How To Ensure the Safety and Security of Your Retirement Village

As seniors age and consider staying in their own homes, they encounter various health and social risks compared to other demographic groups. For some, this might result in feelings of isolation and loneliness, while others grapple with concerns related to community disconnection and having fear that their physical or mental well-being will be compromised due to independent living.

A retirement village is a community where people over 55 can live independently in their own homes while enjoying added security, a sense of community, various amenities and personalised services.

To ensure the safety and well-being of retirement village residents, it's crucial to implement measures that provide a sense of security and support.

In this blog, we will look at some important aspects that you should consider to help ensure your residents are safe and secure in your retirement village.



Limited Entry and Exit Points

While it’s wonderful to live in a retirement village that is open and welcoming, it’s also important to ensure that there are limited entry and exit points for safety and security purposes. This not only helps prevent unauthorised access from visitors and outsiders, but it also allows for quick monitoring and identification of any resident inactivity or extended absences. Moreover, having limited entry and exit points allows for better management of the village's resources and amenities, ensuring that they are only utilised by authorised residents.



Regular Maintenance of Facilities

Since all residents in your village must meet stringent eligibility criteria, you won't have to worry about moving in with noisy or disruptive neighbours. This ensures a peaceful and quiet environment, perfect for relaxation and enjoyment during your retirement years.

Personnel Available 24/7

Ensuring that there is a reliable and accessible person on site 24/7 provides a profound sense of safety and security for both residents of retirement villages and their families.



Aside from having security personnel who can monitor the premises and ensure that all safety and security protocols are being followed, most retirement villages also have dedicated managers who can provide immediate assistance in case of an emergency.

Personal Alarm Systems

Personal alarm systems are essential to ensure safety and security among seniors in retirement villages as they perform activities independently. These devices are often wearable and are designed to provide immediate assistance in case of emergencies such as falls, accidents, or medical conditions. Typically, with just a press of a button, residents can quickly call for help and receive prompt response from trained personnel.



Emergency Plan

An emergency can strike when you least expect it, and as a retirement village resident, your safety should be one of the top priorities. While your village may have all the necessary measures in place to ensure safety and security, it is also important for you to be prepared for emergencies.

One way to do this is by creating an emergency plan that outlines the steps you need to take in case such incidents arise. These plans, which may differ among villages, can include procedures that everyone in the retirement village should take in case of an emergency, such as a fire, earthquake, or severe weather conditions.

An emergency plan should include:

• Emergency procedures covering effective responses of unexpected situations and guidelines for evacuating premises during emergencies.
• A staff should be available 24/7 to promptly alert emergency service organisations in case of any incident.
• Provision of Medical Care and Aid to ensure that the village is provided with necessary assistance for their specific healthcare needs.
• Effective communication between the emergency response coordinator and all village residents.
• Evaluation of emergency procedures, including testing frequency and the outcomes of safety inspections to help guide any necessary corrective measures.
• Educating, training, and instructing relevant staff on the implementation of emergency procedures.

How INS LifeGuard Can Help Retirement Villages

Personal Alarm Systems

INS LifeGuard’s personal alarm systems are designed to help residents access instant help in the event of a fall or an emergency. With a single press of a button from a reliable personal alarm device, a resident can be connected to a 24/7 Emergency Response Centre staffed by highly qualified nurses.

When looking for the best personal alarm systems, INS LifeGuard has you covered in terms of the following:

Retirement Villages Managers Portal

Easily oversee your village - share updates with residents, generate reports and much more, all from a single, centralised hub.  Family and carers can stay connected, access and update information, receive alerts, and monitor vital signs recorded using our free LifeGuard SmartCarer App.   You can also use the portal to offer TeleHealth, Concierge Services and more.

At INS, our Manager's Portal is designed to enhance the efficiency of village and community care managers in handling resident/client information and delivering care to residents/clients.

Takeaway

Ensuring the safety and security of your retirement village residents fosters a profound sense of peace and comfort. By implementing limited entry and exit points, regular facility maintenance, fostering trust among neighbours, providing round-the-clock staff availability, and having a solid emergency plan in place, you can guarantee the continuous safety of seniors in your retirement community. Whether you're a resident or a staff member seeking ways to enhance safety and security, INS LifeGuard is your trusted partner.

For further details on INS LifeGuard's comprehensive products and services, don't hesitate to reach out to a member of our dedicated team today.