Benetas homes participate in world-first study testing impact of ultraviolet light on COVID-19

Six Benetas aged care homes will take part in a world-first study, run by the Victorian Department of Health, to see if invisible ultraviolet light can decrease the impact of COVID-19 and flu in aged care settings.

The 12-month Elucidar study, developed in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, will start in early July with more than 60 aged care homes participating across Melbourne and Geelong.

Benetas homes including The Views at Heidelberg, Clarinda on the Park, Colton Close (Glenroy), St George’s (Altona), Corowa Court (Mornington) and St Paul’s (Frankston), will participate.

The lights will only be installed in half of the homes with the other sites making up the control group.

The invisible germicidal ultraviolet light is believed to neutralise airborne viruses in the room and is safe for residents, employees and visitors.

Throughout the 12 months, information on the number of respiratory infections in all facilities will be collected. This may include COVID-19, flu and similar viruses.

Once the study is completed and the expected conclusions found, Benetas can decide to keep the lights in the three Intervention group homes and potentially roll them out at other sites.

Benetas CEO Sandra Hills OAM said, if successful, the study would help reduce the impact of colds and other viruses, including COVID-19, in aged care homes.

“Aged care residents are typically more vulnerable to these illnesses, particularly in age care settings,” Ms Hills said. “If something as simple as ultraviolet lights can reduce the impact and incidence, then it’s an important step for the aged care sector.”

Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt said the study could help deliver more innovative and effective methods of keeping residents, staff and visitors free from illness.

“This trial is about new ways of reducing illness in our aged care facilities – reducing infections and improving the pressure placed on aged care and hospital workforces during peak COVID-19 and flu season,” Ms Stitt said.

The Burnet Institute is the research partner supporting the Department in this study, and leads a team of scientists, clinicians and clinical trial experts.

For more information on the study go to https://www.health.vic.gov.au/germicidal-ultraviolet-light-combatting-airborne-virus-transmission/elucidar-study.