Bruce Donald, UK and Ireland Manager for SimonsVoss, experts in digital access and locking systems, outlines the benefits UK care homes can gain from embracing a keyless future.
According to Carehome.co.uk, there are around 16,700 care homes across the UK that are home to almost 500,000 people and employ just shy of one million members of staff.
An ageing population is an indication of what many of us know to be true – care homes and assisted living facilities are under pressure, with staff and external care providers focussed on providing the highest level of care that maintains the health, safety and wellbeing of residents.
With this pressure comes a growing desire to modernise elements of infrastructure and automate processes, such as replacing mechanical lock and keys with keyless entry systems, also known as keyless access control systems.
The automation that these digital solutions offer, allows staff to focus their time and effort on delivering a high level of care, removing the risk associated with lost or stolen keys, or doors left unlocked, while also affording residents and their families peace of mind that they are in an environment that is centred around their safety and wellbeing.
What are keyless entry systems?
Keyless entry systems are electronic door security systems, that are also often referred to by a myriad of other terms, including ‘access control systems’ and ‘digital locking systems’.
Essentially, they are a highly secure combination of technology and hardware that remove the need for traditional lock and keys.
In essence, these systems are a connected network of keyless locks that are activated when preprogramed key cards, fobs or transponders are presented.
The beauty of digital systems means that the safety and security of a facility is never in jeopardy as authorisation levels can be instantly revoked and adjusted using a central platform. Not only does this drastically minimise risk, but it also mitigates the costs associated with replacing mechanical locks.
Are keyless systems safer than traditional locks?
Care homes present a unique set of requirements, and the meaning of ‘safety and security’ can take on many shapes and forms – but keyless entry is aligned with them all.
Keyless systems provide a higher level of security and safety in a physical sense, as access rights can be amended, limited and revoked completely, instantly and in real time – but a greater level of security also lies in the data the systems collect.
These systems provide accurate audit trails. Each access log is recorded for every user and can provide an accurate record of movements and access from internal and external doors to maintenance rooms and drug cabinets.
How does a keyless entry system benefit staff and residents of care homes?
Accessibility
It’s no secret that as we age, our fine motor skills and mobility can suffer, and overall strength and co-ordination can decline, and everyday tasks can become obstacles. These environments are crying out for doors that can be unlocked easily, without the difficulties that can occur when entering a key into a lock.
The same logic can be applied to urgent situations whereby staff may need to unlock multiple doors to reach a resident – keyless systems remove the constraints association with traditional locking systems.
Automation
In people-centric environments such as care homes, any systems that can offer automation relieves an element of burden and allows staff to focus on the sole purpose of their job – delivering a high standard of care.
By programming access rights that correlate to an individual’s position, seniority and even shift pattern or visiting hours, staff are no longer required to encounter cumbersome activities such as constantly providing access, manually signing keys in and out or remembering to change keypad combinations on a regular basis.
Increased control, visibility and security
Keys can be lost, stolen but perhaps more frightening – keys can be copied, and present a very real threat should they end up in the hands of those with ill intent.
Removing the use of keys removes associated risks and reduces threat level. Having the ability to control from a high level, the access that individuals have to areas of a building, and even restricting the times they have access – greatly improves the level of security, control and visibility of the care home.
Cost efficiency
Keyless entry systems offer a number of opportunities for cost efficiencies to be made. An obvious one is eliminating costs associated with replacing locks should keys be lost or stolen, or through general wear and tear.
Keyless entry systems also do not require hard wiring. This means that the cost is a quarter of a hard-wired access control system. This also means that they do not require costly power to provide security.
In care homes and assisted living facilities, a harmonious blend of security, accessibility, and privacy is crucial. Residents, visitors, nursing staff, and service providers all require seamless access. Keyless access control systems offer the ideal solution, ensuring everyone can move freely to do their jobs efficiency whilst respecting residents’ privacy, and maintaining the necessary levels of security.
For more information on SimonsVoss keyless entry and digital locking solutions, contact Bruce and his team.
