Chris Thomas, co-founder of telecoms and internet connectivity specialist, Litenet,
shares how care providers can design their homes and services to ensure they operate as efficiently as possible for the people using them
Designing a new building is an incredibly complicated process, particularly when it is being built to home elderly residents with varying complex needs. Architects must consider the visual appeal and interior design elements to ensure it offers the highest quality of life to those who will be residing in the home. In addition, there’s a whole team of engineers and technicians who have to thoroughly examine everything from air conditioning to light switches.
Modern social care buildings require a lot of services. They not only have to look good, but also function well to be attractive to both the residents and staff. They also need to be flexible, allowing staff to adapt to ever-changing care needs.
In today’s world, cellular connectivity has become an essential part of our daily lives, especially in new care buildings. It is crucial that architects understand the importance of cellular signal within social care operations and plan for it during the initial design stage of the home.
Poor cellular coverage can cause many problems such as dropped calls and slow data speeds, which can be significantly detrimental in the social care sector when sharing people’s health records and care needs with staff and family. In addition, weak cellular signals can pose a safety hazard in emergency situations. If a resident needs immediate attention, for instance, staff may not be able to call colleagues for further help or inform the resident’s next of kin if they need to be taken to hospital, which could lead to dire consequences.
Ultimately, a lack of cellular signal can have a significant impact on staff productivity and efficiency, leading to the quality of care being impeded.
What architects can do to improve cellular connectivity in a new care building
Architects can plan for cellular coverage during the design stage, select materials and finishes that allow for better signal penetration, design for optimal signal distribution, incorporate rooftop equipment, and future-proof the building’s infrastructure.
One way to improve cellular signal in a new care building is to install a mobile signal booster, a device that amplifies weak cellular signals, increasing signal strength and coverage throughout the care home. These boosters can be installed in the building during construction or retrofitted into existing buildings. Installation during the building phase also helps to keep costs down by reducing the labour involved in running cables and installing equipment. In addition, it avoids any negative impact the installation works might have if the building is already housing residents.
Planning for cellular coverage
Modern building materials and designs are some of the most energy efficient we’ve ever seen, but the same thing that keeps the heat inside (or outside!) is the same thing that blocks cellular signals. Cladding, insulation, and UV reflecting glass all bounce signals away, while reinforced concrete acts as a significant block.
Architects can work with companies that specialise in cellular coverage during the design phase, where they can determine the type of coverage required, the locations for cellular antennas and equipment, and any necessary structural modifications. By planning for cellular coverage from the outset, architects can ensure that care homes are comprehensively designed to accommodate the needs of both residents and staff.
What if the building’s already finished?
Surveys can be conducted to determine what signal levels are present inside for any or all networks. Dedicated specialists can then identify areas of poor coverage, work out which networks are suffering, and build a picture of black spots. With this information, they can work with care operators to put together a plan – whether that’s for full coverage, building wide, or hotspots in strategic locations.
Overall, incorporating cellular coverage into care home design is essential in today’s tech-driven care sector. It not only empowers carers to provide the highest quality of care possible, but also enables the home to keep evolving with the latest advancements in technology, benefitting all that use it.
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