The importance of access control systems in nursing homes

Nursing homes face many unique security risks compared to other buildings and facilities. These risks can come from both the outside and the inside. Access control to a nursing home, and within the home, is of utmost importance to ensure the safety of residents, equipment and medications. The quality of life of all residents should also be at the forefront as it is their home. The last thing you want to do is make them feel like prisoners. The right form of access control can help them feel protected, while also allowing them to have the freedom to move around safely.

The most common risks within a nursing home

Nursing homes house a lot of valuable medical equipment, as well as stock substantial quantities of medication. There are also patient records kept on-site, which need to be protected. Criminals may target nursing homes as it's easy to blend in with regular traffic since staff are often extremely busy caring for residents. As many residents within nursing homes have medical problems, they can quickly be taken advantage of if a stranger were to enter and attempt to have them sign something or steal from them.

Beyond the external risks, there are also risks internally. You don't want residents leaving the facility or making their way into places they shouldn't be. If a resident has dementia or Alzheimer's and leaves the home, it can put them at tremendous risk. Alternatively, if residents get into the medical storage area, they may consume medications, which is extremely dangerous.

How access control systems can help

Access control is the first line of defence against intruders and the best way to keep residents safe. Jackson Fire & Security (at https://jacksonfire.co.uk/) provide customisable access control options based on the needs of your nursing home. They protect residents from people who shouldn't be in the home as only authorised visitors can enter. They will also prevent vulnerable residents from wandering off and getting lost, putting their health and safety at risk. Access control allows the nursing home to close off areas containing valuable equipment and medications.

There are many options available for access control, depending on the needs and size of the home. It can integrate with additional security systems such as alarms, external perimeters, and CCTV. Each staff member, depending on their position, can receive customised access to specific areas of the nursing home. For example, the janitor would not need access to the medication room.

Different types of access control

You can equip each entrance to the nursing home with door access control, as well as any doors within the facility. There are a variety of options depending on the level of security you need. There are keypads, where visitors can enter a PIN code to gain access, which may be a good option for front entrance doors. There are also keycard options which can be digitally configured to allow members of staff authorisation. Biometric access control is also available for areas where you require high security.