Special Care Systems Article
Here is a recent article written by Myron Kowal that appeared in the Genesee Health Facilities Association's February Newsletter. Click Here to view the Newsletter in its entirety.
RESIDENT ELOPEMENT SAFETY
BY MYRON KOWAL OF SPECIAL CARE SYSTEMS.
Let's talk about Access, Egress, Security, Safety and Monitoring. All these terms are commonly used when talking about resident wandering issues. But what's right for your facility, your residents? The best way to start is to define your scope.
Access Systems get you into places where only the authorized should go. These systems use ID cards, Key FOBS, Key pads and even Retinal scanners. In these systems, the doors are always locked from the outside and generally let people out freely with the use of request to exit button, or a motion sensor. It can also give you a clue as to the comings and goings of people.
Security Systems generally want to catch or stop somebody from taking things or doing harm. So you secure the entrances with alarms that go off if a code or key is not used. These systems also provide for remote notification to a central station, police or fire. They are designed to keep unauthorized people out.
Wander Detection Systems use tags or transmitters affixed to residents to activate locks or alarms. This is call RFID or radio frequency identification. Most systems work like your Easy Pass. When you get close to the door, a transmitting exciter antenna activates the transmitter in the tag and a receiving antenna picks up the tag. They are designed to keep some people in and let others move freely.
Delayed Egress is generally a magnetically locked door that will open when bypassed or if constant pressure is placed on the door for 15 or 30 seconds. The door usually has a local sounder alarm and will deactivate if the fire alarm is activated. You are not allowed to have more than (1) one delayed egress door on your way out of a building. Delayed egress is designed to keep people in, unless there is an emergency or the door is otherwise by passed.
What about GPS or Global Positioning Systems? Cool technology for tracking trucks and animals that live out doors but for now it still won't protect wanderers in a facility. There is a Company called Wherify that sells personal tracking systems that you can check out on the web if you're curious.
There is no one size fits all. The more sophisticated you get, the more money you will spend. And then there's the management factor. RFID Badges need periodic testing and an accurate record must be kept of who in fact has what badge. There are also assessment and dignity issues to deal with. Key cards can get expensive quickly and may only be ractical on larger facilities. Keypads and magnetic locks work great but they also restrict movement of staff and create inconveniences. So how do you balance the risk factor with cost and effectiveness? Become familiar with your facility from another perspective. Pretend your sneaking out or hiding. Get out a map of your facility and identify potential problem areas. Find out what your insurance company and the DOH think about these systems. Then call a professional. Explain your concerns and what you've learned and discuss your options. Get two or three opinions and quotes before you decide. Don't just say "I need a Wander System" there are options that could save you money and keep your residents and staff safe.
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