1. Use calming color palettes and layered lighting

Color and lighting decisions impact not only how residents feel but also how safely they can move through a space. Choosing calming, biophilic tones like soft terracotta, sandy neutrals, coastal blues, and leafy greens helps create a restorative environment that reduces agitation while maintaining a professional, long-lasting finish that requires minimal upkeep.

In memory care, avoid very dark flooring, which may appear like holes or unsafe areas to residents with cognitive impairment and increase fall risk. Instead, use clear contrast between walls, floors, and furniture to define boundaries and support safe navigation. For example, pair neutral walls with slightly darker casegoods, or select light bedding against a darker bedframe to make furniture edges more visible.

Layering lighting— ambient, task, and night— offers flexibility while reducing unnecessary staff interventions. Well-placed fixtures and durable materials minimize maintenance while providing consistent performance. Circadian lighting systems that mimic natural daylight cycles not only enhance resident sleep but also extend fixture longevity by operating efficiently.

Tip: Add motion-activated nightlights near the bed or pathway to the bathroom. These simple upgrades support safety without disrupting rest and can reduce the number of nighttime staff interactions. 

2. Optimize layouts for safety, privacy, and care delivery

A clear, adaptable layout enables safer navigation and more effective care¹. Private rooms remain the gold standard, as they support dignity, autonomy, and infection control (CMS, 2022). These spaces allow residents to set their own routines and offer family members greater flexibility in visits and personalization.

When private rooms aren’t possible, define individual zones with partial walls, furniture groupings, or curtains to help provide a sense of ownership and spatial boundaries. Layouts should prioritize mobility by maintaining wide, clutter-free pathways (with a minimum turning radius of 5’-7’ and 36″ doorways), using slip-resistant flooring, and eliminating tripping hazards such as cords and loose rugs.

Choose furnishings designed to minimize risk and extend product life. Low-profile beds and rounded-corner furniture improve resident safety by reducing trip hazards and injuries from sharp edges. Built-in cable management systems keep cords organized and out of pathways, lowering the likelihood of accidents and extending product longevity.

Plan for both current and future mobility needs by leaving ample clearance around the bed for lifts, walkers, or wheelchairs. These considerations not only keep residents safe but also ease daily upkeep for staff, reducing the frequency of room repairs and interventions.

Tip: Flexible room designs allow you to plan for evolving care needs and future equipment, supporting aging in place while helping communities avoid costly renovations later

3. Create model rooms that drive ROI on unit turns

Model rooms are more than just a marketing tool — they’re an operational strategy that accelerates move-in readiness and directly impacts Net Operating Income (NOI). On average, unit turns take 22 hours and involve at least three team members. By pre-staging model rooms with durable furnishings, secure accessories, and consistent design standards, operators can cut downtime, reduce labor costs, and convert vacant units into income-generating spaces faster.

Standardized, homelike design also reduces variability in upkeep. Easy-to-clean surfaces, durable fabrics, and secured décor minimize repair calls and streamline maintenance, lowering long-term operating costs. At the same time, thoughtfully curated finishes create a welcoming environment that resonates with prospects and supports faster lease-ups.

Tip for ROI: Use model rooms as templates to streamline procurement and turnover protocols. This consistency not only reduces vacancy loss but also positions communities to stabilize occupancy and maximize returns across every unit turn.

4. Integrate smart technology for safety and convenience

Smart tools, such as voice-activated lighting, thermostats, and call systems help residents manage their environment independently. These systems support routines, provide reminders, and increase comfort by reducing reliance on staff for everyday tasks. AI-enabled sensors enhance fall detection while preserving privacy and promoting peace of mind for care teams and families.

Design for both the technology itself and the people using it. Ensure strong Wi-Fi coverage and provide rooms with tech-ready outlets, USB ports, and easy-to-reach controls. Consider compatibility with accessories like smart plugs or wearable health monitors.

Beyond safety and utility, technology can enhance engagement. Smart TVs, tablets, and video call capabilities help residents stay connected with loved ones and participate in community events. These technologies also support mental stimulation through games, music, and learning apps.

Tip: Prioritize simplicity with large, intuitive icons, precise controls, and concise labeling. Offering training and ongoing support builds confidence and increases tech adoption.

5. Select durable, senior-friendly furnishings

Furniture in resident rooms must balance style, comfort, and safety with long-term durability. Chairs with tipping precautions—such as the Maxwell Thomas® SteadyTech™ anti-tip device—reduce fall risks and liability without sacrificing aesthetics. Recliners with proper seat height (18″–21″), supportive arms, and tip-resistant bases make transfers safer for residents and staff alike.

Beds should be adjustable in height with residential surrounds, allowing for both safer caregiving tasks and a more welcoming, homelike appearance. Coordinated headboards and bedding prevent the room from feeling clinical, while casters with secure locks and discreet storage for fall mats or care tools add both safety and functionality. 

 Looking for more senior living furnishing tips? Download our senior living furniture guide.

6. Choose long-lasting, low-maintenance materials

Materials directly impact upkeep, infection control, and resident safety. Casegoods constructed with thermolaminate or high-pressure laminate resist moisture and harsh cleaning agents, extending product life. Coated fabrics and antimicrobial finishes minimize infection risk while standing up to frequent cleaning.

Design choices should also prioritize maintenance efficiency. Minimal seams, durable coatings, and wipeable surfaces help staff maintain cleanliness quickly and effectively, while still providing soft textures and modern design that elevate the overall look and feel of the space.

Tip: When selecting casegoods, look for drawer glides and hinges that can withstand repeated use and disinfection cycles. Small details, such as edge banding and hardware durability, can make a significant difference in long-term performance.

6. The bottom line: Bringing it all together

Every detail in a resident’s room should contribute to comfort, independence, and safety. From calming palettes and personalized touches to bright lighting and future-ready furnishings, thoughtful design makes a measurable impact on care delivery and resident satisfaction.

A well-designed room doesn’t just feel like home. It improves outcomes, reduces incidents, and helps your community stand out.

Ready to enhance your resident rooms? Contact your Direct Supply account manager today to get started on personalized solutions that promote safety, comfort, and long-term value.

References:
¹ CMS, 2022

FES – Functional Electrical Stimulation units offer similar benefits to NMES. When comparing NMES vs FES, FES therapy specifically aids in neurological rehabilitation as the stimulation is automatically controlled to turn muscle contractions into functional movements.

A FES electric therapy machine device generates body movements for those who may be paralyzed due to Central Nervous System complications.

It is important to carefully examine the exact functionality of a unit you intend to buy, ensuring it fits with your healthcare setting’s care plan – not all CES devices are created equal!

​

How many waveforms for electrical stimulation devices?

Electrical stimulation therapy machines have various waveforms that affect different aspects of the body and musculature. Therefore, having a CES device that features multiple waveforms and intensity levels is essential to fully addressing the needs of your healthcare setting. When seeking out the best electrical stimulator, make sure that the device has at least the following waveforms:

Medium Frequency: Interferential current and/or premodulation – used to address pain

Asymmetrical Biphasic: TENS/NMES – used for stimulation of the nerve fibers and muscles

Symmetrical Waveform: VMS – used for muscle strengthening

Monophasic Waveform: High-voltage pulsed current and microcurrent – used to increase circulation in the tissue

Electrical Stimulation Devices FAQ:

What are the different types of electrical stimulation units?

The different types of  electrostimulation devices include TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation) and FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation). 

How do you use an electrical stimulation machine for patient therapy?

A clinical electrical stimulation (CES) device converts electricity into a specific waveform for therapeutic delivery. These distinct currents encourage muscle contraction that leads to strengthening, pain reduction, and a vital increase in blood circulation.

What are the different electrical stimulation waveforms?

There are four different types of electrical stimulation waveforms: medium frequency, symmetrical, asymmetrical, and monophasic.

What else should I ask when choosing the best electrical stimulation device?

Once you have a broad idea of the best electrical stimulation unit for your healthcare setting, the next step is to gain as much information as you can to ensure the device integrates seamlessly into your healthcare setting. If you plan on purchasing a CES device from Direct Supply, contact us for specific answers to these questions and more:

• What waveforms does the device have in it?

• Can you use multiple waveforms at the same time?

• Who will teach my therapist how to use the device?

• What is the warranty on the device?

• Who do my therapists call with questions?

• Can my therapist try the device for a couple of weeks to see how it fits their practice?

• Can you provide references of other facilities using your device?

What Are Isolation Gowns?

Isolation gown purpose is to help protect your frontline caregivers and staff from infectious droplets, fluid penetration and solids, and help prevent the transfer of micro-organisms to vulnerable residents.

There are two main categories of isolation gowns intended for healthcare purposes: surgical and non-surgical.

Know the Level of Protection Standards

The FDA recognizes the consensus standard American National Standards Institute/Association of the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (ANSI/AAMI) PB70:2003, “Liquid barrier performance and classification of protective apparel and drapes intended for use in health care facilities.”

There are four levels under the standard:¹

• Level 3: Moderate risk, to be used, for example, during arterial blood draw, inserting an intravenous (IV) line, in the emergency room, or for trauma cases
• Level 4: High risk, to be used, for example, during long, fluid intense procedures, surgery, when pathogen resistance is needed or infectious diseases are suspected (non-airborne)

For Senior Living, Level 1 basic fluid resistance is generally desirable to combat the spread of COVID-19. Having a gown with a higher level rating isn’t essential as there isn’t extensive risk of blood or other bodily fluids being transferred. For more advanced fluid-resistance needs, consider a surgical gown with a higher-level rating.

What’s on the Product Label is More Important Than the Product Name

For these purposes, we use the term isolation gown. But you should pay less attention to a product name (e.g., isolation gown, nursing gown, procedural gown, etc.) and more attention to function, intended use and what level of protection is provided. The label or packaging will call this out.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, primary objectives are to protect frontline Senior Living staff from the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the accidental transfer of COVID-19 to other residents and staff. Level 1 basic fluid resistance in a non-surgical isolation gown is most likely sufficient. Having a surgical gown with a higher level rating isn’t essential as there isn’t extensive risk of blood or other bodily fluids being transferred.

Evaluate Purpose, Material and Clean vs. Sterile When Choosing Isolation Gowns for Healthcare Settings

The Centers for Disease Control suggests that you consider three things when choosing gowns for healthcare settings.²

Clean vs. Sterile

Clean isolation gowns are used for isolation, while sterile gowns are used for invasive procedures like inserting a central line. For COVID-19, a clean isolation gown works well.

How Easy is an Isolation Gown to Put On and Remove?

The ease or difficulty with which a gown is put on and removed may affect its effectiveness and the potential for self-contamination, especially during the doffing of a contaminated gown.

How Many Different Sizes and Fits Do You Need?

In a non-COVID-19 world, each staff member would have a gown that fit them perfectly. During the current PPE shortage, that’s not realistic in many parts of the country, and a universal size may be the only option. In such cases it’s still critical to make sure that the gown allows the wearer enough freedom of movement to perform their required tasks while still providing as much coverage of their skin and clothing as possible.

Isolation Gown FAQ:

What are isolation gowns?

There are two main categories of isolation gowns intended for healthcare purposes: surgical and non-surgical. 

What are isolation gowns made of?

Typically cotton or a synthetic material like polyester (reusable isolation gowns), or polyethylene or polypropylene (disposable gowns). 

What are PPE gowns used for?

Clean isolation gowns are used for isolation, while sterile gowns are used for invasive procedures like inserting a central line.

References

What is a respirator fit test?

A respirator fit test tests the seal between the respirator’s facepiece and your face.  Respiratory protection fit testing can be performed to ensure tight fitting respirators and proper protection.

A person must perform a fit test with any respirator they will wear before initial use. It should only be performed after obtaining medical clearance. (Note: Someone with facial hair may not be able to achieve an adequate seal.) Then, they should perform a fit test at least annually or when any significant changes occur, such as weight gain or loss, facial surgery, or dental surgery. Perform a fit test with the same make, model, style and size of respirator that the person will wear when working.

If the make, model, style or size of respirator is changed, a new fit test should be performed.  Additionally, if there are concerns about the fit based on the test, continue to test for a good seal with different respirator models, styles or sizes until an acceptable fit is identified. Document the results of your test.

Important: Respirator fit tests are not the same as user seal checks. That’s because a user seal check is a quick check performed by the wearer each time the respirator is put on to determine if the respirator is properly seated to the face or needs to be readjusted.

What’s the difference between qualitative vs quantitative fit test?

There are two types of respirator fit testing – a quantitative or qualitative respirator fit test. Qualitative tests are what OSHA recommends for healthcare environments. This pass/fail test uses sense of taste or smell in order to detect leakage in the respirator face piece. There are 4 types of approved qualitative tests:

• Saccharin (sweet)
• Bitrex (bitter)
• Isoamyl acetate (bananas)
• Irritant smoke (produces coughing)

When does testing need to be done?

OSHA requires respirator fit testing to be completed upon initial implementation of a Respiratory Protection Program and then once a year after that. OSHA has temporarily paused the need to do annual testing.  

Is a fit test required for a N95 respirator?

Yes. Per OSHA guidance, if respirators are required, all tight-fitting, disposable and reusable respirators/masks should be fit tested. This includes N95 and surgical N95 respirators, which are common in Long Term Care. Other reusable and disposable respirators that should be fit tested include:

• N99
• N100
• R95
• P95
• P99
• P100

Any healthcare professional wearing reusable or disposable respirators should know how to perform respirator fit tests to properly wear respirators for optimal occupational safety.

Does the respirator fit test kit I use need to be made from the same manufacturer as my N95?

No. The brand does not matter when conducting reusable or disposable respirator fit testing. Any qualitative fit test kit should work with any brand of N95 respirator.

How long will a respirator fit test kit last?

Most sensitivity and test solutions for fit testing have a 3- to 5-year shelf life, if unopened. Once the ampules are opened, most need to be used within 4 hours.

Does Direct Supply offer respirator fit test kits?

Yes! These two kits offer an OSHA compliant qualitative fit test for disposable and reusable respirators. New disposable glass ampules make pouring solution into nebulizers easier and reduce the chance of contamination. Each kit includes a test hood, sensitivity nebulizer, test nebulizer, 6 ampules of sensitivity solution and 6 ampules of test solution. Learn about the reusable and disposable respirator fit testing options below. 

Each kit has enough solution (both sensitivity and test) to test 18 to 30 people (3 to 5 people per ampule of solution)  Additional sensitivity and test solution can be purchased separate from the test kits.  You can also find additional respirator fit test solution and an instructional video on how to perform the Allegro qualitative fit test.

What do I do if my staff aren’t passing their respirator fit tests?

Find out how many staff members are having trouble getting a good seal or knowing how to perform a respirator fit test. Not every respirator is going to work on every individual’s face size and shape. So ask if they’ve tried other models, styles and sizes. OSHA requires employers to offer different makes, models, shapes and sizes of respirators to employees until they find one that will fit. If you can’t find any that fit certain staff members, consider assigning those staff to non-COVID  areas.

What’s the difference between an N95 and a surgical N95?

A surgical N95 is NIOSH-approved and also cleared by the FDA for use as a surgical mask. It’s recommended if the wearer will be exposed to liquids like sprays and splashes from things like suctioning and nebulizer treatments.

Does OSHA require respirator fit testing for KN95 respirators?

No. OSHA doesn’t currently require a respirator fit test of KN95s. These have the equivalent filtration capability to N95s, but normally come with ear loops rather than head straps. Some newer KN95s exist which have head straps. If you choose to fit test KN95s, review the most recent OSHA guidance with your legal team and keep it handy for reference.

Can I use an N95 that isn’t FDA approved?

Probably, if the N95 is NIOSH certified. For the duration of the public health emergency, the FDA has issued an EUA that allows healthcare workers to use NIOSH-approved respirators. You should make sure you are following any state or local guidelines, as well as the CDC’s guidance for conventional, contingency and crisis strategies for optimizing the supply of N95 respirators.

Additional Resources:

• OSHA Respiratory Guidance for Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living
• OSHA Fit Testing Video
• NIOSH-Approved Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators

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:

However, alcohol-based hand sanitizer is ineffective against C. difficile spores, so it’s vitally important to wash your hands with soap and water after working with a person who has or is suspected of having C. diff. Additionally, alcohol-based hand sanitizer cannot be used in foodservice settings, so soap and water remains the best method in those areas.

Lastly, wear personal protective equipment (PPE) during direct patient interaction, especially isolation residents.  Change PPE after every use.

Remember, to properly disinfect and sanitize, you must allow all surfaces to remain wet for the manufacturer’s suggested times – also known as “dwell times.” Use products with shorter dwell times for outbreak control and prevent future infections. Wipe down surfaces with a clean wet cloth after the dwell time has passed and the surface has dried. Bleach, for example, can be damaging to surfaces and harmful to skin and should be wiped off.

General tips

What is sustainable food purchasing?

Sustainable food purchasing is defined as food procurement that promotes quality and safety. It focuses on eliminating the additives and contaminants in menu offerings. By crafting a well-rounded and sustainable food system, quality and satisfaction is raised. When a hospital system incorporates a sustainable food procurement solution, their supply chain and usage behaviors can promote long-term efficiencies and process improvements.

The benefits of food sustainability go far beyond the financial aspects. Animal welfare is usually improved at sustainable farms, generally meaning that food safety also increases. Additionally, the preservation of natural resources by these food suppliers are a dramatic force for improving environmental sustainability.

Sustainable procurement also fosters resilience. By diversifying food sources and supporting sustainable farming practices, healthcare providers can mitigate risks associated with food supply disruptions. This ensures a more stable and reliable food supply, crucial for maintaining consistent patient care.

Why is food sustainability important in hospital procurement?

If the healthcare industry were to implement a more sustainable system of food procurement, it would bring immediate and comprehensive benefits to all health systems. Improving efficiency, reducing costs and making informed decisions would be easier with a more consistent and controlled supply chain.

In healthcare supply chain management, your hospital system looks to choose products that increase the quality of care for patients. The goal is to improve the operational components of your facility. When crafting your procurement strategy, it is vital to include sustainable food product choices.

The Benefits

Hospital supply chains can reap the many advantages of sustainable food purchasing including:

• More nutrient-rich and diet-friendly food for patients. Sustainable food offerings can provide greater nutrients and food value to patients. When feeding patients with modified diets or dietary restrictions, having a breadth of sustainable offerings can add variety and increase the quality of nutrition in your hospital food service’s meals. Read more about sourcing better diets for your patients here.
• Better supplier relationships. In a hospital supply chain, you have many supplier relationships to manage. Sustainable food purchasing can help by catering to group purchasing organizations and broadline vendors. These sources have the availability your healthcare setting needs.
• Reduce waste. You can reduce waste in your hospital’s supply chain by creating a sustainable purchasing plan. Tracking where purchases are being made, whether or not the products are being used, and what is being paid are all crucial steps to reducing unnecessary costs. This has an added benefit of reducing your organization’s environmental impact.
• Increase efficiency and productivity levels. Healthcare food procurement can take a lot of time and often limit active patient care. A sustainable food system and supply chain can elevate process improvement in your healthcare setting. This allows providers to focus on providing the best care. 
• A more adaptable supply chain. Recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic have made a large impact on food security in the United States. The supplier relationships created by a sustainable supply chain are key to improving your chances of being cost-effective in a rapidly changing market. They also protect food security for your patients.

How can Direct Supply DSSI support sustainable food procurement?

Evaluating the importance of sustainable food procurement can bring widespread benefits. Process improvement and cost savings potential will come to your hospital’s supply chain. DSSI can help you achieve the benefits of sustainable food purchasing with:

• Group purchasing organizations (GPOs) and broadline vendors. DSSI  works with group purchasing organizations down to broadline vendors. We help ensure that healthcare procurement is positioned to include optimized food choice and sustainability. Our procurement software helps you find the best price for the best products.
• Food procurement spend analysis. DSSI can help you conduct a food procurement spend analysis so you can drill down on specific product costs. Our procure-to-pay system allows you the ability to digitally see how you can deploy your food savings.

DSSI is committed to forming strong partnerships that promote sustainability in procurement for our customers.

A Guide to Healthcare Purchased Services

What are Purchased Services in Healthcare?

Healthcare purchased services refer to any outsourced or contracted purchased services agreements in an organization. Optimized purchased services have the ability to drive greater efficiencies and savings.

The Challenges

Purchased services in hospital systems are like the Wild Wild West. There’s so much spend here – considerably more than you would expect, in fact. Plus, tracking and influencing it as a supply chain or procurement expert can be extremely challenging. 

That’s why we built DSSI Analyze to be different. There are many companies out there that will take your AP data and put it into purchased services categories to tell you by category and by vendor if you’re trending up or trending down. But the detail behind those changes is the crux of it, and most of the tools out there can’t show you those deeper layers. The why of it matters so much.

How to Interpret Trends in Healthcare Purchased Services Spend

For purchased services, if you’re trending up in costs, is it because you saw more patients or because the cost of goods went up, or are labor costs increasing…? That equation on the purchased services side is how you uncover outsized spend, and how you fix it.

Conversely, on supplies, the hard cost is easy to see – the equipment or bandage or medication costs are clear. This is why we built DSSI Analyze to get into the operational level of data and tell you exactly why your spend is trending up or down, and more importantly, what you should do about it, where to look, and what to adjust.

 Historically, the procurement and supply chain experts in the hospital systems only really get one side of the story for the purchased services spend, but with that next level of detail within the data and the benchmarks to their other sites, you can see where the spend is out of place and know what to do to save money.

Over the long term, organizations that refine their business process to dive deeper into their spend efficiency will source high quality goods or services. DSSI is ready and able to assist your procurement team with developing new strategies that increase cash flow, bring up the bottom line and create a competitive advantage for your organization. The digital transformation DSSI brings to your organization leverages spend analytics and identifies areas of improvement while providing a data management tool for the future.

Three Cost Savings Opportunities for Purchased Services in Healthcare:

1. Visibility – When examining healthcare purchased services, greater transparency through spend management can grant visibility in hidden savings in purchased services contracts.
2. Understanding – Beyond category allocation insights of spend, cost savings in purchased services can be derived from in-depth spend analysis.
3. Actionable insights – Healthcare supply chain automation and expert procurement consulting can turn purchased services analytics and data into action.

Drill Down with DSSI Analyze

Let’s take food as an example in healthcare purchased services:

DSSI Analyze helps you break down the view to pinpoint absolutely where your spend is going and where it’s going off the rails. Is the money being spent in your cafeterias, or on the food that actually goes to the patient’s bedside? 

When you combine the DSSI Platform and DSSI Analyze, you can see the price of the raw chicken that you source from your broadliner, whether it’s on contract, what the price is, if there’s a rebate, the food prep costs, waste assumptions, spend to budget, distribution of food to cafeterias versus patient rooms, and on and on – so you can hone in on the problems, compare to your other sites, and optimize at every turn.

The answers vary – sometimes it’s better to pay for individually packaged juice rather than pay someone to pour that juice, and it might be completely different with an outsourcer in the mix – but DSSI Analyze accounts for all that. It houses and refines the data to help you find the questions to ask, and offers the details you need to make data-driven decisions. 

That’s the power that DSSI Analyze brings – to help you master your purchased services contracts to a granular level to make sure you are getting the most out of each contract and every dollar spent.

How to Select a Wheelchair

• Determine the right type of wheelchair
• Size your wheelchair properly
• Select the appropriate features

To a healthy person, sitting in an awkward position is uncomfortable, but for seniors it can be a danger to their health. The first step to finding the correct wheelchair is to select the type of wheelchair your resident is best suited for – a decision largely dependent on the individual resident and how the wheelchair will be used.

Standard Wheelchairs
Standard wheelchairs are the most common type of wheelchair, providing durable construction and high weight capacities. They are more durable than lightweight wheelchairs and generally less expensive, but not as adjustable.

Heavy Duty Wheelchairs
Heavy Duty wheelchairs offer a large-capacity reinforced frame for supreme durability. 

Reclining Wheelchairs or Tilt Wheelchairs
Reclining wheelchairs and tilt wheelchairs provide pressure redistribution for resident-specific support or relief for a range of conditions. These chairs are often part of an individualized care plan based on clinical assessments.

Bariatric Wheelchairs
Bariatric Wheelchairs are the strongest type of wheelchairs, with reinforced steel at all weight-bearing points help provide additional strength. These chairs are available in wider sizes and with higher weight capacities than Heavy-Duty wheelchairs.

How to Choose a Wheelchair Size

The most important measurements you need to take are seat width, back height, seat depth and seat-to-floor height. By providing a wheelchair with the proper dimensions in these four areas, you will avoid some of the most common and dangerous positioning concerns. Measuring all fields will help ensure optimal comfort and safety.

How to Calculate a Resident’s Seat Depth

1. Measure resident’s rear of buttocks to back of knee
2. Subtract 2½”
3. Add thickness of back cushion (if a cushion is used)

How to Determine Seat-to-Floor Height

1. If resident is under 5′5″ tall, use a Hemi size wheelchair with a 17½” seat height
2. If resident is between 5′5″ and 6′2″, use an Adult size wheelchair with a 19½” to 20½” seat height
3. If resident is over 6′2″ tall, use a Tall size wheelchair with a 21½” seat height

Back Height

Seat-to-Floor Height

Wheelchair Features FAQ

Discover the right features to address your resident’s risk factors, activity level and acuity.

What are the different types of wheelchairs?

There are many different types of patient wheelchairs: transport wheelchairs, lightweight wheelchairs, standard wheelchairs, heavy-duty wheelchairs, bariatric wheelchairs and reclining wheelchairs. Depending on your wheelchair, learn how to select the best wheelchair cushions.

What are my options for wheelchair armrests?
Full-length armrests provide more support for easier ingress and egress while desk-length options allow the chair to fit easily under most desks or tables. Adjustable and flipback armrests can be raised and lowered to better suit the resident.

What are front riggings, and which does my resident need?
Front riggings are optional front-mounted hardware that provides a place for residents to put their feet. Swingaway footrests support the residents’ feet while they are in the chair and rotate out of the way for easier transfers. Elevating legrests support the legs with comfortable calf pads and allow angle-of-elevation adjustment. Articulating legrests are similar to elevating options, but they extend during elevation for enhanced comfort.

What are my upholstery options, and how are they different?
Vinyl is easier to clean and more durable, while nylon is lighter weight and more breathable.

What does “dual axle” mean?
Dual-axle capabilities mean that your wheelchair can transform from standard to hemi height. Hemi height is about 2″ lower than standard seating. This allows the user to more easily self-propel and is also beneficial for residents shorter than 5′ tall.

The Power of DS smart and EMR Connectivity

As the most simplified EMR connectivity solution in Senior Living, patent-pending DS smart® technology allows caregivers to instantly capture, protect and connect data to EMR-connected equipment, such as wireless vital signs monitors and scales.

The DS smart technology connected care solution helps more staff provide more efficient care for less, and is proven to empower nurses, communities and innovative caregiving.

Don’t just take our word for it– read on to learn customer insights into how one community took advantage of the time saving power of DS smart.

“We needed something to streamline and standardize our approach for staff accountability and uniformity. With everyone on the same page, using the same vitals machines and a really easy app to navigate on tablets, we’ve achieved great outcomes over the past five months since rolling it out. Most importantly, we’ve got buy-in from the CNAs using these tools. Training was quick and straightforward. Everything makes sense on how it’s used. It makes rounds way faster to get through.”

The Benefits of DS smart’s Medical Device Integration with EMR: Download the Success Story

This Senior Living community was on the hunt for a product to increase CNA efficiency and vitals collection accuracy while performing daily vitals rounds. DS smart’s medical device integration with EMR connectivity delivered the following benefits to the community:

• Accurate Vital Machine Readings and Increased Staff Efficiency

DS smart’s medical device integration eliminates the use of varying devices and streamline readings

• Corporate Clinical Expectations

DS smart Customer Success Managers’ valuable data and caregiving reports increase community clinical expectations.

• A+ “Building Health Score”

The DS smart team strives to help each community achieve an A+ “Building Health Score” to better the lives of residents and caregivers.

In this customer success story, learn real user insights into using DS smart and how this connected technology delivered invaluable EMR connectivity and much more.