FOR A SECURITY EVALUATION CALL: 844-222-2280

The Importance of Having a Reliable Wander Management System in Healthcare Facilities

Healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living centers, are crucial in providing essential care to individuals with various medical needs. Many of these patients are facing conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, which can lead to potentially dangerous situations due to the potential for wandering. Wander management systems help address these risks.

Understanding Wandering in Healthcare Facilities

Wandering is a behavior characterized by aimless and repetitive movements, which individuals with cognitive impairment can exhibit. Patients or residents with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may experience confusion and disorientation, causing them to wander away from their designated areas. This poses several risks, including the possibility of accidents, injuries, and even elopement, where a person leaves the facility unsupervised, leading to potentially life-threatening situations.

The Role of a Wander Management System

A wander management system is a comprehensive solution designed to enhance the safety and security of vulnerable patients or residents within healthcare facilities. This system utilizes various technologies, such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), GPS (Global Positioning System), and RTLS (Real-Time Location System) to monitor and track individuals with cognitive impairments.

The primary objectives of a reliable wander management system include:

Preventing Elopement: A wander management system can alert staff when a patient or resident approaches an exit or restricted area, reducing the risk of elopement and ensuring immediate intervention.

Improving Response Time: With real-time tracking capabilities, the system enables swift responses to emergencies, falls, or medical crises, ensuring timely medical attention and intervention.

Enhancing Staff Efficiency: The system aids healthcare staff by reducing the time spent searching for wandering patients or residents, allowing them to focus more on delivering quality care to all individuals in the facility.

Providing Peace of Mind: For families and caregivers, knowing that a reliable wander management system protects their loved ones can alleviate anxiety and enhance trust in the healthcare facility.

Benefits of Implementing a Reliable Wander Management System

Enhanced Patient Safety: The primary benefit of a wander management system is the increased safety and protection of patients or residents with cognitive impairments. The system minimizes the risk of falls, injuries, and potential harm by preventing wandering-related incidents.

Reduced Liability and Legal Risks: Implementing a wander management system demonstrates a commitment to patient safety. It can help healthcare facilities avoid potential legal issues arising from elopement or accidents, protecting their reputation and financial standing.

Improved Quality of Care: With the burden of constant supervision reduced through the system’s automated tracking, healthcare staff can focus on providing better care and attention to each patient or resident, enhancing their overall well-being.

Cost-Effectiveness: Though the initial investment may seem substantial, the long-term benefits of a reliable wander management system outweigh the costs. Fewer incidents of elopement and injuries can lead to significant financial savings for the healthcare facility.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of patients or residents with cognitive impairments is a critical responsibility for healthcare facilities. Implementing a reliable wander management system is an essential step toward achieving this goal. By leveraging advanced technologies to track and monitor individuals with wandering tendencies, healthcare facilities can prevent elopement, improve emergency response times, and enhance the overall quality of patient care.

Investing in a wander management system benefits the healthcare facility and brings peace of mind to families and caregivers, knowing their loved ones are in a safe and secure environment. Integrating a wander management system reflects a commitment to providing compassionate care and prioritizing patient safety in healthcare facilities.

ASI Advanced Commercial Security

Video security is a powerfully effective commercial security tool. If you are considering your security options or need an upgrade, call ASI today  844-222-2280