SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | At The Moments we are steadfast in our commitment to research and implement innovative techniques, solutions and technologies that focus on the safety, health and overall wellbeing of our residents. During this global pandemic, we continue to stay true to this commitment and are hyper-focused on keeping COVID-19 out of The Moments.

In July, I asked the questions “To Test…or Not to Test?” While testing continues to be the first line of defense against an outbreak within our community, I am proud to announce additional innovative safeguards that we are integrating to provide the utmost highest level of safety for our residents, staff and essential caregivers.

Another reason we’ve prioritized the adoption of new innovative safeguards is to safely – and confidently – welcome the return of essential caregivers/family members visiting their loved ones at The Moments, thanks to a recent state mandate. The inability to have personal face-to-face connections during the pandemic has been heart-wrenching, especially in our memory care community, where the progression of dementia knows no boundaries or timelines. The return of these visits is critically important, yet they present an added level of uncertainty – will caregivers introduce harmful microbes into our community?

Well, after months of research, we have invested in new solutions that along with our current health, cleaning and sanitation protocols will bolster the health security of our special community. I’m proud to announce that The Moments is the first in Minnesota to install state-of-the-art sanitation solutions developed by Healthe – a company founded by a former NASA scientist that has develop groundbreaking technology using Far-UVC for continuous sanitation to combat coronavirus.

A Center of Excellence: Leading the Way with Far-UVC Technology

While our current protocols have proven successful, we wanted to enhance our efforts to further safeguard our community and Healthe’s Far UVC technology was the answer. As the first in the state of Minnesota to install this technology, we hope to become a center-of-excellence where other communities, businesses, schools, sports facilities, etc., take our lead and implement similar solutions.

So, what is Far-UVC and how does it combat coronavirus?

Far reaching UVC 222 is a technology that has been in existence for decades and has been shown to inactivate up to 99.9 percent of all surface-level viruses and bacteria. While it will not inactivate COVID-19 within a human, scientific studies have proven that Far-UVC lighting will inactivate harmful pathogens thus providing an additional layer of protection to help prevent transferring the virus. Far-UVC lighting solutions are currently used in some of the most challenging public settings, including government facilities, tourist attractions, business offices, restaurants and NFL training facilities.

We have invested in two specific products — Healthe® ENTRY and Healthe® SPACE pendant lights.

The ENTRY is a free-standing walkthrough arch that uses Far-UVC light, which can be safely used in occupied indoor environments, to inactivate bacteria and viruses on clothing and other items in as little as 20 seconds. Located in the lobby – easily our busiest spot with essential caregivers returning to the building, our staff entering for work, other essential visitors, and of course our residents – the Entry portals will disinfect the clothing and personal belongings of staff, residents and essential care givers before they enter the community.

The SPACE pendant lights also use Far-UVC light to effectively provide passive and ongoing sanitation of air and surfaces in occupied areas while also offering comfortable illumination. The SPACE pendant lights are installed above our front desk to sanitize the air and surface of the desk where so many different touchpoints happen each day. As a visitor you will not notice the change aesthetically but know that these lights will inactivate bacteria and viruses on the person and the surface. These lights are replacing our existing pendant lights over the front desk.

Identifying Fevers Prior to Entry: New Thermal Scan Technology

Most people might feel we have done our duty and gone above and beyond what is expected. Not us! We have also installed a facial recognition thermal scanning unit right outside the main entrance so that we identify a fever before it ever enters the building.

Up Next: Rapid COVID-19 Testing

We have purchased rapid COVID-19 testing technology and materials, which means we can get results back in less than 15 minutes. We’re just waiting for delivery. All visiting family members, vendors and other essential visitors will be tested. Our scheduled visit policy remains our protocol, so please arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled visit to have your test administered. We will not rest on our loreals.

We will continue to research and identify the most effective and innovative solutions to insulate and protect our residents and staff at The Moments – we are family, so the highest level of care and protection is our #1 priority!

TAKE A TOUR

Our resident specialist will give you a private tour of The Moments Memory Care Community and answer any questions you may have.

THE MOMENTS
COVID-19
Safety Protocols

Our HVAC system was uniquely designed to deliver six complete air changes per hour which means clean air, safer air, throughout the building. Our resident rooms have individual fresh air and filtration above the windows, both designed to increase safety and sanitation levels.

Our normal protocol includes rigorous daily disinfecting of resident rooms and common areas. During every shift, staff disinfects doors, handrails and other common areas.

Meals have shifted from community gatherings to small group, socially distanced meals that are served in shifts, tables and chairs are sanitized after each seating.

ALL residents and staff are tested bi-weekly, at a minimum and take temperature checks are conducted daily of all residents.

Anybody – staff, caregivers, residents, vendors – who enters The Moments will pass through the ENTRY where Far-UVC lighting will inactivate surface-level viruses and bacteria

Additionally, prior to each
shift staff:

• Undergo a health
  screening, temperature
  check and contact risk
  evaluation surveys prior
  to entering the building
• Are required to wear a
  facemask and goggles
  at all times
• Constantly conducting
  thorough handwashing
  and hand sanitization
  during their shifts

Essential caregivers/visitors
are required to:

• Undergo a health
  screening, temperature
  check and contact risk
  evaluation surveys prior
  to entering the building
• Wear masks during
  their visit