EnovateIT recently unveiled a new SmartCart system. The revamped medication cart is designed to improve productivity while ensuring patient safety, the firm notes.

The new Tronex Pak lets operators package up to 43 controlled dosage sachets in a minute, according to Tronex.

Workers at a Maryland eldercare community received $435,000 this week. The extra stipend comes courtesy of a resident-funded Staff Appreciation Fund. Riderwood is part of the Baltimore-based Erickson Retirement Community chain, and is home to more than 2,800 retirees. Since 2006, its residents have contributed more than $1.2 million to dining services, transportation, security and nursing employees. The latest collection was distributed this week to more than 1,200 employees.

Aduromed Industries announced that it recently filed a U.S. patent to protect its medical waste sterilization and volume reduction product.

Rome Memorial Hospital recently conducted a year-long study of Germ Pro's new surface disinfectant and hand sanitizing lotion. The products helped the Rome, NY-based facility reduce healthcare associated infections (HAIs) by 27.4%. Using Germ Pro in combination with ongoing infection prevention strategies reduced two of the more dangerous infections -- methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) by more than 50%, according to the study.

Connect4Healthcare recently introduced an Internet-based service that helps keep residents and their families better connected. Connect for Healthcare allows caregivers to provide regular updates through a secure Web page, by email and text messages.

Massey Services and Chromalox recently joined forces to introduce the ThermEx program. The program helps eliminate bed bugs from nursing homes and other eldercare settings.

Crest Healthcare Supply recently introduced Fall Fighter Sensor Pad Monitoring Systems. Monitor alarms automatically reset when a patient returns to the pad. They also can be quickly silenced with a reset button, according to the firm.

Silent Call's Sidekick II gives deaf or near-deaf residents greater peace of mind. The product monitors doorbells, telephones, smoke detectors and fire alarms. It also alerts people with hearing problems when there is a visitor or phone call.

Online retailers rolled out bargains as the week began, in an effort to get more consumers to shop online. Among the Cyber Monday enticements: significant discounts, free shipping and delivery guarantees. Business-to-business sites are beginning to take notice. Increasingly, eldercare vendors also are offering discounts and other value-added perks via the Internet. If your community is looking for products or services, be sure to check out vendors' sites. The payoff might be a little more holiday cheer.