Wireless Nurse Call Systems
for the Nursing Environment
By Jolandie Van Zyl
Table of Contents
What are nurse call systems?
Over the years nurse call systems have gone through quite a few changes but the meaning and purpose of a nurse call system remain the same. Nurse call systems are made up of components or devices that a patient or resident uses to alert or call for assistance from the nurse or caregiver.
Although there are many different options available to you when searching for a nurse call system for your establishment, the principle remains constant. Nurse call systems enable patients or residents to call for assistance when they are in need.
How does a nurse call system work?
The BellMe Nurse Call System is wireless and works on a radio frequency of 433.92Mhz.
Each resident or patient will have a nurse call button that is 100% waterproof and can be mounted on any flat surface or worn on a lanyard. When they need the assistance of a nurse or caregiver, they simply press the button (which is very easy to notice and press even with limited mobility).
The nurse or caregiver then receives the alert instantly on a Display Panel, mounted at the nurse’s station to indicate which resident requires assistance. You also have the option to include other receivers to also form part of your nurse call system.
These other receivers can be in the form of a wristwatch that the nurse or caregiver can wear on their arm or remove the straps and wear it on a lanyard around their neck to instantly receive the alert of a call for assistance while they are on the move.
Furthermore, you can also make use of LED overdoor lights to indicate which room or section a call for assistance is coming from.
When the nurse or caregiver arrives at the resident or patient that has called for assistance they can press the cancel button, also known as the reset button, to indicate that the resident or patient has been attended to.
You also have an option to track the response time of staff – this can be done using our reporting software that indicates when a nurse call button is pressed and how long it took a nurse or caregiver to respond to the resident. These reports can be extracted to an excel spreadsheet for record-keeping.
Nurse call systems for retirement homes
Whether you are a small nursing home with a few beds or a large retirement village with a frail care centre, assisted living, and units for residents who still live independently, a nurse call system is a vital component in your ability to provide comprehensive care to your residents.
1. Frail Care
Frail care centres will use the nurse call system by providing each resident with a nurse call button, either on a lanyard or by their bedside, to call for a nurse or caregiver whenever they need assistance.
Due to their frail nature, it is to be expected these are the residents who will benefit the most from the nurse call system.
2. Assisted Living
When you have assisted living facilities your residents still appreciate and expect their time alone without the faff of a nurse or caregiver around them at all times.
It is not entirely untrue that this may be one of the areas where a nurse call system could make the biggest difference in the case of an emergency.
Assisted living residents still do their everyday activities such as going to the loo or having a shower by themselves and this is when accidents are more prone to happen.
There have been too many cases where a resident decides to go to the bathroom and end up falling, only to lay there unattended for hours on end on the cold floor in the middle of the night until the next morning for someone to find them because they were unable to get back up themselves and they could not call for help.
By installing a nurse call system and providing your assisted living residents with a nurse call button you could be avoiding any happenings like described above from taking place at your establishment.
3. Independent Living
Retirement villages with independent living residents could benefit just as much from a nurse call system as any. Yes, your residents may be independent living and do not require assistance from a nurse or caregiver on a daily basis but that does not mean that they could not have accidents.
All it takes is one wrong step and a fully independent resident can fall down and, due to their age, the damage could be severe. With a nurse call system in place your residents at least have that peace of mind knowing that should this happen to them, they can call for assistance.
Nurse call systems for hospitals
When you think of a hospital, it is only natural to think of the everyday hospital where you would find the emergency room, ICU, maternity, Covid, surgery wards etc. This is one of the most natural and obvious places to expect and find a nurse call system.
Every bed in every ward or section of the hospital will have a nurse call button to call for assistance from the nurse when needed. However, there are other hospitals to keep in mind as well – psychiatric hospitals for instance. Even they are required by the department of health to have a nurse call system in place.
BellMe has supplied normal hospitals as well as 8 of the Akeso Psychiatric Hospital branches with a nurse call system to allow their patients to call for assistance when needed.
Nurse call systems for home
You hear the words nurse call system, and you think that it has to be this big complex system that is used in big facilities such as retirement homes, clinics or hospitals but the truth is that it can also be used as a simple panic button system at home.
Many elderly citizens live at home in a flat or room on the same property as a family member, or they sometimes have a nurse or caregiver living with them. In cases like this, the BellMe nurse call system can easily be used at home as well.
For a nurse call system at home, we do recommend making use of the LED overdoor light receiver with the single key nurse call and cancel buttons. Once the nurse call button is pressed, it will alert on the LED Light by flashing and beeping continuously, until physically cancelled by pressing the cancel button.
This ensures that the person responding to the call will be woken up during the night if needed and that each call is always attended to.
What are the components of a nurse call system?
Functional nurse call systems consist of two basic components. These are Transmitters (calling devices) and Receivers (receiving devices).
The Transmitter is the device the patient or resident uses to call for assistance and the Receiver is where the nurse or caregiver is alerted on, indicating which resident or patient has pressed for assistance.
Now, even though these are the two basic components of a nurse call system, there are multiple options or variations of these components.
Transmitters (Calling Devices)
The transmitter of a nurse call system is the actual nurse call button that the patient or resident will press for assistance. There are multiple options or variations of nurse call buttons that you could choose from. Let’s have a look at these options:
1. Single Key Call Button
The BellMe Single Key Nurse Call Button, also often called the Call Bell, is round in shape, with an easy-to-press rubber area that is slightly indented to prevent accidental press. Residents can wear this nurse call button on a lanyard around their neck to ensure they always have it with them while they are on the move, taking walks, or simply enjoying a cup of tea.
An alternative to wearing this nurse call button on a lanyard is to mount the button on any flat surface, such as the patient or residents bedside, for example. Since this nurse call button is 100% waterproof, it can even be mounted in showers.
Some Key Benefits of the Single Key Nurse Call Button:
- Long-lasting battery operated (A23 Battery)
- 100% Waterproof for use in showers
- Easy to press for frail persons
- Wearable on a lanyard or mountable on any flat surface
- Link to multiple receivers to ensure assistance
- 5-Year Warranty
2. Single Key Cancel Button
The BellMe Single Key Cancel Button, also often called the Reset Button, is shaped exactly like the single key nurse call button. You can easily differentiate between the two by their colour.
Where the nurse call button is red and has “Call” written on it, the cancel button is blue with “Cancel” written on it.
The cancel button can be mounted on any flat surface for easy access when the nurse or caregiver arrives to provide assistance. The nurse or caregiver will press the cancel button to indicate that they have attended to the resident or patients call for assistance.
Some Key Benefits of the Single Key Cancel Button:
- Long-lasting battery operated (A23 Battery)
- 100% Waterproof for use in showers
- Easy to press for frail persons
- Mountable on any flat surface
- Link to multiple receivers
- 5-Year Warranty
3. Call & Cancel Button Integrated
The BellMe Call & Cancel Button Integrated provides both the functions of a nurse call button and a reset button. This specific unit is square-shaped with a big, red nurse call button right in the middle. It is very easy to notice and press.
The cancel button is located in the top, left corner, presented as a small red button.
Due to the shape and size of this unit, it is to be mounted on any flat surface, such as the bedside or wall of the resident or patients room.
Some Key Benefits of the Call & Cancel Button Integrated:
- Long-lasting battery operated (A23 Battery)
- This two-functional unit is recognized as a single transmitter
- Easy to press for frail persons
- Mountable on any flat surface
- Link to multiple receivers
- 2-Year Warranty
4. Call & Cancel Button Integrated with Cord
The BellMe Call & Cancel Button Integrated with a Cord provides both the functions of a nurse call button and a reset button. This specific unit is square-shaped with a big, red nurse call button right in the middle. In addition to this, there is also an extended nurse call button situated at the end of the Cord which can be placed on the beds of frail patients or residents.
When the extended nurse call button on the cord is not in use, it can be placed inside a bracket mounted on the wall or bedside.
The cancel button of this unit is located in the top, left corner, presented as a small red button. Due to the shape and size of this unit, it is to be mounted on any flat surface, such as the bedside or wall of the resident or patients room.
Some key Benefits of the Call & Cancel Button Integrated:
- Long-lasting battery operated (A23 Battery)
- This two-functional unit is recognized as a single transmitter
- Easy to press for frail persons
- Extended nurse call button on a cord to lay on the bed of frail patients
- Mountable on any flat surface
- Link to multiple receivers
- 2-Year Warranty
5. Large Soft-Press Call Button with Pull Cord
The BellMe Large Soft-Press Call Button with Pull Cord provides both the functions of a nurse call button and a reset button. This specific unit is square-shaped with a large, red nurse call button making up the majority of the unit. In addition to this, there is also a Pull Cord that can also be used to call for assistance.
The cancel button of this unit is located in the bottom, left section, presented as a small green button. Due to the shape and size of this unit, it is to be mounted on any flat surface, such as the bedside or wall of the resident or patients room.
Some Key Benefits of the Call & Cancel Button Integrated:
- Long-lasting battery operated (A23 Battery)
- This two-functional unit is recognized as a single transmitter
- Easy to press or pull for frail persons
- Pull Cord attached for extended reach
- Mountable on any flat surface
- Link to multiple receivers
- 2-Year Warranty
6. Combining Different Transmitters
In some instances, you might also want to combine the use of different types of nurse call buttons within your establishment to make up your complete nurse call system.
For example, you might choose to make use of the integrated call & cancel buttons in your frail care centre but then provide your more mobile residents with a single key call button that they wear on a lanyard.
Receivers (Receiving Devices)
The Reciever in a nurse call system is the device on which the nurse or caregiver is alerted or notified on when a resident or patient has pressed for assistance. There are multiple options or variations of nurse call receivers that you could choose from. Let’s have a look at these options:
1. B-900 Display Panel
The B-900 Display Panel is our main and most popular display panel for retirement homes and hospitals. When using this display panel as your main receiver in your nurse call system, you can make use of up to 10 characters to display the resident or patients information when they press their nurse call button.
For example, you could indicate the Ward and the Room or Bed number (Ward-A B3). Alternatively, you could indicate the unit number (Unit 28), or the resident or patient name (J SOAP).
Another feature of this display panel that sets it apart from others is the ability to backup and restore information that has been programmed to it. By connecting this display panel to a PC or Laptop you can easily make adjustments to what is displayed when a nurse call button is pressed.
By creating a backup file of all the programming done, you can easily restore the same information on a second display panel without having to reprogram all your nurse call buttons again.
Some Key Benefits of the B-900 Display Panel
- Ideal for large establishments with a capacity of up to 400 transmitters
- Our only display panel that allows continuous ringing or showing of the information until a nurse or caregiver has attended to a call for assistance
- Choose between 7 ringtones with adjustable volume
- Have a different ringtone for Emergencies or differentiate between wards by assigning a different ringtone for each ward
- Capture response time of staff when connected to a PC or laptop
- Our only display panel that allows for remote login support when connected to a PC or laptop
- 2-Year Warranty
2. B-99E Display Panel
The B-99E Display Panel is ideal for medium-sized retirement homes and hospitals/clinics. When using this display panel as your receiver in your nurse call system, you can make use of up to 3 digits to display the resident or patients information when they press their nurse call button.
The first of these digits can either be a number or one of a selection of alphabet letters (A, b, C, d, E, F, H, L, P, U). The remaining two digits can only be numbers from 0-99.
For example, you could indicate the Ward and the Room or Bed number (A23). Alternatively, you could indicate the unit number (028).
Some Key Benefits of the B-99E Display Panel
- Ideal for medium-sized establishments with a capacity of up to 256 transmitters
- A call for assistance will be automatically cancelled after a maximum of 99 seconds
- Choose between 7 ringtones with adjustable volume
- 2-Year Warranty
3. B-99P Display Panel
The B-99P Display Panel is ideal for small retirement homes and hospitals/clinics. When using this display panel as your receiver in your nurse call system, you can make use of up to 2 digits to display the resident or patients information when they press their nurse call button.
These digits can be any numbers from 0-99.
For example, you could indicate the unit or bed number (25).
Some Key Benefits of the B-99P Display Panel
- Ideal for small establishments with a capacity of up to 99 transmitters
- A call for assistance will be automatically cancelled after a maximum of 99 seconds
- 1 Distinct ringtone with adjustable volume
- This display panel is supplied with a table-top stand and a mounting bracket so you can choose whether you would like to mount your display panel or have it standing on your counter
- 2-Year Warranty
4. Wristwatch Receiver
When you have a large retirement home or hospital, you might want to include wristwatches receivers in your nurse call system. This will allow the nurse or caregiver to receive the alert of a resident or patients call for assistance while they are on the move.
When using this receiver as part of your nurse call system, you can make use of 4 digits to display the resident or patterns information when they press their nurse call button.
The first of these digits can either be a number or one of a selection of alphabet letters (A, b, C, d, E, F). The remaining three digits can only be numbers from 0-999.
For example, you could indicate the Ward and the Room or Bed number (A023). Alternatively, you could indicate the unit number (0028).
The wristwatch receiver is battery operated and can be recharged with a micro USB charger. The remaining battery life is indicated on the wristwatch.
Some Key Benefits of the Wristwatch Receiver
- Ideal for establishments that has nurses or caregivers constantly on the move with a capacity of up to 200 transmitters
- Rechargeable battery with a Micro USB Charger
- Staff can wear the wristwatch on their arm or remove the straps and replace them with a lanyard to carry the watch around their neck
- 2-Year Warranty
5. LED Overdoor Light
Making use of overdoor lights as a part of nurse call systems is another optional addition of a type of receiver. These overdoor lights can be mounted in the corridor or above the door of wards, rooms or sections.
This will allow the nurse or caregiver to instantly identify which direction to go to for a call for assistance from a resident or patient even if they have not seen the information on the display panel.
When using the overdoor lights, you can choose to have the light simply flash red until the call for assistance has been attended to and the cancel button was pressed to indicate such.
Alternatively, the overdoor light can also make a beeping noise, together with continuous flashing.
Some Key Benefits of the LED Overdoor Light Receiver
- Ideal for establishments that has nurses or caregivers constantly on the move with a capacity of up to 99 transmitters
- Continuous flashing and/or beeping when a nurse call button is pressed until physically cancelled by pressing the cancel button, ensuring all calls are always attended to
- Any one of your cancel buttons that are linked to the overdoor light will stop the alert
- 2-Year Warranty
6. Combining Different Receivers
In some instances, you might also want to combine the use of different types of nurse call receivers within your establishment to make up your complete nurse call system.
For example, you might choose to make use of the B-900 Display Panel in your Frail Care Center where your main nurse’s station is located and provide your nurses with wristwatch receivers to be alerted while they are on the move.
Smaller display panels can also be placed around the property where staff can conveniently see it while they are away from the nurse’s station. LED overdoor lights can be placed in corridors to guide nurses along the way.
Supporting Devices / Additions
1. Signal Repeaters
The range of the BellMe Nurse Call System is anything between 100 – 150 meters, depending on the surroundings and what is in between the transmitters and the receivers. Larger establishments will make use of signal repeaters to extend the range of the nurse call system and allow it to cover the entire area needed.
Signal repeaters are strategically placed where the signal falls short to pick it up and extend it further. Multiple repeaters can be used on one property to ensure coverage for all nurse call buttons.
2. Reporting Software
When making use of the B-900 display panel as your main receiver for your nurse call system you have the option to connect it to a PC or laptop via a LAN cable, not exceeding 10 meters, to make use of the Reporting Software.
The reporting software will indicate and record when a nurse call button was pressed and how long it took staff to attend to the call for assistance and press the cancel button. These reports can then be pulled up and exported to excel for record-keeping.
In order to accurately make use of the reporting software, your B-900 display panel needs to be connected with the PC or laptop at all times and the computer must be set to never go to sleep mode. You can minimize the software but it needs to remain open at all times.
Nurse call systems prices
Nurse call system prices will vary depending on the different components that you require.
It is only natural to expect a basic nurse call system price to be less than that of a very comprehensive nurse call system that includes all the bells and whistles. It is always a good idea to keep an open mind when setting a budget for a nurse call system for your establishment.
For a free quotation on the BellMe Nurse Call System, you can call 0645320828 or email info@bellme.co.za.
In order to get a quotation, we will need to know the following information:
- The number of calling points (Call Buttons)
- The number of cancel points (Cancel Buttons)
- The number of wards/nurses stations (for display panels)
- The number of wristwatches required (if any)
- The number of LED Lights required (if any)
- The maximum distance between furthest calling point and nurses station (for signal repeaters)
- Whether or not you require reporting software
How do I choose a nurse call system?
A lot of thought and consideration goes into choosing the nurse call system that is right for you.
So many factors play a role in this decision and thus it is important to consult with your staff who will be using the system and ask them for their input.
What will contribute to your decision making when choosing a nurse call system for your establishment are things like:
- The number of residents or patients you have
- What regulations you need to follow
- How complex the installation of the nurse call system will be
- What sort of maintenance the nurse call system will require after installation
1. The number of residents or patients you have
The BellMe Nurse Call System is suitable for both big and small retirement homes, hospitals or clinics with nurse call buttons that can link to an unlimited number of receivers and multiple receivers to choose from that range in their capacity from 99 to 400 transmitters.
- B-99P – Capacity of 99 Transmitters (Display panel)
- B-700 – Capacity of 99 Transmitters (LED overdoor light)
- B-650 – Capacity of 200 Transmitters (Wristwatch receiver)
- B-99E – Capacity of 256 Transmitters (Display panel)
- B-900 – Capacity of 400 Transmitters (Display panel)
2. What regulations you need to follow
All nurse call systems need to abide by certain regulations in order to make them reliable and safe for use by establishments such as Retirement Homes and Hospitals. It is therefore important that you determine in advance that the nurse call system you choose does comply with those regulations.
The BellMe Nurse Call System and its components are ICASA approved and have passed multiple inspections by the Department of Health in South Africa. Our nurse call systems have also been installed in Lesotho, Namibia, Mozambique and Liberia.
3. How complex the installation of the nurse call system will be
Wired nurse call systems tend to be a lot more complex than wireless nurse call systems.
Since the BellMe Nurse Call System is wireless, the installation is very simple and can be done within a few days or less.
Nurse call buttons can be mounted on any flat surface with the mounting bracket included or with double-sided tape. Where residents wear their nurse call buttons on lanyards, even less time is spent with installation.
Display panels are easily mounted at the nurse’s stations and we recommend that they are run via a UPS. For a detailed guide on the installation, you can see further below.
4. What sort of maintenance the nurse call system will require after installation
Ideally, you would want to have a nurse call system that does not require constant maintenance in order to keep it functional.
With the BellMe Wireless Nurse Call System, the only maintenance required will be to replace the batteries of the nurse call buttons when they eventually get low.
Now, I say eventually because it does take quite a while indeed. It naturally does depend on how often the nurse call button is pressed but on average the battery lasts up to a year. You will notice the battery needs replacement when you press the nurse call button and the light on the button itself is weak or flickering.
What is the best nurse call system?
The best nurse call system would naturally be the one that fits your requirements and budget the best while still providing you with peace of mind knowing that it is reliable.
In order to determine what the best nurse call system for your establishment will be you would take the following into account when researching and making your decision:
- How will your team or staff use the nurse call system?
- What goals or specific needs does the nurse call system need to meet?
- What kind of information would you like to have access to through the chosen nurse call system?
- What is your budget for acquiring a nurse call system?
- Do you plan on expanding or adding to the nurse call system at a later time?
- Be sure to pay attention to what people have to say about the nurse call systems you are looking into by reading customer reviews or testimonials
Installing nurse call systems
It is a very common misconception that you need to pay hundreds or thousands of rands for someone to install a nurse call system.
Wired nurse call systems – sure, by all means – that can be very tricky, which is exactly why Wireless Nurse Call Systems have become so popular.
With a wireless nurse call system the installation is much easier and practically a breeze. Your very own maintenance guy or team could do it within a few days or less.
1. Mounting Single Key Buttons:
(B-A1-WL / B-A1-BC / B-A1-WL-E)
The BellMe Single Key Nurse Call, Cancel & Emergency Buttons can all be mounted on any flat surface.
Each button is supplied with a mounting bracket attached.
To remove the mounting bracket, you simply make use of the plastic key provided to release and slide off the bracket.
You will then notice there are two holes in the bracket that allow you to mount it with screws to the wall or bedside headboard etc.
When positioning the mounting bracket you need to take note of the small arrow on the inside of the bracket. This will assist you with successfully mounting the button in the upright position.
An alternative method of mounting these buttons is by making use of double-sided tape.
2. Mounting Integrated Call & Cancel Buttons:
The BellMe Integrated Call & Cancel Buttons can all be mounted on any flat surface.
Each button has two holes to allow you to mount the button to the wall or bedside headboard etc with screws. To access these holes, remove the front cover of the button.
An alternative method of mounting these buttons is by making use of double-sided tape.
3. Mounting Integrated Call & Cancel Buttons with Extended Button on Cord:
(B-SW-G33)
The BellMe Integrated Call & Cancel Button with an Extended Cord & Button can all be mounted on any flat surface.
Each button has two holes to allow you to mount the base of the button to the wall or bedside headboard etc with screws. To access these holes, remove the front cover of the button.
The bracket in which the extended nurse call button can be placed is also made with two holes to mount with screws. You can either place the extended nurse button in this bracket when not in use or have it lay on the patient bed for ease of access.
An alternative method of mounting these buttons is by making use of double-sided tape.
4. Mounting Large Soft-Press Buttons with Cord:
(B-FS2-WR-D)
The BellMe Large Press Call Button with Pull Cord can all be mounted on any flat surface. Each button has two holes to allow you to mount the button to the wall or bedside headboard etc with screws.
To access these holes, remove the front cover of the button.
An alternative method of mounting these buttons is by making use of double-sided tape.
5. Mounting the B-900 Display Panel:
The BellMe B-900 Display Panel can be mounted at the nurse’s station or anywhere within easy view of the nurses and staff.
Each Display Panel is supplied with a 2-pin power supply of 1 meter in length as well as keyrings for mounting purposes, a remote and a USB CAN.
Whether or not you will be connecting the display panel to a PC or Laptop for tracking the response time of staff will affect the installation process.
Step 1:
Determine whether or not the Display Panel will be connected to a PC or Laptop.
Should you wish to have a record of when a call button was pressed and/or how long it took staff to respond to the call for assistance, you will need to have the Display Panel connected to a PC or Laptop at all times via a LAN Cable.
Please note:
- The LAN cable should not exceed 10 meters.
- The PC or Laptop being connected needs to remain switched ON at all times. Sleep mode should be deactivated.
- The reporting software program needs to remain OPEN on the PC or Laptop at all times. You can minimize the program but do not close it.
- Once you have the Display Panel connected to the PC or Laptop, ensure the communication is between the two is working by going to “Copy Data” on the software program and click on “Read”.
Step 2:
Determine where you plan on mounting the Display Panel and ensure there is a 2-pin plug point within reach. Each Display Panel is supplied with a 1-meter power supply.
If you require an extended power supply or a plug point to be installed, you should consult your electrician.
We do recommend that you run the Display Panel through a UPS to ensure that it does not suffer damage during power outages. This also ensures that your system will continue to work even if there is no power.
Step 3:
You can now measure and mark where you would like to mount the Display Panel. The display panel will be mounted with two hooks so you will require two holes for these hooks.
Step 4:
Once you have the hooks in place you simply mount the Display Panel by hooking the keyrings attached to the display panel onto the hooks you installed.
Step 5:
Now that your Display Panel is mounted you can connect it to the power by simply plugging it in. To ensure you will get the maximum range out of the system, you need to pull out the aerial of the Display Panel.
Step 6:
Ensure you neaten up any exposed cables or secure them inside trunking.
6. Mounting the B-99E Display Panel:
The BellMe B-99E Display Panel can be mounted at the nurse’s station or anywhere within easy view of the nurses and staff.
Each Display Panel is supplied with a 2-pin power supply of 1 meter in length as well as keyrings for mounting purposes.
Step 1:
Determine where you plan on mounting the Display Panel and ensure there is a 2-pin plug point within reach. Each Display Panel is supplied with a 1-meter power supply.
If you require an extended power supply or a plug point to be installed, you should consult your electrician.
We do recommend that you run the Display Panel through a UPS to ensure that it does not suffer damage during power outages. This also ensures that your system will continue to work even if there is no power.
Step 2:
You can now measure and mark where you would like to mount the Display Panel. The display panel will be mounted with two hooks so you will require two holes for these hooks.
Step 3:
Once you have the hooks in place you simply mount the Display Panel by hooking the keyrings attached to the display panel onto the hooks you installed.
Step 4:
Now that your Display Panel is mounted you can connect it to the power by simply plugging it in. To ensure you will get the maximum range out of the system, you need to pull out the aerial of the Display Panel.
Step 5:
Ensure you neaten up any exposed cables or secure them inside trunking.
7. Mounting the B-700 LED Light
The BellMe B-700 LED Light can be mounted anywhere within easy view.
Each LED Light is supplied with a 2-pin power supply of 1 meter in length.
You will then notice there are two holes on the LED Light base when you remove the cover that will allow you to mount it with screws to the wall or bedside headboard etc.
Step 1:
Determine where you plan on mounting the LED Light and ensure there is a 2-pin plug point within reach.
Each LED Light is supplied with a 1-meter power supply. If you require an extended power supply or a plug point to be installed, you should consult your electrician.
We do recommend that you run the LED Light through a UPS if you require it to work during power outages.
Step 2:
You can now measure and mark where you would like to mount the LED Light. The LED Light can be mounted with two screws so you will require two holes for these.
Step 3:
Once you have the holes in place you simply position the LED Light accordingly and secure it with two screws.
Step 4:
Now that your LED Light is mounted you can connect it to the power by simply plugging it in.
Step 5:
Ensure you neaten up any exposed cables or secure them inside trunking.
8. Mounting the B-Q4 Signal Repeater:
The BellMe Signal Repeaters are strategically placed where the signal falls short in order to extend the range of your BellMe Wireless Calling System.
Each Repeater is supplied with a 2-pin power supply of 1 meter in length.
Extensive planning and testing will be involved in the placement of signal repeaters.
Step 1:
Draw up a map of the entire property or make use of Google Maps to give you an overview of the entire area that needs to be covered.
Mark on your map where the receiver or display panel is mounted.
Step 2:
Determine where you need to mount the Signal Repeaters by walking around on-site and continually test the system until you find where the signal falls short.
Once you find the spot where the signal falls short, move a few meters back to where the signal reached and mark that location on your map. You need to do this, going in all directions.
Step 3:
Now that you know where the signal falls short and have it marked on your map you can plan for further. Each signal repeater will extend the range in all directions.
This means that you basically have “circles” of range to work with. You now need to strategically place the signal repeaters to get the maximum use of each one to ensure you do not use too many repeaters unnecessarily.
Step 4:
Once you have determined the best location for your signal repeaters you can place them without installing yet to continue testing further.
To ensure you will get the maximum range out of the system, you need to pull out the aerials of the Signal Repeaters. You need to complete this process until you have successfully extended the range throughout the entire site.
Do one final test before proceeding to install the signal repeaters permanently and mark the final locations of where you will be installing each signal repeater. Ensure there is a 2-pin plug point within reach. Each Repeater is supplied with a 1-meter power supply.
If you require an extended power supply or a plug point to be installed, you should consult your electrician.
Step 5:
You can now measure and mark where you would like to mount the Signal Repeater. The repeater will be mounted with two hooks so you will require two holes for these hooks.
Step 6:
Now that your Signal Repeater is ready to be mounted you can connect it to the power by simply plugging it in.
Also, ensure that the signal repeater is switched ON at the back to ensure it continues to work off the backup battery in the case of power outages. Check that the switches marked 3 & 4 are ON and the rest are off.
Step 7:
You can now mount the Signal Repeater by attaching it to the hooks that you installed. To ensure you will get the maximum range out of the system, you need to pull out the aerials of the Signal Repeaters.
Step 8:
Ensure you neaten up any exposed cables or secure them inside trunking
Will nurse call systems work during power outages?
Due to loadshedding, power outages are something we have come to expect and to a certain degree, even accepted as part of the norm. It is therefore very important to make sure that your nurse call system will continue to function during power outages.
Luckily, this is a very easy bridge to cross with wireless nurse call systems. The BellMe nurse call buttons are battery operated and do not require any power or internet connection to work.
The display panel and overdoor light receivers do require a constant power source and by running these through a UPS you will never be “left in the dark”. The signal repeaters do have a backup battery that can last between 1 and a half to 2 hours but it is best practice to run these through a UPS as well.
Conclusion
By now I believe you have a pretty good, if not great, understanding of what exactly nurse call systems are, what they consist of, how they work and how to choose the one that will suit your needs best.
We also had a look at how you make use of nurse call systems in retirement homes, hospitals and at home.
Some Key Benefits of the BellMe Nurse Call System
- Allowing instant attention from the nurse or caregiver with the simple press of a button
- Providing peace of mind to the residents, staff and loved ones knowing help is easily accessible
- A wireless system that does not require any internet or complex cabling/wiring
- Residents can move around freely while carrying their nurse call button on a lanyard wherever they go
- Accident-prone areas such as showers are safer by placing 100% waterproof nurse call buttons inside
- Response time of staff can be tracked and improved by making use of the reporting software
For any questions or to have a chat and see how the BellMe Nurse Call System will work for you, give us a call on 0645320828 or email us at info@bellme.co.za.
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Get in touch with us for your free BellMe Wireless Nurse Call Systems quotation