April 07, 2016
Access control systems are increasingly being used to enhance safety and security in residential care homes by restricting and monitoring the movement of staff, residents and visitors.
Managers, trained staff, ancillary staff, residents and visitors can all be assigned a pass card that will allow them access around the building appropriate to their status. The access control system can also carry out functions as Time and Attendance, Staffing Level Management and Parking Management.
Why Use Access Control in Care Homes?
To provide the best possible care for their residents, care home staff need the backup of technology for monitoring their residents and swiftly responding to their needs. Most care homes are fitted with some form of “nurse call system”. Modern nurse call systems provide a comprehensive monitoring service with many features that enable staff to be alerted when a resident calls for help, has fallen or has attempted to do something that may require the assistance of a member of staff.
However, these systems don’t prevent residents from entering areas where they can endanger themselves or others, or leave the premises unaccompanied. People with dementia can often experience problems with orientation, and occurrences of residents getting lost or coming to harm is a major concern. Care homes are faced with the need to prevent residents from getting into difficulties while preserving their independence and dignity.
An access control system can prevent residents from entering restricted areas such as kitchens, pharmaceutical stores, administration offices and the rooms of other residents. It can also prevent them from leaving the building unnoticed and unattended.
This capability is complementary to, and may be used in conjunction with, its main function of helping to protect residents, staff, property and confidential data by preventing intruders and unauthorised persons from entering secured areas of the premises.
