Suzanne Elise Assisted Living Elevates COVID-19 Prevention with Far-UVC Lights

For Immediate Release: 2/21/22

SEASIDE, Ore. – Suzanne Elise, an Avamere assisted living community in Seaside, Oregon, is installing Far-UVC lights to fight airborne viruses, including COVID-19.

Far-UVC has only been utilized in the acute care field for the last 12 months, and Suzanne Elise is currently the only Oregon senior living community installing this technology through Direct Supply. Suzanne Elise is having 29 lights installed in their common and high-traffic areas, including the lobby, dining room, kitchen, bathrooms, and hallways.

UVC Cleaning Systems, Inc., the manufacturer working with Direct Supply, will install Far-UVC at Suzanne Elise starting March 3, 2022.

The lights, which do not emit visible light, will be installed in the ceiling tiles on the first floor and within the sheet rock on the second floor. They will run 24/7, killing airborne diseases and bacteria.

Far-UVC lights are filtered rays safe for human contact, compared to ultraviolet (UV) rays, both which protect against airborne diseases. Far-UVC kills bacteria over time, from 90% to 99.99% reduction.

This update elevates Suzanne Elise’s protection against COVID-19 and other diseases. Last year Suzanne Elise installed needlepoint ionization, which neutralizes airborne diseases.

“It’s giving them 24/7 coverage,” said Dan Lopez, Strategic Account Manager with Direct Supply. “It’s a proactive response, so you’re doing a lot more to protect your residents, your staff, and the overall health of the building.”

John Baldridge, Maintenance Director with Suzanne Elise, has been using UV lights for sanitation for 20 years and was instrumental in the decision to install Far-UVC.

“We’re thrilled for this exciting update for the safety of our employees, residents, and visitors,” stated Pam Baldridge, Suzanne Elise Executive Director. “This is a great technology that is really underutilized in a time like this, and I encourage other organizations to consider Far-UVC.”

Suzanne Elise obtained $100,000 for the update through the Oregon Department of Human Services Long-Term Care Capital Infrastructure Improvement Grant.

Other Avamere communities have also been making exciting updates through the grant. Albert Castaneda, Chief Development Officer with Point Development Company, has been working closely with Avamere’s senior living communities to update rooftops, air conditioners, and more.

“Avamere has taken advantage of this and has made living in Oregon in senior care a lot better,” Lopez shared.

About Suzanne Elise

Suzanne Elise is an assisted living community in Seaside, Oregon. The team is a proud recipient of the 2020 Silver Achievement in Quality Award form AHCA/NCAL. Visit SuzanneElise.com.