Working with integrator Sigmamed, residents were issued Elpas healthcare positioning tags that serve as an active RFID transmitter. The tags work in conjunction with readers installed throughout the two buildings — one existing and one newly constructed building — that encompass the facility, which opened in 2004. Residents’ RFID tags are monitored via computers at three nurses stations within Or Yom Nursing Home.

“With the deployment of the Elpas RTLS wireless nurse call solution, residents and staff alike now have the assurance that distress calls will be handled quickly and efficiently throughout the premises,” said Michael Wasserstein, General Manager, Elpas, Tyco Security Products. “The flexibility of the system allows it to be easily deployed in new construction and existing facilities that are being expanded or upgraded.”

The comprehensive, multi-featured system allows the nursing staff to monitor distress calls from residents and determine their location via a positioning system; receive calls on mobile phones or via the easy-to-use Eiris Go mobile application if they are away from the nurse’s station; and cancel alarms once a staff member has responded to a resident’s call. The Elpas RTLS also provides staff members with the ability to send their own distress call or request additional help through the activation of a Code Blue button on badge.

Data from the system is recorded as well, so the nursing home can measure response times and track which staff member responded to a specific event.