Patient and resident security is a leading concern for assisted living and long-term care facilities. Updated security systems in senior homes keep patients safe and allow staff members to invest more time in providing care for their patients. Improve the security in senior care facilities and give the patients the attention and care they deserve.
Install Custom Access Controls
Assisted living and long-term care facilities are no strangers to patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Patients with memory loss sometimes have the tendency to wander from the building. Unfortunately, staff members can’t watch these patients 24/7.
Therefore, your facility needs to install customized access controls. These controls limit points of entry and exit in specific wings of the building, making it easier for staff to watch and control patients’ whereabouts. Use credential technology like proximity cards, key fobs, or PIN codes to give staff members access.
Install Perimeter Access Controls
Custom access control applies only to specific wings and rooms inside the facility. Now you need to worry about the entire building. The facility should take similar actions to keep residents and personnel safe. Focus on the regulated access points of the building.
Make sake sure the front door has an intercom or a security guard placed in front. The guard alone may not know specific protocols and procedures, so partner the guard with a staff member monitoring the front desk. Together, they will keep patients from exiting without a staff member accompanying them.
Install an Automatic Door Entrance
If the current point of entry for your facility has a traditional door, you need to upgrade. Senior care facilities need automatic doors. These doors improve the safety of the building and operate based on how you program them.
You can set automatic doors to shut down at a certain hour and become operational again during regular business hours. Someone will need to be on call during the late hours, but they can have the code to open the doors in case of an emergency. Plus, these doors make it easier for those in wheelchairs or walkers to enter.
Install Video Surveillance
Your facility needs cameras to properly document the comings and goings of everyone inside. Update your security system and install cameras at all the main access points.
Motion sensors and cameras in the hallways might be nice additions to keep a close eye, in case patients wander. A standard alarm system should come with video surveillance. Don’t forget to run routine maintenance checks on the system to ensure it’s always working properly.
Older adults in care facilities deserve the absolute best. Update and improve the security of the facility to make things easier for everyone.
