Alzheimer patients wandering off.  Jewelry stolen from a resident’s room.  Arthritic hands unable to maneuver a key in a lock.  All of these can be issues at senior living communities.  However, these issues may become less common as more and more senior communities are moving toward digital key systems.

According to an article in Seniors Housing Business, devices such as keycards, wristbands, key fobs and even mobile phones can be programmed to lock and unlock residential doors and maintain a log of all uses.  While these types of systems have become commonplace in the hospitality industry, they are just now becoming more common in the retirement setting.

And it is no wonder.  These systems have the potential to solve a number of issues. While lock and key systems have typically focused on the security of keeping intruders out, digital key systems provide the ability to monitor a resident’s routines in an unobtrusive manner.  For example, family members and facility personnel can be notified if a resident does not leave his or her room for a few days.  Or, if a resident leaves and does not return by a certain time, this can trigger personnel to check on the resident’s whereabouts.

These systems also provide facilities the ability to monitor staff activity.  If something is stolen from a room or apartment, the information contained in the lock can be used to see who accessed the room and at what times.

Our Insight.  Your Advantage.  Husch Blackwell attorneys are not only legal counselors but are continually looking for ways to give our clients a competitive business edge.  One way we do so is by looking for technological innovations to improve our clients’ business.