COVER STORY: Sector challenges inspiring technical innovation and solutions

Established in 1986, Intercall nurse call systems can be found in residential care settings across the UK and in healthcare facilities around the world. Over the years, Intercall has built a reputation as an innovator in the care sector, developing nurse call, dementia care, and staff attack systems in conjunction with healthcare professionals, through listening to their needs and understanding their challenges. 

The challenges are numerous. There are currently almost 7,400 care home providers and 16,500 registered care homes, making the sector one of the biggest employers in the UK. Care home trends are showing that resident demand is outstripping supply, while staffing pressures are showing no sign of dissipating. In addition to the increase in demand for dementia care, people with learning disabilities are living longer, resulting in a growing need for specialised care homes that can care for them as they age. Furthermore, people with learning disabilities have a higher risk of developing dementia, making their care needs even more complex.

Care home managers are increasingly turning to technology to help support staff, improve resident safety, and enhance the operational efficiency of the home. Intercall nurse call systems offer much more than the traditional call bell systems of the past. Versatile and customisable, Intercall nurse call systems can be programmed to individual home requirements. Calls and events are prioritised, with system colours and sounds specified to cause as little distress and alarm fatigue as possible, while the Intercall Connect App for Android mobile devices alerts staff and keeps them updated on nurse call status, wherever they are within the building.