a wide range of products and solutions that keep surfaces safe, clean and healthy.