Experts predict that the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in the U.S. will
triple by the year 2050–from 5 million currently to over 13 million. This will increase the demand for skilled nursing facilities able to accommodate the security concerns posed by resident wandering and elopement.
Perimeter-based, radio frequency identification enabled wandering systems are an effective and unobtrusive way to protect against this threat in nursing facilities and the associated liability. Wandering systems give people with Alzheimer’s the ability to enjoy their surroundings without needing direct supervision but maintaining their protection with a secured perimeter. By utilizing
advanced RFID technology, wandering systems let facility staff direct their attention to the care of residents rather than monitor potential security and liability concerns posed by wandering and elopement.
There are a variety considerations
that care facilities should thinks about before they choosing a wandering system such as: the total cost of ownership, the instance of false alarms, multiple system integration, industry standard and regulatory compliance, technical support and customer service.
Installation costs, training time, the ability to upgrade, replacement components, operation costs, and responsive customer support will all contribute to the total cost of ownership of a wandering system in a residential nursing facility. Deciding how these will influence your facility’s choice is key to finding a wandering system that meets your needs. It is important to select a wandering system that meets your current security situation and allows you to easily upgrade in the future to meet your facility’s expanding needs.
Perimeter-based resident wandering systems are one of the protective measures used in a skilled nursing environment. As your executive team considers different security options to protect against wandering and elopement, be sure to understand how they integrate with the existing systems your staff uses every day: nurse call, electronic access control (EAC), closed-circuit television (CCTV), fall detection, paging, etc.
Radio frequency identification enabled wandering systems may experience interference from common electronic devices. Mobile phones, lighting ballasts, floor buffers and other sources of general electromagnetic interference can potentially interfere with the function of the RFID security systems within your facility, resulting in false alarms. Repeated false alarms often lead to alarm fatigue and a dismissive distrust of the wandering system by your staff. It is critical that you choose an RFID-enabled wandering system employing technology that minimizes the risk of interference from electronic devices and has a proven record of alarm integrity.
Facilities entrusted with the care of residents who pose a risk of wandering and elopement are subject to many regulatory and insurance mandated protocols and equipment requirements. It is important to be sure that wandering systems are compliant with NFPA, FCC, NEC, CA, ETL and JCAHO requirements.
If your facility cares for patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, your wandering systems must work effectively all the time. This is why it is important to select a wandering system backed by 24 hour technical support, a warranty, and the availability of local installation and service technicians.
As the number of people being treated for dementia rapidly increases, so will the need for skilled nursing care equipped to protect residents at risk of wandering and elopement. Residential nursing facilities who care for patients suffering from dementia must meet regulatory requirements as well as face legal threats pertaining to wandering and elopement–In 2009, 10% of litigation against long term care facilities involved an elopement, with an average out-of-court settlement of $393,650.00. It requires
RFID-enabled, perimeter-based wandering systems to monitor this population and mitigate the associated liability. All of aspects of the total cost of ownership and other factors should be considered as you choose what wandering system is the best fit for your facility.
