In Klippan Municipality, two nursing homes have embraced the forefront of welfare technology by being the first in Sweden to install evidence-based circadian lighting, benefiting both their residents with dementia and their staff.
Although circadian lighting is a widespread solution in several Scandinavian nursing homes, it is only now that the technology has made a breakthrough in Swedish elderly care. The pioneers are the nursing homes Syréngården and Ljungbygården in Klippan Municipality, and according to Project Manager Thomas Andresen, the lighting solution was an obvious initiative.
— There is evidence that the lighting can contribute to a healthier staff, fewer nightly wanderings among the elderly, and a reduced use of medication. So even if we only achieve a small portion of the beneficial effects, the lighting is still a win for us, he explains.
Circadian lighting is still a new concept among Swedish nursing homes, but the need for technological welfare solutions does not seem to diminish – quite the opposite. In the coming years, large generations will reach their 80s, increasing the demand for intelligent solutions that can support the daily lives of the elderly.
— In Klippan Municipality, the implementation of circadian lighting has long been a top priority as we believe in the importance of creating a supportive and nurturing environment in our nursing homes, not only for the staff and current residents but also for future residents, explains Thomas Andresen.
It appears that the prioritization has been successful, as the staff at Syréngården nursing home can already report on the numerous positive effects that the lighting has had on both themselves and their residents. This includes a more stable circadian rhythm, especially among the night shift workers who now receive the appropriate light during the night, as well as the residents who now wake up on their own in the morning.
A Collaborative Effort
The circadian lighting system, called Chroma Zenit, has been custom-developed by Chromaviso in close collaboration with the healthcare professionals at Syréngården and Ljungbygården.
— The staff has an in-depth understanding of both their own and the residents' needs, so it is crucial for us to establish a strong dialogue with them when initiating a new project, Johan Lindgren, Sales and Relations Manager at Chromaviso, explains.
According to Thomas Andresen, the close collaboration has also made the initial process and the outcome simple and uncomplicated for both the residents and the staff.
— There has been good planning from the beginning, and we have received excellent support along the way. Chromaviso has ensured that all lighting and control panels are placed in the appropriate locations. Everything has been specially tailored and streamlined for our dementia center, he says.
New pendant with a long lifespan
The installation of circadian lighting not only marks a milestone for the Swedish healthcare sector but also introduces a new pendant lamp developed by Chromaviso as part of the project. This pendant lamp is designed with a focus on longevity, recyclability, and energy efficiency.
— We are excited to introduce a new luminaire that is not only circular in design but also in function. The pendant is modularly constructed, allowing for easy replacement of parts, and the majority of the luminaire can be recycled due to its aluminum production, explains Johan Lindgren, Sales and Relations Manager at Chromaviso.
Because the pendant is made with high-quality diodes and electronics, it is approximately 35% more efficient than most LED fixtures, explains Johan Lindgren, concluding:
— It is becoming increasingly important to create long-lasting solutions, which is why we have considered factors such as thermal conditions in the development of our new pendant. By ensuring that the pendant can 'breathe', we have also guaranteed a longer lifespan for the benefit of both Klippan Municipality and Syréngården.