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Weekly UpdatesAdvances in nurse call systems (referred to as emergency response systems in the non-skilled care sector) have improved to the point where an owner or administrator can easily and inexpensively incorporate call systems into every residential unit, adding value and fail-safe security to their property.
New, wireless technology allows for the simple and rapid installation into any building, regardless of age. Relying on the latest wireless systems also expands communication options between residents and staff. Residents can request help through pendants worn around their neck or via room stations. Additionally, it is now a simple matter to set up a system so that when a patient sounds an alarm, not only will the bell and light go off at the reception desk (alarm master station), but the person on duty can be notified of the situation via a pocket pager that beeps or vibrates up to a two-mile range.
Meeting the challenge of fitting new solutions to old buildings To answer this growing demand, prospective owners and operators oftentimes face the challenge of retrofitting existing residential homes, such as hotels or apartment buildings, to meet the regulations of caring for seniors. Yet, putting in a emergency response system "after the fact" can present a daunting physical and financial challenge. Installation requires the boring of holes through joists and studs, tearing into the wallboard, tapping into overtaxed junction boxes that house out-dated electrical components and stringing miles of wires through floors and attics.
In light of the fact that many individuals are unaware of the availability of wireless emergency response systems, it falls upon the facility owner or operator to specify this modern communication tool. However, some administrators are only aware of the old, wired nurse call systems. This causes unneeded expense for the owner. Yet, the technology behind wireless systems is not that difficult to comprehend.
Factors that make "wireless" systems a success
In basic layout, wireless systems share some similarities with traditional wired systems. Each unit in a retirement or community care home will have at least one room (usually the bathroom) with a wall mounted call-for-help station with a pull string-or a bedside mounted push button for activation of the alarm. Once activated, a buzzer, bell or light will go off at the reception desk to alert staff of an emergency.
However, by relying on ultra high-frequency radio waves, a wireless system allows through-the-air communication between a tiny wall-mounted (in any room) transmitter and the receiving station at the reception desk or directly to the staff via pocket pager. Typically, the master receiving station will be hooked up to a 110 volt AC source, but the transmitter/sending units only require a standard 9-volt DC battery, so they can be placed at almost any location. Changing or adding locations from a bathroom to a bedroom or kitchen can be accomplished in minutes. The Cornell system even offers a small wireless pendant that patients can wear around their neck, wrist or within a pocket. Thus, wherever the patient may roam within the grounds of the home, he or she still can still send an alarm signal to the homes' staff when necessary.
In all cases, the success of any wireless emergency response system, especially within a large building or a campus setting, relies on its ability to span large distances with a strong signal. Jerry Johnson, an industrial engineer by training, and president of Cornell Communications, Inc. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin a leading manufacturer of hospital and personal emergency response systems (PERS), explained that it is the receiver's ability to receive the transmitted signal from the resident's room that really makes a difference in range and performance. "We use military grade components in their systems, the same components that are being installed by the U.S. State Department at American embassies throughout the world," noted Johnson "These have to be rugged, fail-safe systems, so they are very difficult to jam with outside frequencies. "The other important thing to look for, is that the system is UL (Underwriters Laboratory) approved," cautions Johnson. "The more UL listings, the better, as this is one of the first things that government inspectors will check on when they look at a nurse call system. Everything has to be 'up to code.' The system must be documented as being safe and reliable." The ability to operate independently of a computer, is also a major boon to reliability. Johnson stated "I wouldn't trust my life to a computer, and neither would your residents. It's important to find a system that operates without relying on a PC, so owners and operators are less exposed to the liability of a system that could fail when needed the most."
Newest wireless systems offer reassurance to both patients and staff. As a result of wireless technology, added security arrives in the form of alarm pagers that can be carried by the retirement home's staff. "The best of these pagers work over a two mile range, so that staff can be notified even if they are out getting lunch or something," added Johnson. "The pagers can even be set up to notify you when the alarm has been canceled. Any good wireless system will offer this flexibility." Wireless offers a bright future for residential care homes. While not yet required by law in every home in every state, the writing is already on the wall that call systems should be mounted on every wall in every assisted or independent-living home throughout the country. If not regulations, consumer demand will surely drive the need for such security measures.
For more information about wireless call systems, call 800-558-8957 or 414-351-4660 or visit http://www.cornell.com.
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