Security This not only reduces administrative


workload but also supports regulatory compliance. Many care facilities must adhere to strict security and safety regulations. Digital access systems provide an auditable record, ensuring compliance with ease and reducing the risk of penalties or security breaches. Moreover, facility managers can customise access permissions for different roles. Nurses, administrative staff, maintenance teams, and external contractors can all have tailored access that meets their specific requirements while keeping sensitive areas restricted. This granular level of control eliminates the risks associated with traditional key duplication and circulation.


Addressing staffing and security challenges Digital access systems also offer significant operational flexibility. Care homes can benefit from the ability to manage access remotely using cloud-based platforms, addressing unexpected staffing changes or security needs.


New staff can be onboarded instantly,


contractors can be granted temporary access that expires automatically, and in the event of security concerns, access can be revoked in real time. This responsiveness ensures that security is maintained at all times, even in the face of unforeseen changes. The flexibility and security benefits of digital access systems have never been more important with the rise of temporary and agency staff. The Nuffield Trust reports that care homes are facing severe recruitment and retention challenges. While staffing levels in older adult care homes showed a


Digital Lock FAQs


Can a digital locking system be installed in older care facility buildings? Yes. Digital locks should not only be considered for new build care facilities – older buildings can have access to this vital technology too. The ability to be able to retrofit is crucial and should be top of your list of questions if you currently manage an old building or facility and are interested in upgrading to a digital lock system.


Will a new digital lock system damage existing doors? There is no need for any damage. With the best digital locking systems, you do not need to drill into an existing door. The technology is designed to handle virtually any door installation type, cause no damage, and has the ability to change each door to a digital locking system in a matter of minutes – it should be as simple as that. Many digital door access control systems can be either hardwired or wireless. For ultimate flexibility and ease of use, a wireless system would be preferable. This will operate off a battery and be programmed via easy to use software.


Are battery powered digital locks reliable? Yes. For example, our AX2Go system works with wireless door hardware featuring a battery life of up to 12 years and can facilitate up to 15 locking plans and 960,000 locks. This long-term reliability is not only more cost-effective than hardwired systems, but also reduces maintenance and hardware replacement needs over time. Replacing a battery is a


quick and simple process too – it can be completed in 20 seconds.


Do digital locking systems have multiple access levels?


This is a crucial part of the system. Every care establishment will need to set different levels of access for different personnel – staff, residents, and external visitors. It is becoming an increasingly critical requirement and even if it is not necessary for you today, it will be in the coming years as security tightens further and buildings need to become even more adaptable and flexible to meet the needs of all users.


Can access levels be altered? Yes. Any manager knows that these need to change – potentially during each day. With digital locks, these can be pre-set; for instance, to provide the cleaning staff with entry out of hours. This access can then be automatically switched on and off to suit shift patterns, visiting hours and the working hours or staff or external suppliers.


What about areas that need to be kept ‘out of bounds’? These can be controlled separately. A digital access control system should provide you with the ability to limit access to the authorised few, giving you a further layer of detailed control over your entire facility. This will be crucial where there is sensitive data, controlled substances to be kept secure and out of reach to all but authorised staff.


June 2025 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 27


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