Tech investment for resident security

Dismissing patient and caregiver concerns has recently been identified as the top patient safety threat across all healthcare settings. That’s followed by issues ranging from artificial intelligence to medical misinformation to delays in care caused by cyber-security breaches. Sector experts assess the landscape in their unique way here.

Lifting the veil off anything unknown often sheds ight on other security risks. A strong example is real-time location services (RTLS), which can increase awareness of overall security.

“Senior care communities face a range of critical threats, including resident identity theft, medication errors, elopement and infection risks,” said Brandan Wolf, CenTrak’s director of channel sales-senior care.

“By partnering with a strategic RTLS provider and scaling technology as needed, communities can protect both their residents and their budget. To minimize medication errors, for example, RTLS-enabled environmental monitoring ensures medications are stored at safe, consistent temperatures, maintaining efficacy and reducing risk.”

At the core of RTLS is keeping track of supplies and people. Josh Studzinski, chief growth officer for CarePredict, said RTLS monitoring “can significantly enhance patient and staff safety by providing accurate and timely data on their location, allowing two-way communication for situations that may require immediate assistance such as rapid responses, disaster plans, emergency evacuation and active shooter scenarios.”

“Disaster programs need to evolve from being top-down, lumbering programs, to nimble leadership-focused skills and training,” advised Patrick Hardy, president of Hytropy.com. Reassessing dangers, starting at the front door, can be the best way to find hidden threats. “Facilities can address these risks by implementing strict visitor management protocols, requiring ID verification, visitor badges, purpose-of-visit tracking, and real-time digital logs, said Charles Mann, founder of Accushield.

Proper monitoring can also support accountability on multiple fronts, including the top line worry of falls. For example, smart lighting equipped with motion sensors and predictive analytics can alert caregivers when a resident’s movements suggest an elevated fall risk.

Some systems with advanced nurse-call platforms also can shorten response times, boosting overall safety, said Scott Code, vice president, LeadingAge Center for Aging Services Technologies.

With administration support, frontline nurses can marshal technology to help account for staffing gaps. Automation can provide extra hands and eyes, including through bed systems that reduce the need for routine room checks and let caregivers zero in on needier patients. Pressure-sensor pads under each mattress can alert staff on phones or tablets, so the closest aide can head straight to the room without detouring past a nurses station, Code explained.

Consider various time-saving security solutions that could be overlooked. Among them are the numer ous kinds of so-called “smart” devices that automate once routine – though important tasks.

“Smart Home technology enables residents to customize room temperature, lighting and ventilation based on their preferences and needs using automated systems and voice commands,” said Studzinski. “This allows for personalized comfort and energy efficiency according to individual preference or routines.

“Current infection control technology can assist with hand hygiene compliance, surface cleaning/disinfections systems, air filtration, contact tracing, health screening and infection surveillance, control and reporting software,” added Code. Certain air filtration systems can help lower infections and staff call-outs, he noted.

Carefully monitor innovations that are happening at a brisk pace. “It’s important to focus on solutions that directly support resident safety, staff efficiency and informed decision-making,” advised Wolf.

“Together, these connected solutions create a smarter, safer environment—allowing senior living communities to elevate care while supporting a stretched workforce.”

Before becoming inundated with choices, Code warns operators to begin with a strategic plan — “not the latest headline.”

“Technology only delivers value when it advances the organization’s mission and top objectives,” he said.

From the July/August 2025 Issue of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News