Which Nurse Call Button is Best for Nursing Homes?

In Belgium, a recent study reveals that the average response time to resident calls in nursing homes is 7 minutes, a delay that can lead to anxiety and feelings of isolation. The choice of nurse call system, and more specifically the type of call button, directly impacts this responsiveness and the quality of care. This article explores the different types of buttons available, their advantages and disadvantages, and guides you towards the most suitable solution for your facility. Why is the choice of nurse call button crucial? The nurse call button is more than just an accessory. It represents a vital link between the resident and the care team, ensuring rapid assistance when needed. A judicious choice reduces resident stress, improves staff efficiency and optimizes care organization. In short, it significantly contributes to the quality of life within the facility. Impact on reactivity and security A high-performance nurse call system, with well-placed and easy-to-use call buttons, significantly reduces response time. An anonymized nursing home in the province of Liège saw a 30% reduction in waiting time after modernizing its system, thus increasing the safety of residents, especially at night or in an emergency. Ergonomics and accessibility for residents Ergonomics are paramount. The button should be easy to manipulate, even for elderly people with motor or vision problems. A button that is too small, too hard to press or poorly placed can become unusable. Consider testing different models with a panel of residents to gather their impressions. What types of nurse call buttons are available? There are a variety of call buttons, each with its own characteristics. The choice will depend on the specific needs of your residents and your facility. Traditional wired buttons: Simple, reliable and economical. Wireless buttons: Offer greater freedom of movement for residents. Portable call buttons (bracelets, necklaces): Allow residents to call for help wherever they are. Voice call systems: Useful for residents with difficulty manipulating buttons. Connected fall sensors: Automatically detect falls and alert staff. Advantages and disadvantages of each type Each type of call button has advantages and disadvantages that should be carefully weighed. For example, wired buttons are inexpensive but limit mobility, while wireless buttons offer more freedom but require maintenance (battery changes, range checks). An establishment in Flanders has opted for a combination of wired buttons in the rooms and wireless call bracelets for the common areas, offering a flexible solution adapted to different needs. The importance of integration with the nurse call system The call button is just one element of a larger system. It is crucial to ensure that it is perfectly integrated into your facility's nurse call system. Good integration allows for rapid and reliable transmission of alerts, as well as accurate identification of the resident who needs help. How to choose the ideal nurse call button for your nursing home? Choosing the right nurse call button requires a thorough analysis of your needs and constraints. Here are some criteria to consider. Evaluate the specific needs of your residents Consider the average age of your residents, their level of autonomy, their health problems and their preferences. A resident suffering from Parkinson's disease will need an easy-to-manipulate button, while a disoriented resident will benefit from a call bracelet with geolocation. Consider the environment of the establishment The configuration of your nursing home also plays a role. In a facility with long corridors, wireless buttons with extended range are essential. The presence of areas with interference (thick walls, elevators) can also affect the reliability of wireless systems. Also consider integration with other security systems, such as fire detection. Consider the budget and maintenance costs The initial cost is not the only factor to consider. Consider maintenance, battery replacement, repair and staff training costs. A more expensive system to purchase may prove more economical in the long run if it is more reliable and requires less maintenance. How to optimize the use of existing nurse call buttons? Even with the best nurse call system, optimal use is essential. Here are some tips to improve the efficiency of your current system. Staff training: Make sure that all staff members are trained in the use of the system and know the protocols to follow in the event of a call. Regular maintenance: Regularly check the condition of the buttons, replace the batteries, test the range of the wireless systems. Data analysis: Analyze call data to identify recurring problems and optimize care organization. Communication with residents and their families: Explain to residents how to use the system and reassure their families as to its reliability. Checklist: Choosing and deploying an effective nurse call system Define the specific needs of the residents. Evaluate the configuration of the establishment. Compare the different types of call buttons and their costs. Choose a compatible and scalable nurse call system. Train staff in the use of the system. Establish a regular maintenance plan. Analyze call data to optimize care. For more information, you can consult our articles on managing call response time in nursing homes and care assistance technologies in Belgium. HealthCall can assist you in implementing a tailor-made solution. Conclusion The choice of the most suitable nurse call button is an essential investment to improve the quality of life of residents and the efficiency of staff in nursing homes. By taking into account the specific needs of your residents, the configuration of your facility and your budget, you can choose a high-performance and sustainable solution. The next step is to concretely evaluate the different options available on the market and seek the opinion of your care teams.