How antiquated pull cords and unreliable systems put compliance, efficiency, and resident safety at risk
Each June, National Safety Month encourages senior living providers to examine how their communities are supporting the health and security of residents. While many focus on fall prevention, medication safety, or emergency preparedness plans, there’s one system that often escapes scrutiny, the emergency call system.
In too many communities, residents are still relying on old, outdated pull cords, wall buttons, or aging wired systems that no longer meet today’s expectations for care or compliance. These systems may have been state-of-the-art when they were installed, but time has shown their limitations and the risks they pose.
This blog explores the hidden costs of outdated call systems, from compliance issues to staff inefficiencies and safety gaps. If your emergency response system hasn’t evolved in the last decade, now is more than likely the time to modernize.
1. Resident Safety is at Risk
A call system is the backbone of emergency response in senior living, but when that system is outdated, it can become a liability.
- No mobility: Residents aren’t always near a fixed wall unit when they need help, especially in memory care or independent living settings.
- Reliability concerns: Older analog systems are prone to malfunctions, wiring issues, and service interruptions.
Modern call systems offer wearable, wireless devices, location tracking, and multiple communication paths. They’re designed for real-world emergencies—not ideal conditions.
2. Slower Staff Response Times
Outdated call systems don’t just impact residents; they slow down your staff and limit the quality of care.
- No alert routing: Many legacy systems only send an alert to a central panel or front desk. Staff may not be notified directly or may waste time tracking down the room the alert came from.
- Limited information: Old systems rarely offer details like location, type of call (emergency vs. assistance), or information on who triggered it.
- Manual logging: Without digital records, incident tracking and handoffs between shifts are less accurate and more time-consuming.
Outdated technology makes a tough job even harder. Today’s nursing homes and assisted living communities are already operating under immense pressure, and old call systems only add to the strain. When staff are forced to rely on inefficient tools, it contributes directly to burnout and delays in care.
Modern solutions send alerts directly to mobile devices, with accurate location data and two-way communication, improving triage and reducing unnecessary stress on staff.
3. Growing Compliance and Liability Risks
Regulatory bodies are increasing their focus on resident safety standards and emergency readiness. Communities relying on outdated technology may be exposing themselves to compliance violations and insurance liability.
- Inspection failures: Some states now require real-time monitoring and digital tracking that older systems simply can’t support.
- Inadequate documentation: Analog systems often lack reporting capabilities, making it difficult to verify that care was delivered appropriately and promptly.
- Legal exposure: In the event of a serious incident, using a system known to be outdated or unreliable could increase legal and reputational risk.
By upgrading to a compliant and audit-ready system, providers can protect residents and themselves.
4. Hidden Costs Add Up
At first glance, sticking with an existing system may seem more cost-effective than investing in new technology. But the hidden costs of an outdated solution can quickly outweigh any savings:
- Frequent repairs: Older systems often require costly maintenance, with parts that are harder to source.
- Operational inefficiencies: Time lost to slow response or system confusion drains staff productivity and increases burnout.
- Risk-related costs: Falls, delayed care, or legal action stemming from a failed system can have large financial consequences.
Upgrading is more than a technology investment—it’s a strategic decision that enhances safety, reputation, and long-term efficiency.
5. Residents and Families Expect Better
Today’s residents and their families are more informed, connected, and involved than ever before. They want care environments that are safe, dignified, and technology enabled.
Outdated pull cords or wall buttons signal an older, less responsive model of care. In contrast, discreet wearables and modern call buttons demonstrate a community’s commitment to safety, independence, and innovation.
Your emergency response system is more than infrastructure—it’s part of the first impression you give to every new resident and their loved ones.
What to Look for in a Modern Call System
When evaluating new systems, consider these essential features:
- Wireless and wearable options
- Real-time alerting and staff routing
- Location tracking and two-way communication
- Cloud-based reporting and analytics
- Integration with mobile staff workflows
- Custom configurations for assisted, independent, and memory care settings
How MGLiving Can Help
At Medical Guardian, we understand the unique needs of senior living communities. That’s why we created MGLiving—a flexible, wireless emergency response solution tailored to assisted living, independent living, memory care, and affordable housing providers.
With MGLiving, communities can:
- Equip residents with discreet, mobile call devices
- Enable instant alert routing to staff smartphones or tablets
- Automate documentation and improve compliance readiness
- Reduce response times and elevate peace of mind
Whether you’re upgrading from an analog system or building a new community, MGLiving offers a scalable, future-ready platform that aligns with your care goals and safety standards.
National Safety Month: A Chance to Reevaluate
National Safety Month is the perfect opportunity to reexamine the systems you depend on every day. Ask yourself:
- Are your residents always able to call for help wherever they are?
- Is your staff alerted quickly and clearly?
- Can you easily document and verify response times?
If the answer to any of the above questions isn’t a confident “yes”, it may be time for a change.
Modernizing your emergency call system is one of the most impactful safety investments you can make—and one of the most visible signs of your commitment to excellence.
Want to learn more about how MGLiving supports safer, smarter communities?
Reach out to our team at Medical Guardian for a personalized consultation.