Connectivity


electronic health records (EHRs) and internal communications. According to a report published last summer by telecoms infrastructure firm Cellnex, healthcare staff lose on average 31 minutes per day due to connectivity delays. Poor Wi-Fi also undermines


communication, causes frustration, increases stress and contributes to retention issues. Within a care home, slow or unstable Wi-


Fi can result in delays accessing information, coordinating resident care, communicating with external healthcare professionals or loading cloud-based systems. Many care homes use telecare


devices such as pendants, fall detectors, environmental sensors, alarms, CCTV, nurse-call systems and lift alarms. These systems increasingly depend on digital connectivity rather than analogue phone lines. With the upcoming digital switchover


looming, such devices need to migrate to Internet Protocol (IP) or VoIP to maintain internet connectivity and remain functional. If Wi-Fi is weak or there are dead zones,


dropped signals or congestion, resident safety may be compromised. A site-wide resilient Wi-Fi network helps ensure continuity of communication, monitoring and alarms.


Connectivity challenges Many care homes are older buildings with thick walls, multiple rooms, corridors, annexes and perhaps outdoor areas. Wi-Fi signals struggle with physical obstruction, long runs and dead zones. A single router in the office area is rarely sufficient for site-wide coverage. Extensive access point deployment, mesh networks or strategically placed repeaters may be needed. Meanwhile, many residents now use tablets, smart TVs, streaming services


and IoT devices simultaneously. Staff use handheld devices, streaming training materials, video calls and remote monitoring, and sometimes residents do the same. This device density can overwhelm older networks. On top of this, many care homes in


rural or remote locations often face limited infrastructure options. Fibre reach may be low, and shared bandwidth or wireless alternatives may be the only choice. The slow rollout of rural programmes, shared bandwidth congestion and lack of funding remain challenging. These connectivity constraints make


Wi-Fi planning and alternative access (wireless fibre, satellite) even more critical. Many systems still rely on analogue phone


lines or copper infrastructure for alarms, telecare, lifts and security systems. With the Public Switched Telephone Network


What upgrades should care home providers consider?


Here’s a comprehensive upgrade roadmap tailored for care home Wi-Fi infrastructure.


Step 1: Conduct a professional site survey Before any upgrade, start with a detailed survey of your premises. Identify: Signal weak spots and dead zones; areas of high device density (lounges, dining rooms, staff areas); structural issues affecting signal (thick walls, metal frames, lifts, annex buildings); use of analogue- dependent systems needing migration


Step 2: Upgrade broadband connection The Wi-Fi network is only as good as the internet feed it sits on. Consider: Full-fibre (FTTP) connections for high-speed, low- latency service; leased lines or dedicated business fibre for guaranteed bandwidth; wireless fibre or satellite for rural buildings lacking fibre infrastructure; backup connectivity (4G/5G failover, secondary link) to protect alarms and telecare systems.


Step 3: Deploy a robust Wi-Fi architecture Use multiple access points (APs) across the site, linked via a managed backbone (often wired) and centrally controlled. Consider Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E (or even


early Wi-Fi 7) to support dense device usage and high throughput. If cabling across the home isn’t viable,


consider a Mesh unit system. Create separate Service Set Identifier


(SSID) for residents, staff, guests and Internet of Things (IoT) telecare systems to prioritise and segment traffic accordingly. Ensure controller, monitoring and analytics systems are in place to manage network health and plan growth.


Step 4: Implement redundancy and high availability Deploy Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for key network and telephony/voice hardware so connectivity remains during outages. Consider dual-WAN or failover links (e.g.,


a secondary internet connection and/or 4G/5G router) to maintain critical services.


Step 5: Audit and migrate legacy systems Identify any devices still relying on analogue lines (telecare pendants, alarms, interfaced nurse call systems, lifts) and check compatibility with digital services. Work with suppliers to ensure devices support IP operation or migrate them before analogue phase-out. Update telephony systems to VoIP or digital voice solutions, integrated with your Wi-Fi network.


Step 6: Ensure security, compliance and monitoring Segment IoT/telecare devices on isolated virtual local area networks (VLANs) to reduce risk of interference or cyber threat.


Monitor network performance and


conduct regular audits of firmware, devices and Wi-Fi health. Provide training for staff on Wi-Fi usage,


guest access policy, data protection and network hygiene as many care homes cite digital-skills as a barrier.


Step 7: Plan for the future As digital care continues to evolve, it’s essential that care homes plan and design their connectivity with future growth in mind. Emerging technologies such as Wi-Fi 7, increased IoT adoption, and advanced remote monitoring systems are set to transform how care is delivered. To stay ahead, care providers should build a scalable Wi-Fi architecture capable of supporting high-demand applications like video- based care, virtual GP consultations, and intelligent “smart room” technology that enhances resident safety and comfort. Equally important is ensuring that


your contract with a connectivity provider allows for ongoing flexibility, enabling easy upgrades, proactive service reviews, and the ability to scale as your digital requirements expand. By future-proofing your network now, you can safeguard your investment, ensure service continuity, and be ready to embrace the next wave of digital innovation in care.


May 2026 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 33


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