Essential Security Measures For Senior Living Facilities

Here are 5 assisted living security steps every facility should include as part of their safety plan to look after residents:

1. Specialized Access Control for Memory Care

Residents of memory care wings might be extremely physically capable. They could quickly walk to another part of the building or perhaps out of an exit door if their section of the building is not appropriately secured. That’s why customized access control is a need to for assisted living and long-term care facilities that house residents or patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

When we work with facilities that have memory care units, we recommend the following to guarantee the security of patients with memory loss:

Limited entry points – Memory care wings should have only one point of entry and exit (plus a fire exit). Limiting points of entry and exit to this wing make it easier for your personnel to watch patients by controlling how they move throughout the facility.

Credential technology – As part of your access control system, we suggest utilizing credential technology, such as a proximity card, key fobs or PIN codes, to get in or leave memory care wings. That way, patients can only access certain parts of the facility with the assistance of a team member.

2. Perimeter access control

While your memory care wing needs specialized security procedures, the entire building should likewise take actions to keep residents and personnel safe with regulated access points to leave the building and enter. This helps avoid a possible intrusion or entrance by someone who should not be on-site. Plus, this helps keep patients from exiting the building without staff or a family member accompanying them.

At a minimum, all retirement homes, assisted living communities and long-term care facilities should have these aspects:

Front and back entrance access control for staff and visitors. The front door should include an intercom or a staffed double-entry for registration of guests. This helps guarantee that everybody who gets in the building has the appropriate consent to be there.

An alarm that allows personnel to get notices when the door opens or closes after hours. These alarms alert staff through pager or smart device message, and devices at the nurse’s station, all at the same time.

24 hour security guards. There are many private security companies in Texas that offer 24 hour security guards, but at Pro Security Group there are security professionals of Texas that understand the importance of safety and security measures that need to be in place for assisted living and long term care facilities. 24 hour security guards can offer help to senior housing management in manning the entrance ways and keeping an extra eye on residents.

These measures will help manage the entryway of visitors to the facility, but also keep the residents and patients safe by preventing them from being able to leave the building at certain times.

3. Fire Alarm & Detection

Fire systems are vital (and obligatory) for any building, however they are especially important in a facility that takes care of individuals with mobility challenges who may require additional time to evacuate in the occasion of an emergency situation.

Facilities that care for medically fragile patients should have a system that can monitor each part of the building and alert staff and first responders of a fire as quickly as possible.

Fire dangers can originate from patients and personnel. Consider these prospective issues:

Independent living suites with big and/or little appliances;

The primary kitchen where meals are prepared for all residents;

Oxygen tanks and other highly combustible medical equipment; and

Cigarettes and lighters for those with smoking privileges.

Ensure that you work with security professionals of Texas that can take these issues into consideration and develop a tailored system that meets the specific needs of your facility.

4. In-room patient monitoring

Motion sensors can be added to spaces to track when and just how much residents remain in bed. They inform the personnel when a resident is rising, so that staff can take care of them and avoid falls or accidents.

Senior monitoring devices such as wireless pendants can be worn by residents around their neck or on a band (like a watch) and are wirelessly connected to the nurse call system. When the user presses a button on the pendant, an alarm signals and shows nurses where to find the patient.

GPS tracked systems can be added to wireless pendants to track a user’s location. This can be especially helpful for memory care patients who are able and mobile to move throughout the facility easily. This additional feature will allow you to discover the patient anywhere in the facility.

5. Video Surveillance

Cameras for surveillance aren’t just to track the location of residents. In reality, lots of assisted living and retirement facilities find video monitoring beneficial for these uses:

Quality assurance. Video cameras can help guarantee quality assurance of personnel in dispensing controlled substances such as medication, and managing other resources.

Property protection from theft and/or vandalism. Video cameras can serve as a deterrent for theft in the facility and provide security for guests, personnel, and residents. We at Pro Security Group advise cameras inside the building and along the exterior perimeter and in the parking area.

Our video surveillance technology can even be configured to be triggered by a motion sensor, start recording and notify users in the event of trespassing.

Stop Worrying About Your Assisted Living Facility’s Security