The Importance of safety systems for supported living settings   

Pinpoint’s safety systems are increasingly used in assisted living settings, where vulnerable people can live under the supervision of carers. This form of ‘housing with care’ allows residents to retain a level of independence while accessing support from healthcare professionals.  

For disabled people and those with mental health conditions or illnesses, such environments are crucial for their quality of life.  

Nonetheless, due to the nature of these settings, aggressive behaviour or outbursts frequently take place. Advanced safety systems are required to reduce any risks of harm and to ensure that both residents and staff can access help quickly in an emergency.  

Reducing the risk of harm in assisted accommodation  

In certain assisted living settings, residents may be prone to falls or slips. Here it is vital that they can summon help easily and efficiently, without having to move a great distance or rely on verbal communication. Moreover, any safety system in place must be highly reliable and robust – as accidents may happen at any time or place. 

Pinpoint’s WristPITs are wrist-worn Personal Infrared Transmitters that call for assistance when activated. By pressing the CALL button on the inside of the device, residents immediately alert staff to the emergency and to the location of the incident. These efficient, effective devices guarantee that residents can access support wherever or whenever they need it.  

Equally, residents with mental health conditions who live in supported accommodation must be able to summon assistance if they are experiencing difficulties or feel at risk of harm. The ability to quickly call for help can prevent a serious incident from taking place and reduce the risk of danger. The presence of the WristPIT serves as a reminder to these individuals that help is available should they need it, and ensures staff can quickly respond to residents in a crisis.  

Protecting staff from violence  

Pinpoint’s safety systems also protect the staff in supported accommodation. Care staff are often exposed to violence from residents, who can – often unintentionally – behave in a dangerous way. A survey of care workers found that 71% had experienced physical and verbal abuse from service users experiencing extreme anger, confusion and fear as a result of their illness.  

Much like the WristPITs, Badge PITs act as personal alarms for workers who urgently need assistance. Stored surreptitiously within a badge holder, these devices have two call levels – assistance and emergency, correlating to the severity of the incident in question. Without notifying the resident, the staff member can alert the required response team to their exact location in under 85 milliseconds.  

A Discreet Design  

When installing staff safety systems for live-in settings, it’s important to consider the aesthetics. Ideally, the systems should complement their surroundings and not stand at odds with the environment in which they are found.  

This was a principal focus for our new P2 System. A modern, discreet look for the products minimises their presence in supported accommodation, allowing residents to carry out their daily lives without noticing the security systems in place. Opting for a more discreet design also reduces the chances of vandalism or destruction of the systems.  

Likewise, the WristPITs are subtle and comfortable to wear, while also being accessible in case of a sudden emergency. They are also water resistant and able to withstand showering, which is vital for residents susceptible to slipping.  

Do you need safety systems for a supported living environment? Get in touch with us here to discuss your security requirements.