Ditch pull-cords and embrace the future of wireless nurse call

For Ruth*, a senior living caregiver-turned-executive, pull-cords were one of the banes of her job. The cords would get jammed inside the device or fall behind the lever, rendering them useless. Sometimes, she said, the cord broke off or disappeared altogether, leaving only a handle for the resident to pull when they needed assistance. The cords also proved outright unsafe in certain scenarios. “I’ve actually had a resident get tangled in the cord,” she said. “It was hanging on the floor, got tangled around her ankle, and she fell.” In another instance, a cord got wrapped around a resident’s wrist.‍

‍In senior living, safety and reliability are paramount. Unfortunately, there are countless stories of pull cords malfunctioning, tangling, or causing injuries. Traditional pull cord systems, once considered the gold standard in emergency response, are now considered outdated. You don’t want your safety system causing safety issues. Read on to learn how updated wireless systems redefine safety standards with unmatched flexibility and reliability, ensuring that senior communities are not held back by antiquated solutions.‍

Flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of wireless call systems is their flexibility. Unlike pull cords, which are limited by the need for physical installation and the fixed location of cords, wireless systems offer the freedom to design customized setups. This ensures that every senior living community can tailor their safety system to meet their unique needs. With Sage, for example, we place call buttons within easy reach throughout residential spaces and provide pendants that residents can wear. Wireless systems’ ability to adapt to the environment and needs enhances overall safety and accessibility.‍

Reliability and durability

Traditional pull cord systems are prone to wear and tear. Over time, cords can jam, tangle, or break, leading to malfunctions or false alarms. Hardwired systems are difficult to repair or replace, and their failures often go unnoticed until it's too late. These issues not only pose safety risks but also require costly and time-consuming repairs. If communities fail to keep pull cords up-to-date, they could even face a lawsuit if a nurse call goes unanswered.

In contrast, wireless systems are designed for durability and reliability. Sage’s alert buttons are waterproof, have a battery life of two years, and can be easily and inexpensively replaced. By eliminating the physical constraints of cords, wireless technology ensures that signals are transmitted quickly and accurately. This reliability is crucial in emergencies, where every second counts. What’s more, wireless systems provide continuous monitoring and immediate alerts in case of mechanical issues, ensuring that problems are proactively addressed before they escalate.‍

Ease of use for all

For senior residents and their caregivers, ease of use is a critical factor in emergency response systems. Residents need to be able to activate their system regardless of their mobility or other factors. Traditional pull cords can be challenging for some residents to reach or operate, especially in moments of distress. Wireless systems, on the other hand, are designed with user-friendliness in mind. Many residents prefer a pendant they can wear on their body, which might include fall detection. With simple interfaces and intuitive operation, residents and team members can quickly understand and utilize the features of a wireless system. This enhances efficiency, reduces response times, and ultimately saves lives.‍

Enhanced safety features beyond the basics

Wireless call systems don’t just replace pull cords, they can offer a suite of advanced safety features that enhance security and monitoring. Location tracking and automated alerts provide an added layer of protection for both residents and caregivers. With Sage, incident alerts are pushed out to caregivers’ devices letting them know which resident needs help and where they are, enabling quick and accurate responses to emergencies.

Sage also includes advanced data analytics and integrated communication capabilities. Once a resident hits their alert button, the platform begins tracking how long it takes a caregiver to respond and what care was provided. Caregivers can tag in other caregivers on duty or escalate the alert, as needed. All of this data is collected into Sage’s advanced dashboard, which displays the number of incidents per resident, average incident response times community-wide, and average response times at the caregiver level so operators can work to improve staffing levels, change care plans as needed, reward high-performing caregivers, and support caregivers who need help. As a result, Sage-enabled communities see a 50% faster incident response time and more satisfied residents and caregivers.‍

Scalability for a future-proofed community

As senior living communities grow and evolve, their safety systems must keep up. Traditional pull cords require extensive rewiring and infrastructure changes to accommodate expansions or modifications, making them an inflexible and costly solution. Wireless systems, on the other hand, offer seamless scalability. They can easily integrate additional features or upgrades, such as advanced safety mechanisms or expanded coverage areas, without the need for disruptive changes to the physical infrastructure. With Sage, if more rooms are added to a community, new alert buttons can be installed in mere minutes. This scalability ensures that senior living communities can adapt to future needs and continue providing top-notch safety and care.

The limitations of traditional pull cord systems are clear: They’re prone to malfunctions and accidents, can be difficult to repair, and lack the flexibility and advanced features expected in a modern senior living community. Wireless call systems, on the other hand, offer a robust and reliable alternative, providing flexibility, ease of use, scalability, and enhanced safety features. By transitioning to a modern wireless call system, senior living communities can redefine their approach to safety, ensuring that they are equipped to meet safety challenges today—and in the future. If you’re ready to leave pull cords behind and step into a new era of emergency response, contact us to set up a demo.

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