Assisted Living & Warden Call Systems
ASSISTED LIVING & WARDEN CALL SYSTEMS INFO
At Notio, we specialise in providing consultancy and support for Assisted Living and Warden Call systems, catering to social housing, general needs housing, warden-assisted living, and independent living schemes. These essential systems empower residents to maintain independence while ensuring quick access to assistance when needed, making them invaluable to housing providers dedicated to resident safety and wellbeing.
Our Approach to Warden Call Systems
Warden Call systems are designed to support residents in assisted living environments, providing a direct line to emergency assistance. While no specific British Standards exist for Warden Call systems, Notio adheres to best practices and maintains these systems to the highest standards. We recognise the critical role these systems play in safeguarding residents, especially in settings like sheltered housing, social housing, and independent living schemes, where timely assistance can make all the difference.
Maintenance and Compliance
Our consultancy includes advising on rigorous maintenance schedules and protocols for Warden Call systems to ensure they operate reliably. All maintenance should ideally be carried out by competent, experienced engineers who are familiar with the nuances of these systems. Here’s what a comprehensive maintenance service might include:
• System Logbooks & Documentation
Regular checks of system logbooks and associated documentation ensure comprehensive records are kept, allowing for the identification of repeated faults or frequent activations. This proactive approach helps housing providers keep systems running smoothly and spot issues early.
• Testing of Speech/Call Units and Devices
Each maintenance session involves testing speech and call units, pull cords, and extension leads to verify they are functioning correctly. Additionally, a sample test to the external control station ensures audible communication, which is crucial for resident safety.
• Visual and Operational Checks
The Control Panel undergoes both operational and visual checks to confirm its status. Where applicable, other components such as the system printer, door panel, enquiry panel, and key safe are also tested for proper function.
• Power Supply and Backup
To ensure uninterrupted operation during a power failure, Power Supply Units and backup batteries are checked regularly. For added reliability, signalling equipment connected to relevant monitoring stations is also tested.
• DECT Handset Testing
In schemes that utilise DECT handsets, a system test covers handset coverage and checks for wear and tear, ensuring reliable performance across the site.
Standards and Industry Practices
While specific British Standards do not yet govern Warden Call systems, Notio aligns its consultancy with industry-leading practices to ensure that these systems meet high standards for reliability and effectiveness. Our consultants guide housing providers to adopt protocols and practices that reflect the highest levels of care and commitment to resident safety.
Comprehensive Reporting
After each inspection or consultation, we provide a detailed report on the system’s status and any recommendations for improvement. This report serves as a vital resource for social housing providers, helping them stay informed about system performance and any necessary upgrades or maintenance requirements.
Why Choose Notio for Assisted Living & Warden Call Consultancy?
Notio’s expertise in Assisted Living and Warden Call systems spans a range of housing environments, including social housing, general needs, warden-assisted, and independent living schemes. We understand the unique requirements of each setting and tailor our approach to enhance resident independence, safety, and peace of mind.
By partnering with Notio, housing providers can be confident that their systems meet the highest standards, ensuring ongoing safety, functionality, and compliance with best practices. Our goal is to empower housing providers to offer secure, reliable systems that contribute to the wellbeing of all residents.
BS8521 Protocol: Essential Information
The British Standard BS8521, developed by the Telecare Services Association (TSA), addresses a significant challenge in the telecare and telehealth industry—the lack of interoperability between systems from different manufacturers. This standard, created in collaboration with suppliers and supported by the TSA, establishes a common signalling protocol to enable seamless communication between social alarm systems from various providers.
BS8521 ensures that essential information, such as identifying local units and controllers, can be exchanged effectively, along with controls required to operate speech links between local units and Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs). Supported by major equipment suppliers, the standard promotes compatibility in both remote control and alarm receiving centre equipment.
This protocol enhances interoperability, improving alarm identification, localisation, and resilience within telecommunications networks. Additionally, an Internet Protocol for telecare (Phase I) and telehealth (Phase II) is being developed by TSA members and other stakeholders to further support this standard.
For further details on BS8521 and related technical aspects, click here.
