The impact of building management on daily life 

The feel of a community often comes down to the details, such as temperature and lighting. When these systems run smoothly, residents are more comfortable, and operators can better manage one of their largest expenses: facility operations. 

That’s why many operators use AI solutions to optimize efficiency and reduce waste. Tools like the TELS® Platform support preventive maintenance, real-time issue tracking, and faster work order resolution, helping ensure comfort and safety stay consistent. 

How AI enhances comfort and efficiency in senior living 

Artificial intelligence in senior care operations extends far beyond clinical applications; it’s becoming a cornerstone of how modern senior living communities operate. By turning building data into real-time insights, AI solutions help leaders create environments that are more comfortable and reliable every day. 

Energy optimization

AI-enabled energy management systems monitor HVAC, lighting, and water use to balance comfort with efficiency. Smart adjustments to temperature and ventilation keep residents comfortable while minimizing energy waste, helping communities achieve both sustainability goals and cost savings.

Preventative maintenance

Through predictive analytics, AI detects small shifts in equipment performance that signal potential issues before they become costly failures. This proactive insight allows maintenance teams to schedule service in advance, avoiding resident disruptions and reducing emergency calls. Over time, this approach builds a more stable operation, protecting asset life while reinforcing financial and operational consistency.

Communities actively using TELS® asset management features have experienced a 14% reduction in emergency service calls*, proof that proactive maintenance drives measurable results. 

Smart work order automation

AI can analyze incoming maintenance requests and prioritize them by urgency and safety impact. This helps ensure that high-priority issues, such as HVAC failures or water temperature variances, are addressed first, while routine tasks are efficiently scheduled. CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) software like TELS Platform already helps teams streamline this process, reducing delays and improving overall responsiveness.

Robotic and automated cleaning systems

Automation in housekeeping is transforming the consistency and reliability of environmental services. AI-powered tools, including TELS® Housekeeping, help communities standardize daily cleaning tasks, balance staff workloads, and maintain high quality across every room and shift. Robotic vacuums and smart disinfection systems maintain high standards of cleanliness while easing the workload on staff, a major advantage amid ongoing labor shortages. The result is a safer, cleaner environment that boosts both resident satisfaction and staff morale. 

Together, these applications show how AI and automation tools quietly improve quality of life behind the scenes. When buildings run smoothly, residents feel the difference. A consistent sense of comfort and cleanliness, supported by dependable service, contributes to a more welcoming and dignified living experience. 

Benefits for staff and residents 

Automation frees staff from constant troubleshooting, giving them more time for meaningful engagement and proactive planning. Predictive insights help maintenance teams prevent small issues before they become disruptions; while housekeeping automation tools help ensure consistent cleanliness. 

For residents, these advancements translate into steady comfort, faster service, and a sense of reliability that builds trust. 

This blend of AI use in buildings operations and technology for seniors reinforces a simple truth: when systems run smoothly, people thrive. 

Challenges of adoption in senior living 

Even with clear benefits, implementing new technology in senior living takes thoughtful planning. Each challenge offers a chance to build a smarter foundation for the future. 

Aging infrastructure

Many communities rely on legacy systems that weren’t built for digital integration. Modernizing doesn’t require a complete overhaul; small, strategic upgrades make an immediate impact. Start by connecting key systems like HVAC or water management to tools such as TELS Platform for real-time monitoring and insight. 

Data accuracy and readiness

AI is only as reliable as the data behind it. Standardizing preventive maintenance, inspection tracking, and asset logs help communities strengthen their data foundation and generate more accurate, actionable insights. 

Cultural adoption and team confidence

Introducing new technology takes collaboration and trust. Engaging staff early helps teams see how automation supports their expertise. Celebrating small wins like fewer emergency calls and faster response time builds momentum and confidence. Over time, teams see how AI applications support their expertise and simplify daily operations. 

The future of AI in senior living communities 

Future trends in senior care point toward fully connected ecosystems. Senior living technology solutions will increasingly integrate energy management, housekeeping automation, and asset data into unified dashboards, giving leaders a complete picture of building performance and operational efficiency. 

With tools like TELS Platform and AI-driven analytics, communities can respond more effectively to everyday challenges by aligning operational data with real-time decision-making, improving both the resident experience and staff performance. 

The bottom line 

With smarter insights and stronger outcomes, the benefits of AI in senior living are becoming increasingly clear. Communities that adopt AI-driven building management today are creating a foundation for lasting comfort, efficiency, and resident satisfaction. 

At Direct Supply, we’re committed to transforming innovation into practical solutions to help senior living teams run more smoothly with tools that support safer, more efficient, and more welcoming environments for residents and staff alike.  

The role of building operations in survey readiness 

Reliable building performance is essential for regulatory compliance and inspections. Building maintenance teams must manage HVAC performance as well as water temperatures and life safety systems, all of which are major focus areas during surveys. 

Alongside staffing and food, building operations represent one of the top three expenses in care environments. To control these costs while safeguarding compliance and safety, forward-thinking providers are adopting AI-driven tools that streamline operations and uncover new efficiencies. 

The TELS® Platform already helps providers schedule inspections, document work, and centralize compliance reporting, all key to maintaining survey readiness and safety. 

How AI supports compliance and safety in SNFs 

In skilled nursing, compliance and safety are non-negotiable. A single missed inspection or system failure can trigger citations in addition to disrupting care and jeopardizing trust. AI tools and automation technologies now offer maintenance and facility leaders a smarter way to stay ahead, turning reactive work into proactive protection. 

Proactive maintenance powered by predictive analytics 

AI tools can analyze equipment data from HVAC systems, boilers, pumps, and refrigeration units to detect subtle changes that often go unnoticed. By identifying at-risk assets before they fail, teams can schedule timely service and avoid emergency calls that strain both budgets and staffing. Predictive insights also extend asset life, helping communities make the most of every capital investment. 

Compliance-driven automation

Survey readiness depends on consistency, and automation helps ensure nothing slips through the cracks. AI can automatically prioritize safety-critical work orders, flag missed inspections and verify that documentation is complete before surveys. With tools like the TELS® Platform, communities maintain real-time visibility into equipment status and fire protection logs, along with temperature data, helping ensure every system meets regulatory standards year-round. 

AI-driven HVAC optimization at Sherbrooke Village delivered a 20–30% reduction in HVAC-related energy use and 15–25% overall utility savings, while improving indoor air quality and compliance with F-Tag 584 standards. This initiative demonstrates how predictive insights and automation can strengthen compliance in addition to comfort and safety; key outcomes every skilled nursing community strives to achieve. 

AI-driven asset lifecycle planning

Knowing when to repair versus replace is one of the toughest calls facility leaders face. AI simplifies the decision with data. This empowers leaders to align operational budgets with safety priorities and capital project goals. 

Across the country, communities using TELS Platform are seeing a measurable impact, from fewer emergency service calls and reduced survey deficiencies to stronger documentation and improved uptime. The result: stronger compliance and smoother operations that build confidence across your team and protect everyone in your community. 

Benefits for staff and residents 

The heart of every skilled nursing facility is its people, both those providing care and those receiving it. AI in healthcare operations is built to empower, not to disrupt, that essential connection. 

For maintenance and environmental services teams, AI takes on time-intensive monitoring, scheduling, and reporting. With less time spent on manual work, teams can turn their attention to advancing safety and operational excellence. Leaders gain visibility across multiple systems, enabling smarter decisions and fewer surprises. 

For residents, these improvements translate directly into comfort and security. Reliable building systems mean stable temperature and safe water quality. They also ensure a calm, consistent environment, all critical to quality of life. Preventive maintenance reduces downtime and eliminates the frustration of repeated disruptions. 

Together, these advancements create a powerful ripple effect: a more resilient care environment, lower operational stress, and greater confidence across the entire community. By combining human expertise with intelligent automation, skilled nursing teams are redefining what operational excellence looks like in senior care. 

Barriers to adoption 

Even with clear benefits, adopting new technology in skilled nursing takes thoughtful planning. Each challenge presents an opportunity to build a stronger, smarter foundation for the future. 

Aging infrastructure

Many communities rely on legacy systems that weren’t built for digital integration. Modernizing doesn’t have to mean full-scale replacement. Start with high-impact systems like HVAC or water management. Incremental upgrades create immediate operational wins and pave the way for broader integration. 

Data accuracy and readiness

AI is only as strong as the data behind it. Inconsistent or incomplete information limits insights, but the solution lies in consistency. Using the TELS® Platform for preventive maintenance, inspection tracking, and asset management helps standardize data collection, giving AI a reliable foundation for precise, actionable recommendations. 

Cultural adoption and team confidence

Building trust in new tools takes time. Involving maintenance leaders, frontline staff, and administrators early helps teams see how automation supports their expertise. Celebrating small wins like fewer emergency calls and faster repairs or stronger documentation builds momentum and confidence. Over time, teams recognize how AI applications amplify their impact, freeing them to focus on what matters most: resident well-being. 

The future of AI in skilled nursing facilities 

AI in senior care is advancing rapidly, and skilled nursing is uniquely positioned to benefit. Soon, AI-driven automation will unify insights from across the operation. This will connect the physical environment with staffing patterns and resident outcomes to enable faster, more informed decisions. 

Emerging innovations like robotic cleaning, automated housekeeping tools, smart disinfection, and integrated HVAC controls are already changing the way communities manage cleanliness and air quality. Tools like TELS® Housekeeping now bring these same advantages to environmental services which help simplify scheduling, track quality, and ensure every room meets consistent standards across shifts. These technologies lighten staff workload while strengthening compliance and resident safety. 

At Direct Supply, we’re focused on bridging innovation with practicality, delivering AI solutions and survey-ready tools that help care teams stay compliant and future-focused. The goal is clear: enable safer environments, stronger operations, and better outcomes for every resident. 

The bottom line 

With fewer emergencies and stronger compliance outcomes, the benefits of AI in senior care operations are becoming increasingly clear. Skilled nursing communities adopting AI-driven building management today are setting the stage for a future of greater safety and operational resilience.  

As innovation continues to advance, leaders who explore these tools now will be best positioned to improve outcomes, extend asset life, and deliver exceptional care environments. 

For senior living operators across the U.S., the end of the year often comes with tough choices. CapEx spend down season can feel like a race against the clock. Budgets don’t roll over, timelines are compressed, and you’re balancing community needs with day-to-day operations. 

To help operators navigate these challenges, we asked Austin Higgins, Capital Sales Consultant at Direct Supply, to answer the most common questions about senior living capital projects during spend down. His guidance focuses on practical, customer-centered strategies to maximize budget, improve outcomes, and position communities for long-term success. 

My CapEx dollars are sitting unused, and I feel paralyzed by where to start. What should I do first? 

You’re not alone. Many operators feel that way when the clock is ticking. The best first step is simply starting the conversation. Even if your project is only in the idea stage, we can help you weigh priorities- whether it’s compliance upgrades, resident safety, or refreshing common areas. Early conversations give us time to align goals and unlock more options for you. 

It’s already late in the year. Is it even possible to complete a project before my budget disappears? 

Absolutely. Tight timelines are stressful, but they don’t have to mean missed opportunities. We manage fast-turnaround senior living projects every year, often under even tougher deadlines. For example, one operator came to us in mid-December with leftover budget. Within two weeks, we aligned on scope, overnighted fabric samples, finalized selections, and placed their order—all before year-end. 

The difference is having the right partner. Because we complete 50,000+ senior living projects annually and maintain deep relationships with key suppliers, we can accelerate timelines and unlock options that might not be available otherwise. Even late in the year, you can make meaningful improvements if you act quickly and lean on that network. 

I’m juggling multiple priorities. How do I decide which projects deserve my budget right now? 

Start with impact. Projects tied to resident safety or compliance should rise to the top. After that, look at what will deliver the most value, whether that’s operational efficiency, ROI, or a stronger first impression for families touring your community. Sometimes we’ll recommend phasing a project so you can act now without straining your budget or operations. Prioritization ensures your CapEx spend improves outcomes where it matters most. 

I’m debating choosing cheaper products just to save time or money. What’s the risk? 

The risk is that short-term savings can create long-term headaches. For example, choosing residential-grade furniture because it’s immediately available may seem convenient, but it won’t hold up in a senior living environment. That often means paying for replacements within a year or two, costing more in the end. We help operators choose durable, compliant products built for senior care, so you avoid rework, wasted spend, and disruption for your residents. 

Need furniture that will ship quickly? Discover Direct Supply’s quick-ship program, which ships curated furniture in 20 days or less: Perfect for year-end CapEx spend down.

Some of the upgrades I need have long lead times. What if I don’t have that kind of flexibility? 

That’s a valid concern. Standard lead times for major systems, like nurse call replacements, have a reputation for stretching six to eight weeks. But because of our strong vendor partnerships, we’ve often delivered emergency installations in as little as a week. It’s always worth asking—we may be able to accelerate timelines or find creative alternatives, so you don’t miss your spend down window. 

With so many needs, how do I know I’m making a smart investment? 

A smart CapEx investment should deliver value now and in the future. Recently, an operator we work with completed four furniture projects under budget in six weeks. They not only saved money but also moved closer to their annual rebate payout, adding even more financial value. When evaluating projects, consider both the immediate impact on your community and the long-term ROI. 

If I call you today, what will the process actually look like? 

We’ll start with a quick discovery call to understand your goals, budget, and timing. From there, we’ll confirm availability, secure pricing, and align on next steps. Once approved, we’ll manage procurement, warehousing, shipping, and installation. You’ll have one point of contact and full visibility from start to finish.

Bottom line 

CapEx spend down season doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Even if you’re behind, it’s not too late to act. By starting early, prioritizing impact, and choosing solutions designed for senior living, you can stretch your budget further and make improvements that benefit both residents and staff.  

Don’t let your budget go unused.

Start the conversation with our capital experts today and discover how to maximize every dollar before year-end.

Are you struggling with declining NOI, outdated facilities, or compliance headaches?

Senior living communities nationwide are facing similar pressures. That’s why Direct Supply® developed The NOI Equation: Creating the Best Spaces for Aging, a data-driven playbook and expert-led webinar designed to turn common pain points into measurable gains.

Built on extensive research and anonymized insights from leading industry platforms, including the TELS® Platform, CMS, NIC, Care.com, and A Place for Mom, The NOI Equation identifies proven design and operational strategies to drive results.

Through the paper and webinar, gain practical insights, real-world case studies, and proven strategies that empower you to:

• Get units move-in ready faster
• Increase revenue with certified beds
• Boost retention through engaging spaces
• Cut costs with energy efficiency and innovative technology
• Maintain pricing power through stronger compliance

Whether you’re an operator, developer, community leader, or designer, you’ll gain tools to improve resident satisfaction, streamline operations, and strengthen financial performance.

Don’t miss out! Unlock the strategies to drive higher NOI today.

As staffing challenges and operational pressures continue to impact Senior Living, many communities are turning to robotics to bridge gaps, boost efficiency, and elevate resident experiences. But without a clear plan, even the best technology can fall flat.

We created “7 Strategies for Implementing Robotics in Senior Living” as a practical, expert-driven guide to help you unlock meaningful ROI from your robotics investment.

From identifying high-impact use cases to redesigning workflows and engaging residents, this guide lays out actionable steps to ensure successful implementation, staff buy-in, and measurable outcomes.

Common cleaning challenges in senior living communities

Verified performance with floor care robotics

Near-time floor care cleaning metrics with SoftBank Robotics Connect

Both devices integrate with SoftBank Robotics Connect—an analytics dashboard that delivers on-demand performance metrics, including:

• Coverage area (sq. ft. cleaned)
• Cleaning frequency by zone
• Route performance and missed runs
• Autonomous runtime and battery usage
• Assist logs and resolution speed

This level of visibility allows facility managers to confidently answer, “What got cleaned today, where, and when?”—with data to back it up.

Elevate confidence, boost compliance

Automated, time-stamped cleaning logs and proactive staff notifications help communities:

• Prove compliance for infection control and regulatory surveys
• Provide visible reassurance to families and prospects
• Adjust protocols quickly in response to seasonal illness or outbreak
• Recognize when a robot needs support to minimize cleaning lapses
• Ensure equipment is being used consistently to maximize the value of their investment

This is more than a technological upgrade—it’s a proactive, confidence-building strategy with measurable savings.

Labor optimization and measurable ROI

Offloading repetitive cleaning to automation reduces strain on staff and drives efficiency. In one 120,000 sq. ft. community, implementing floor care automation saved 42 labor hours weekly—with no compromise to cleanliness.

Case studies: Proven results in robotic cleaning for senior living

Why combine Whiz and S50 Pro for robotic cleaning?

Together, they deliver:

• Comprehensive cleaning across all flooring types with one integrated solution
• Near-time performance insights via dashboard and SMS alerts
• Fixed monthly costs that simplify budgeting and reduce operational unpredictability

Smarter cleaning starts here

Proof of clean is more than a metric—it’s a mindset. With autonomous floor care, communities can strengthen compliance, improve operations, and enhance the resident experience with confidence.

• Strengthen compliance with verifiable cleaning logs
• Reduce staff burden and increase consistency
• Reassure residents and families with visibly clean spaces
• Gain operational visibility with actionable insights

The hidden costs of manual cleaning in senior care

Labor strain and rising costs

With turnover rates in environmental roles often exceeding 200% annually, senior care communities face ongoing challenges in maintaining reliable floor care routines. Recruiting, onboarding, and training staff repeatedly strains both budgets and productivity. Rising wages only compound the issue.

Manual cleaning processes also leave operators vulnerable to missed cleans, staff burnout, and increased exposure to repetitive strain injuries—adding to absenteeism, safety risks, and inconsistent results.

Equipment downtime and inconsistent coverage

Traditional floor care equipment requires ongoing maintenance and is prone to inconsistent usage. In many communities, this leads to reduced equipment lifespan and uneven cleaning across high-traffic areas like dining rooms, hallways, and common spaces. Missed routes or delayed cleaning can ultimately shorten flooring life and contribute to operational inefficiencies.

Cleaning robots vs manual labor: the measurable differences

Real-world ROI: robotic cleaning success spotlights

How senior care communities can get started with robotic cleaning

Investing in robotic floor care solutions doesn’t have to be complicated. Direct Supply and SoftBank Robotics offer a white-glove onboarding experience that ensures a smooth transition, with dedicated support for mapping, training, and change management.

Automated cleaning isn’t just about reducing costs — it’s about unlocking new operational efficiencies. Here’s how to begin:

1. Assess your baseline by documenting current labor hours spent on vacuuming, equipment maintenance, and consumables.
2. Calculate the ROI of automation based on projected labor savings and efficiency improvements.
3. Request a demo or ROI assessment. Our team can help scope your buildings, identify opportunities for improvement, and show how quickly Whiz pays for itself.

Reimagine floor care for senior care

Whiz isn’t just a robot — it’s a strategic investment in the future of your community. With tangible benefits including labor savings, improved cleaning consistency, and enhanced resident experience, Whiz delivers confirmed cleaning and peace of mind in a scalable, affordable way.

Whether you operate a single building or a multi-site portfolio, cleaning automation offers a smarter, scalable approach to meeting your cleanliness standards and operational goals.

The growing labor crisis in senior care

The senior care industry is facing a severe labor shortage, making it difficult for communities to maintain high standards of cleanliness and resident care. With an aging population and increasing demand for senior care services, operators must find innovative solutions to bridge the staffing gap.

Autonomous vacuums and robotic floor scrubbers are transforming how senior care communities manage cleaning, ensuring consistent cleanliness without adding strain to overburdened staff.

Rising wages are straining already tight budgets in senior care. Without robotic automation, staffing shortages can jeopardize cleaning standards. Autonomous solutions like Whiz help stabilize costs by replacing variable labor expenses with fixed, predictable cleaning costs—giving communities financial clarity and long-term budget control.

Reimagining floor care with senior care robotics

Key benefits of Whiz for senior care communities:

Repeatable, reliable results
Whiz ensures consistency with every route, operating autonomously to deliver predictable, high-quality cleaning that supports infection control and enhances the “perception of clean”.

Proof of performance with SoftBank Robotics Connect
Track cleaning performance in near time with SoftBank Robotics Connect to ensure SOP compliance and accountability. Operators and leadership teams alike can track usage, runtime, and assists to ensure performance meets organizational goals.

Empowering—not replacing—your staff
By automating time-consuming vacuuming tasks, Whiz allows EVS teams to reallocate their time to more valuable, resident-focused work—like sanitizing high-touch areas or assisting with care services.

Learn more about Whiz →

How robotics alleviate staffing challenges in healthcare

Case studies: real-world impact of senior care robotics*

*Based on real-world outcomes from Whiz deployments in senior care communities across the U.S.

The future of senior care staffing: smart workflows with robotics

Robotics aren’t here to replace your team—they’re here to support it. By automating routine floor care, communities can ease staff workloads, reduce reliance on outside cleaning services, and deliver a consistently clean environment residents and families can trust.

Partnering with Direct Supply® and SoftBank Robotics means more than just cutting-edge technology—it’s a full-service solution. From onsite deployment and training to custom route mapping, real-time analytics via SoftBank Robotics Connect, SMS assist alerts, and a no-cost robot swap program, we help you build a cleaning operation that’s reliable, efficient, and aligned with your long-term performance goals.

How to Choose Lifting Slings

First, identify how many patient lift slings slings your healthcare setting needs. While there isn’t one right answer to this question and the quantity will depend greatly on the patient population in a building, below is a general starting point. These per-lift recommendations will change based on the acuity level of patients and body type.

Sit-To-Stand Lifts:

Sit-to-stand lifts help patients who have some mobility, but need assistance rising from a sitting position. Sit-to-stand lifts allow caregivers to comfortably and safely assist mobility patients with sitting and standing. Below are a few sit to stand lift sling considerations:

Standing Slings: 2 medium and 1 large

Standing slings are ideal for patients who can bear half or more of their own weight and have sufficient head and neck control. These types of sit-to-stand lift slings can take patients from a seated to standing position.

Transport Slings: 1 medium and 1 large

Transport slings provide back support up to a patient’s shoulder area and underneath their thighs. Transport sit-to-stand lift slings can be used for seated transports, such as bed to chair or in room transport.

What Are Specialty Patient Slings?

Keep in mind that you may have patients who, based on weight, shape or specific health needs, require other sizes or sling types (hygiene, walking, gait training, repositioning, etc.)

A few examples of patient-specific slings include:

• Bariatric Sling
• Repositioning Sling
• Harness

What materials are slings made from?

Patient lift slings can also be customized to meet specific needs through their sling material. Common lifting lift material includes:

• Poly. Poly slings are the standard lift sling material and are strong and durable.
• Mesh. Mesh slings are commonly used for bathing, as they dry and let go of water easily.
• Padded. Padded Sit-to-Stand sling material offers added comfort for patients.

Lifting Slings Chart: Multi-Brand Compatible Slings

Direct Supply offers a variety of sling and lift solutions for your healthcare setting. Discover our multi-brand compatible sling selection and learn more about this versatile offering in this Multi Brand Sling Vlog.

Direct Supply’s multi-brand slings have passed compatibility testing and are appropriate to use with leading brands of lift equipment. The lifting slings compatibility charts below contain our Direct Supply multi brand compatible sling models, material and size options:

Floor Lift Slings Chart:

Sit-to-Stand Lift Slings Chart:

Shop the full collection of Direct Supply’s multi-brand slings to standardize and save on slings in your healthcare setting.

A best practice is to assess the needs of each individual patient to determine the lift and sling mix you should purchase. Some benefits of purchasing patient-specific slings include:

How Do I Determine What Sling My Resident Needs?

While fit and comfort are important assessment factors when choosing the correct sling, there are other essential considerations to take into account. The determination of the correct sling model and size must be done by a licensed clinician. That designated licensed clinician should:

1. Assess the resident and determine that the resident actually requires a lift/assist device
2. Determine the correct lift/assist device and sling based on the resident assessment and the manufacturer’s instructions. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations to determine the appropriate sling based on the desired function.
3. Document the specific recommended lift/assist device (make, model and weight capacity) and sling (make, model and size – including any specific attachment instructions). Remember, slings can be made of mesh, breathable fabric, nylon, quilted, padded and may have parts that can be plastic or metal. Be specific.

How Do I Ensure Proper Usage?

Having the proper equipment is an excellent start, but making sure your staff and residents know how to use them is absolutely essential. Be sure to follow any and all manufacturer instructions and safety compliance instructions. Additionally, consider these tips:

Step 1: Assess the Threat of Wildfires in Your Area

The first and most critical thing you can do to maintain your indoor air quality during wildfires is to protect your community from the fires themselves. Pay attention to local news sources and government agencies for advice on how to prevent fires, what fires may be in your area and what you should do in response. The USDA Forest Service maintains an online map, but local services will have more detail and the most relevant information for you.

But beyond the fires, the smoke itself can be a real issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), wildfire smoke can cause persistent coughs, headaches, shortness of breath, asthma attacks, and even cardiovascular issues such as chest pain and heart attacks. This is especially critical in Senior Living, as the smoke may worsen symptoms for people over 65 years of age, or with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.

Even if you aren’t near a fire, the jet stream and natural air currents can carry the smoke chemicals and debris from the fires thousands of miles from their source. Bookmark this site to monitor up-to-date maps on fires, smoke coverage and air quality in your area.

Step 2: Protect Your Residents & Staff from Wildfire Smoke

When wildfire smoke lowers air quality in your area, there are several important steps you can take. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has created a framework for protecting building occupants from smoke, published in the March 2021 edition of the ASHRAE Journal. Below are some of the activities you may consider taking: 

Plan ahead if you can

Assess your filters and MERV ratings, ensure your system is running properly for the level of filtration and ventilation it was designed for, and weatherize your building envelope to prevent smoke intrusion. If you need help preparing your building, contact TELS Building Services. 

Improve your filtration

If your HVAC systems allow for it, upgrade all filters in your system to at least MERV 13. Assess your air intakes to determine if you can temporarily add supplemental filtration with MERV 13 filters, tape and temporary ducting materials. Consider adding additional types of air purification products, such as portable HEPA air filters installed in rooms where air quality is a concern.

Balance the outside air coming into your building

An indoor air quality monitor that measures PM2.5 particles can help you determine if you need to take further steps, such as lowering the amount of outside air coming into your building. It may be beneficial to recirculate more air within your building rather than bringing in additional contaminants from wildfire smoke.

Keep pathogens in mind

Increasing ventilation is important for diluting the amount of infectious particles there may be in the air, but decreasing ventilation prevents wildfire smoke from entering your HVAC system. Portable air filters can reduce both exposure to pathogens and smoke in the air, and thus may be a good way to balance between these two requirements.

How to improve your current indoor air quality system

Your current filters may be having an impact on the pollutants associated with wildfire smoke, but they can be doing better. Needlepoint bipolar ionization can help air filters do a better job.

According to GPS®Air, a leading manufacturer of this technology:

One approach to helping air filters do a better job capturing particles of concern (including MPPS) found in the MERV Curve is to make them larger.

A safe, effective and proven way to accomplish this is through needlepoint bipolar ionization (NPBI™). This patented technology creates and releases ions into the airstream using a building’s existing HVAC system as the delivery method. When these ions disperse throughout a space, they seek out and form bonds with particles in the air through a well-established process called agglomeration. This process creates a snowball effect in which particles begin to cluster together. The larger a cluster of particles becomes, the easier it is for an HVAC system to filter it out of the air.

The benefits of ionization by including NBPI as part of a multilayered solution (ventilation and filtration) are many. Aerosolized particulate matter is removed faster. Indoor air spaces are cleaned more thoroughly.