Security
their safety from both internal and external threats. Digital locking systems help mitigate risks by: 1. Preventing unauthorised access – only authorised personnel can access sensitive areas, reducing the risk of residents wandering into unsafe zones or strangers entering the premises.
2. Safeguarding personal belongings – secure areas for personal items and medications prevent theft and misuse, ensuring that residents’ belongings remain safe.
3. Monitoring and alerts – real-time monitoring and alerts can notify staff of any unauthorised access attempts, enabling swift action to protect residents.
Access control
Managing access within a care home is crucial for maintaining order and security. Providing keys to staff, cleaning teams, and external healthcare providers, suppliers, and contractors can be a minefield, especially when many will have different levels of access authorisation and will need to come and go at different times of day. This logistical headache can swallow huge amounts of admin time, potentially diverting focus away from residents. 1. Customisable access levels – different access levels can be assigned to various staff members based on their roles, ensuring that only those with the appropriate clearance can enter specific areas. Administrators can remotely manage access permissions, monitor door activity, and receive real-time alerts from a centralised platform, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency.
2. Seamless integration – these systems can integrate with existing security protocols and technologies, providing a comprehensive approach to facility management.
Staff accountability
Maintaining high standards of care and operational efficiency depends on staff accountability. This insight can ensure compliance with policies and regulations and provide important information in the case of a security threat or internal investigation. 1. Tracking movement – detailed logs of staff movements can be generated, providing insights into who accessed specific areas and when.
2. Enforcing protocols – ensuring that staff follow protocols for accessing sensitive areas, such as medication storage, enhances compliance and reduces the risk of errors.
3. Performance monitoring – managers can use access data to monitor staff performance and identify any irregularities that may need addressing.
Visitor management Visitors play an essential role in the well- being of care home residents, but managing their access is crucial for security. Visibility, of staff, visitors, and third parties is often needed across multiple zones of a building. Without one central system that can control everything, this can become fraught with potential challenges and security risks, not to mention the drain on resources. 1. Registration and identification – visitors can be registered and issued temporary access credentials, ensuring they can only access designated areas.
2. Visitor tracking – monitoring the movements of visitors within the facility helps ensure they do not enter restricted areas.
3. Enhanced security measures – embedded 46
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3. Time-based access – access can be restricted to certain times of the day, preventing unauthorised movement during off-hours.
access controls add an extra layer of security, making it easier to identify and manage all individuals within the facility.
Conclusion Securing a care home facility is a complex and multifaceted task that requires a combination of advanced technology, well- trained staff, and robust procedures. Investing in a comprehensive access control system is not just about protecting against threats; it is about creating a sense of safety and wellbeing for everyone in the care home community. Incorporating digital locking systems into care home facilities addresses critical security needs, from protecting residents to ensuring efficient emergency responses and maintaining staff accountability. These systems provide a robust framework for managing access, enhancing safety, and improving overall operational efficiency. As the care home sector continues
to evolve, embracing advanced security solutions like digital locking systems will be essential for fostering a secure and supportive environment for residents, staff, and visitors alike.
Reference 1
https://omdia.tech.informa.com/ insights/2024/physical-security-and- critical-communications-trends-to- watch-2024
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Bruce Donald
Bruce Donald is national sales manager UK & Ireland for digital locking system and access control solution provider SimonsVoss. An ex-premiership rugby player, he has worked in the access control sector for many years and is a prominent spokesperson on the benefits of a keyless future.
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