EkoTek Assist Fob
The EkoTek Assist Fob is a cutting-edge device
An Australian study found 8% of women aged in their 40s, 14% in their 50s, 25% in their 60s, and 40% in their 70s had experienced a fall in the previous 12 months. In older adults, up to 30% of falls can result in moderate to severe injuries, such as lacerations, hip fractures, and head trauma, resulting in an increased risk of early death. A fall may lead to a fear of falling, avoidance of daily activities, social isolation, lowered quality of life and can precipitate a move to residential aged care.
As I read this, I focused on the last few words, ‘…and can precipitate a move to residential aged care…’, and realised how vulnerable Aged Care Facilities are for falls risks amongst their residents. The very fact that a person has had a fall/s, may well be the very reason they relocate to an Aged Care Facility.
This being the case, the risk simply must be mitigated or reduced. But the risk is real, and potentially quite severe, as this excerpt defines.
Recently I visited a facility that was using floor mats for Falls Risk Residents. When I asked why they were using floor mats rather than bed mats, I was informed that they were told their NurseCall System was not compatible with bed mats. I engaged in a really interesting conversation with the Clinical Manager on this topic. One specific resident had been having a significant number of falls during the night, partially due to disorientation. She would sit up in bed, get disorientated, half awake and get up to try and “get her bearings”. However, in her state of disorientation, she would misjudge the floor, and, well you will know the outcome. Sadly, the floor mat was too late!
Clearly, a bed mat, that alerts staff that the resident has sat up in bed, will mitigate the risk of a fall significantly. But I was told their system was not ‘compatible’ with bed mats. That’s like a red rag to a bull! I had to find a solution. Spare you the details, but with some investigation and experimentation, I found a solution, using an off-the-shelf product, with a minor adjustment made prior to delivery. To be fair, I allowed the site to have the mat set up on trial for 2 weeks, before the need for a commitment.
After just one week I was excited to receive a call from the Clinical Manager to lodge a purchase order. To my delight (but more importantly, to the delight of the Clinical Manager), this precious Resident had not had a single fall for a whole week. As predicted, the Resident triggered an alarm on the NurseCall System as soon as she sat up in bed. Therefore, a staff member was able to attend to the Resident, settle her (or assist her to the bathroom) and safely ensure she returned to a restful sleep.
Such an experience is what I consider a win. It certainly fulfils our objective of being a solutions business that is ‘People-centred, technology-driven’.
Read the full article here…
The EkoTek Assist Fob is a cutting-edge device
.The 2701 Falls Monitor with Safetime Support
If you or a loved one requires
In today’s fast-paced and dynamic business landscape,
Cleo is an experienced administrator with a strong history working in large corporate settings and was the National Operations Support Lead for a big not-for-profit organisation. Other strings to her bow include marketing, as well as a demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate a multitude of tasks.
Cleo’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Accounting/Business Administration and a Diploma of Community Services Management.
She’s not only the smiling face around the office, but also oversees all the administrative functions and provides operation support and manages compliance.
Joseph holds years of experience maintaining and installing Radio Broadcast equipment, Drive-Through equipment, Public Address systems, as well as Nurse Call systems with private health and large medical practices. His experience working with electronic equipment extends to cable installation, maintaining radio repeaters, paging and dect phone systems. He enjoys all facets of his role, including the on-site, installations and customer interactions, as much as he enjoys the pre-install workshop preparation required in making nurse call equipment specific to individual customer needs and bespoke modifications.
Qualifications:
Jan holds the challenging position of Operations Manager at Electrotek and has been integral to the success of the company since 2015 and is involved with different aspects of operations, including servicing, installation, manufacturing, technical support, warehouse management, project management, and leading a team of technicians across Australia.
Jan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering and a Diploma in Project Management.
Neil has worked in a variety of sectors in an engineering and development capacity, his roles include Research and Development with CRC for Microtechnology on Athlete Monitoring with the Australian Institute of Sport. Neil’s name is prominent on multiple patents.
Neil’s functions include the technical direction of the company, guidance and oversite of hardware and software systems.
Previously Neil has held product development roles, from prototype stage to small scale production. The development of engine control system for LPG and LNG fuel delivery to heavy vehicles, as well as the development of onboard data collection and monitoring systems for heavy vehicles (surface and underground).
Neil has underpinned not only the technical requirements of Electrotek, but the team as well, training and providing guidance to the team of technicians.
Qualifications:
Belinda has over 30 years’ experience in executive support and office management positions through small companies and corporate, including FMCG’s, leading accounting firm and Telstra (in Australia). She was integral to creating and growing Electrotek where she now holds the role of General Manager.
Belinda’s passion for success in business and in caring for customers drives her to lead from the ground up extracting the best from her team and for her customers.
Belinda holds various supporting qualifications including Certificate IV in Small Business Management.
Theo Kuppens is the Managing Director of Electrotek, an established provider of emergency communication, electronic security, and telephony solutions within the health and aged care industries.
With over 30 years industry experience, he has a broad background and experience in technology covering Information Technology (IT), electronics, telecommunications, audio-visual engineering, and electronic security.
With this industry knowledge and experience, he is well placed to look at technology issues facing clients within the health and aged care sectors from a solutions-based perspective rather than the traditional product “one shoe fits all” methodology.
He is still “hands-on” and, together with the engineering and technical team, continues to look at evolving technologies that will improve operational efficiencies, staff safety, and reduce “cost of ownership” of installed systems by empowering onsite maintenance personnel.
Qualifications: