Some psychiatric wards have safety issues with the rubber that can be found inside of gasketing that goes around doors and windows. patients can pull out long strips of strong silicone and harm themselves and/or others with it. The answer: Anti-Ligature strips. these strips of neoprene and silicone are notched so that when pulling on it it will break into small pieces. This Door and Window hardware site is selling it in different shapes and forms. They can even have it used in a door bottom sweep. New York State is one of the first states to recommend it’s usage and it is just a matter of time before it is mandated in certain facilities.
Hospital Grade Gasketing
December 15th, 2011Patients assaulted by Noise
October 24th, 2011In a great in depth study by Herman Milller the effect of noise on patients healthcare is surprisingly interesting and bothersome. Interesting in how much noise actually effects the mental and physical health driving home the point we have been blogging about again and again, that noise is a real pollution. And bothersome due to the fact as to how far technology in the health care sector has come and yet this simple idea of constructing sound proof rooms is largely ignored. One of the reasons is because a proper soundproofing company needs to be contacted before the construction and rehab of any health care facility. Hopefully the above mentioned article will bring us a step closer to getting it done the correct way.
Staying Out Of The Nursing Home
June 3rd, 2011We all know that staying at home will keep you healthier and younger than when you are in a nursing home. Patients do not always realize that staying at home is an option. Sometimes it is nothing more than calling in a specialized contractor for handicapped. They can build retrofit bathtubs extra wide doorways, wheelchair ramps and a variety of other handicap modification that can keep you leaving in your home for a number of years longer than you thought. There are many good contractors around. Here is one specialized contractor for handicapped in NJ that we came across.
Nursing Homes Under Fire
April 6th, 2011Nursing homes in the UK are finding under fire as new inspection standards go into place. Staff working for nursing homes in the UK will have to register with the newly created “Health and Care Workers Professions Council” and will be required to undergo testing.
Homes that don’t comply with the new procedures run the risk of losing all of their public funding – a risk none are willing to take in this economy. Not only are nursing homes now worried about sound proofing and internal standards of care, but they now have the government eyeballing them as well.
Easy Soundproofing with Whisper Clips
March 30th, 2011We talk a lot about hospitals and nursing homes and their need for better soundproofing. While we do talk about Green Glue very frequently, it is important to recognize that there are other useful soundproofing materials on the market as well.
This video showcases whisper clips and will give you an idea of how easy they are to install. Check it out!
4 Hartford Area Nursing Homes to Close
March 23rd, 2011Last week a Hartford court recommended the closing of 4 nursing homes in and around the Hartford area. The four homes in the ruling are owned by Omega Healthcare Investors and have fallen under the management of the Genesis Healthcare group for the past few years.
The homes were originally owned by Haven Healthcare, a group that went bankrupt in 2008. The judge determined that the homes, which lost $6.5 million in 2009, could not recover and would have even greater losses if they were able to repay their debts.
The residents are to be moved to new homes and after that the homes will close.
Nursing Shortages Cause Deaths
March 20th, 2011According to a report published by the Mayo Clinic and its partners, facilities with high patient turnover rates and not enough personnel on the nursing staff are likely to have higher patient death levels.
The study has fueled a debate about the ratio of nurse-to-patient staffing that exists in many facilities. Some believe that there should be state or federal laws mandating a minimum acceptable level. The state of California has already begun instituting such a change, and a few other states are about to follow.
It just goes to show that it doesn’t matter how nice or soundproof a facility is. If there isn’t enough staff, things can definitely go awry very quickly.
Criminals in Nursing Homes
March 9th, 2011Here are some scary statistics to consider. In a study conducted by the Office of Inspector General it was found that more than 90% of the people hired to work in nursing homes throughout the country have criminal records.
We’re not just talking petty theft crimes, either. In a sampling of employees (just one small group of those surveyed), 34 of 164 had convictions. Those 34 individuals had a total of 102 convictions. They’d been convicted of property crimes, assault, drug charges, and other offenses.
Scary, isn’t it?
While nursing homes are required to check criminal records, there are no laws prohibiting them from hiring people with convictions.
We’re sure, however, that these numbers will cause administrators to stop on a dime and review their procedures. There likely isn’t enough soundproofing material in the world to dull the screaming in those conference rooms!
It’s Easy to Use Green Glue
March 3rd, 2011Many look at Green Glue and instantly shy away, thinking their soundproofing projects will become too time consuming or messy to complete. The good news is that this product is much easier to use than you probably imagine. Here’s a short demonstration showing just how easy it is to apply.
Soundproofing Your Vehicle
February 23rd, 2011Have you ever found yourself cringing at the loud sounds coming from the cars of those who seem to be unable to find their volume control switches? The good news is that soundproofing your car with mass loaded vinyl can lessen the sound. The bad news is that if you’re this guy, you’ll still be making quite a bit of noise. Check it out!