Empowering Carers Through Technology
The job of a care worker, though immensely rewarding, is not without its challenges. A growing demand for social care has seen carers placed under greater strain, with a mounting workload and limited resources.
Increasingly, carers are also exposed to abusive and even violent behaviour from service users and their relatives. Be it deliberate or, as often the case, unintentional.
Such aggression can leave a profound mark on diligent and dedicated care staff.
The solution to many a modern-day problem is often tech and so too is this the case when dealing with today’s care landscape.
Staff Alarm Systems
Tech has proven to be a friend to the care worker, automating administrative tasks, enhancing reporting and, in the case of staff alarm systems, protecting them from potential harm.
What was originally a bell to alert colleagues to the need for assistance has become far more sophisticated. The modern safety alarm is discreet, can be easily attached – if not part of – the wearer’s uniform. It is supremely efficient and designed with the accuracy to pinpoint the exact location of an active call in a ward of over 80 rooms.
With the press of a button, carers have immediate access to a team of responders able to assist, provide cover, and – where needed – intervene to de-escalate high-risk situations. This access instils confidence in staff: confidence that the highest quality of care can be delivered, and confidence in their safety in the workplace.
For overwhelmed care workers, the ability to summon help with the press of a button is incredibly empowering. Be it calling lunchtime cover on a 1-to-1 patient, or requesting urgent assistance with an abusive resident, the alarm offers staff a greater deal of control, assurance and resources while at work.
How does it work?
In Pinpoint’s case, an integrated staff safety system ensures full site security. When activated, a personal staff alarm emits infrared signals to receiver units installed throughout the building. These, in turn, send vital information to display units and devices, such as pagers, and desktops, detailing the exact location and type of call – assistance or emergency.
Within 85 milliseconds of triggering an alarm, colleagues are informed that an incident is taking place and, crucially, exactly where it is in the building.
The application of infrared technology to provide precise, reliable and efficient data is critical here. Rather than rely on WIFI-dependant systems – which are prone to interference and inconsistency – Pinpoint’s infrared systems deliver an accurate, consistent service that care workers can trust. And, for a growing care home population, such precision and dependability have never been more important.
Supporting the Workforce
The presence of high-performance alarm systems in care home settings has proven invaluable to workers.
With increasing demands being placed on care workers due to a growing care home population and staff shortages, the ability to quickly summon additional assistance is crucial to their sense of wellbeing and security.
For staff in St Brigid’s Hospital in Galway, the installation of Pinpoint’s staff alarm system provided reassurance that help was only a button-press away. Maria Donnellan, a Clinical Nurse Manager on the ward, said “If a resident becomes abusive toward a member of the team, or if a patient is choking, staff can quickly call for support and know it will soon be on its way.” As a result, staff report higher levels of job satisfaction and reduced stress caused by the threat of violence.
As the care home environment evolves, so too have alarm systems. Far from the traditional bell caller of old, the modern alarm is a wireless integrated system that ensures a precise and efficient response.
A testament to innovation, the contemporary staff alarm system is a tool to empower care staff in what can be a challenging setting. By enabling immediate response to emergencies, promoting a safe environment, enhancing communication, building confidence, encouraging accountability, facilitating regulatory compliance, and providing peace of mind, staff alarm systems are essential for modern care environments.
Visit www.pinpoint.ltd.uk for further details.
