Elevators are something that most people take for granted until there’s a problem. Senior living residents may face various communication difficulties that can make elevators, and related emergencies, especially difficult to navigate. Hearing loss, vision impairments, difficulty speaking, confusion and anxiety can intensify the impact of mechanical malfunctions, medical emergencies or situations where residents become disoriented and unsure of their surroundings.
When dealing with these problems in a senior living setting, where residents are often in more vulnerable conditions, there is a heightened sense of urgency. Having both eyes and ears on what’s happening inside the elevator cab can make a critical difference in assessing and addressing situations quickly, especially for those with limited ability to care for themselves. This technology leads to better, faster outcomes for residents and can help reassure their loved ones that their family members are in good hands.
“Elevator emergency solutions that incorporate video messaging systems (VMS) give patients and families greater peace of mind, provide added support for on-site staff and help to build trust with residents and their families,” says Miranda Sliter, business development manager at Kings III Emergency Communications.
In fact, updates to the latest versions of building and elevator codes have made VMS technology mandatory within elevators. “Even in states that have not yet adopted the updated versions of these codes, proactive operators aren’t just choosing modernization — they’re implementing VMS to prioritize resident safety, while also preemptively responding to the evolving landscape of code requirements,” says Sliter.
International Building Code (IBC) 2018+ and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) A17.1-2019+, support accessibility goals consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Currently, more than 75 percent of states have already adopted the updated IBC and/or ASME code, and it is likely that VMS will be mandatory across the United States within the next five years, according to Sliter.
Specifically, the rules aim to accommodate the hearing or speech impaired and those with cognitive disabilities — all important populations to consider for senior living facilities. New technologies offer robust, adaptable solutions, like two-way messaging systems for the hearing or speaking impaired, as well as video monitoring, which provides full views of the inside of the elevator cab. Combined with traditional emergency phone services, these new code-compliant emergency systems are becoming the standard way to help ensure resident safety.
One such emerging advancement is CabView™, designed to support emergency communication with video and two-way messaging in elevators, particularly when verbal interaction is difficult or impossible. The dispatcher is equipped to both see into the elevator cab to view what is happening and assist right away, including utilizing a simple “yes/no” messaging system to communicate with the passenger, if the situation calls for it.
Focusing on Care, Not Calls
Despite shifts toward smarter emergency response, many senior living communities still rely on elevator calls ringing directly to the nurse’s station or front desk — disrupting care and adding stress to already overextended clinical teams. Offloading this responsibility by routing calls to a dedicated call center with trained, certified dispatchers allows staff to stay focused on resident care. Emergency dispatchers, following established protocols, can remain on the line and manage the situation until help arrives.
With solutions like CabView, which provides real-time video monitoring inside the elevator, facilities can avoid missed calls, staff confusion and potential liability. By allowing operators visual insight that lends themselves to clear communication and consistent responses, CabView not only refines compliance and risk management — it also leads to specialized help, better results and peace of mind for both residents and staff.
For people in the cab who may not be able to hear the dispatcher, a mounted digital screen displays text to aid in communication and to keep people in the elevator calm as help is routed to them. If there is a relative or caregiver with a resident, they can give them prearrival medical instructions, including what to do if they need to provide CPR, adds Sliter.
Adapting to Updated Building Codes
Property owners are required by law to provide emergency phones in elevators, and with those requirements come a variety of codes that must be followed, along with potential liability for non-compliance. New video monitoring and messaging systems are the latest forms of support in the shifting landscape of building codes that impact elevator communication systems. Property owners and managers need to know and understand the elevator code, which varies at the local level according to city and/or state.
“Owners and operators also recognize the benefits of proactive adoption as a form of risk mitigation. Even if new rules aren’t yet being enforced, safety-focused professionals are moving forward in implementing VMS,” says Sliter.
Emergency elevator communications are addressed initially in the IBC and then in greater detail within the ASME code to govern and enhance the safety of passengers. One key area is vital for communication: two-way phone lines need to be monitored by live, authorized personnel who can take appropriate action at the time of an emergency.
Taking a Proactive Approach to Safety
The rules governing safety for elevators and escalators can seem frustratingly fragmented. The challenge of navigating the regulatory environment is one reason that owners and operators are choosing to proactively add VMS to existing and new elevators, regardless of jurisdiction.
Staying current with code is important, but solutions like CabView are built with people in mind — offering added peace of mind and critical support, especially in senior care settings where residents often require extra interaction options and assistance. Senior residents are more prone to communication challenges, such as being hard of hearing or nonverbal or becoming disoriented and panicked during an elevator entrapment.
“Outside of code requirements, owners recognize the value of implementing VMS and better managing the risks associated with elevator emergency situations,” says Sliter. “These systems allow them to be compliant and also provide a service that facilities really need: the ability to see into the elevator and evaluate what’s happening so they can take action.”
VMS communications enhance safety and dignity in senior living by supporting both residents and staff during emergencies. This technology delivers essential features that strengthen the overall effectiveness of emergency response systems.
— By Beth Mattson-Teig. This sponsored content was written in conjunction with Kings III Emergency Communications, a content partner of Seniors Housing Business.
Learn more about Kings III Emergency communications here.