Wi-Fi Tags Reduce Risk of Falling at Elder-Care Facility

"We spent a great deal of time ensuring that we understood the work patterns of staff, how they interacted with residents and each other, and what information they needed to know, and then configuring the technology to integrate it as seamlessly as possible," Gilchrist states. "We were not looking to change how nurses worked, or how residents requested staff assistance, but rather to provide seamless, almost invisible technological improvements. The system was deployed live across the facility in a day, following compulsory education held three times each day for a week."

According to Gilchrist, the benefits have gone beyond what Samarinda Lodge expected, with versatility, flexibility and mobility being the greatest payback.

"It benefits residents through improved care, response time, sense of security, reduced anxiety and greater confidence in being independent," she says. "For staff, it reduces time wasted looking for residents and equipment, improves the management of emergencies, improves staff morale, and increases direct communication between staff."

What's more, Gilchrist notes, the system has helped Samarinda improve its efficiency and productivity, as well as recruitment and retention.

"We expect a return on investment in less than a year, as the annual return on staff efficiency improvements exceeds the capital cost," Gilchrist says. "We can also leverage the existing infrastructure across other systems. I have a long list for utilizing the system more fully, such as enhancing security of clients with dementia. For example, when a person with dementia is not where they are supposed to be, AeroScout's solution can locate the person. In addition, it can be set up to trigger an alert if a person leaves a defined area or enters a restricted zone, and an alert is sent to staff warning them that someone may be wandering or eloping."