Comparison of Wireless Nurse Call Systems

Comprehensive Comparison of Wireless Nurse Call Systems: Why BEC Leads the Industry

Compare Wireless Nurse Call Systems within the modern healthcare industry, effective communication is crucial in order to keep residents safe, and ensure their care is delivered to the highest standards. Wireless nurse call systems have changed the industry when it comes to patient needs and emergency responses. However, it is important that when choosing a wireless nurse call system, you choose the most reliable choice. BEC’s Wireless Nurse Call Systems is installed in many of the top healthcare facilities in the nation due to its dependability.

View the BEC Wireless Nurse Call System

Understanding Wireless Nurse Call Systems

Wireless nurse call systems communicate with each other by using radio frequency technology throughout their healthcare buildings. This technology removes any extensive hardwiring from the picture, which has led to these systems becoming increasingly popular. In addition, these systems are more flexible, easier to install, and much more affordable than traditional hard-wired systems.

Key Benefits of Going Wireless

When researching specific nurse call systems, it is essential to understand some of the main advantages wireless systems offer:

Easy Installation - Wireless systems remove the need for extensive wiring through walls, ceilings, and floors
Affordability - Installation costs of wireless systems are typically 30-40% lower than wired options
Time Savings - Installation time is heavily reduced from weeks or months to just a few days
Increased Flexibility - Parts can be easily moved or added as your facility grows
Scalability - Systems can grow alongside your building expansions without having much infrastructure change

A Warning About Low-Quality Wireless Call Systems

When looking into premium solutions, it’s essential to address the production of some inexpensive, low-quality options for wireless nurse call systems that are easily accessible online. Even though an affordable option is appealing, many of these systems simply function as glorified doorbell systems that cannot meet the complex needs of your healthcare facility. Some examples include:

Lack of Device Supervision - These systems are not able to monitor the working status of devices, which means a faulty or low-battery call button might not be detected until it fails during a medical emergency
No Redundancy - Without reliable backup systems in place, these devices are not able to rely on a fallback option if the intended communication fails.
Limited Range - Low-quality transmitters frequently have a narrow range for healthcare facilities
Unreliable Connectivity - More likely to signal interference and/or loss, creating unsafe gaps in communication
No Compliance Standards - These systems typically do not meet important healthcare industry standards, such as, UL1069 or UL2560

It is important for healthcare facilities to invest their money into professional-grade systems with reliable supervision features and safeguards. If you manage a location that requires critical alerts for patient safety, then these unqualified systems present too dangerous of risks for you.

The Market Leaders: System Comparison

There are many reputable manufacturers competing in the wireless nurse call system market. However, our team is confident that BEC is your best option. Here are a few important features we offer that we want to compare to other companies:

Category	BEC Wireless	Cornell Comm.	TekTone	RCare	Visiplex	National Call Systems	Securitas Arial	SECURalert
System Type	MV200plus, MV500, PC-Based	Inform™ \| A Mobile, IndePendant	UL-Listed Wireless	Wireless & hybrid	Wireless paging system	Entry-level wireless	Safety & security suite	Wireless duress system
Facility Size	All sizes	Small to medium	All sizes	Senior living	Small to medium	Small (2–30 residents)	Medium to large	Medium to large
Mobile Integration	Full app + 10 methods	Two-way mobile	A Few Methods	Real-time alerts	Caregiver pagers	Not specified	Mobile-ready	Alerts & callback
Installation	Any contractor	Varies	Likely certified	Likely certified	Easy wireless	Simple plug-and-play	Centralized; may require install	Minimal wiring
Cost of Ownership	Lowest in class	Medium	Medium	Medium	Budget-friendly	Entry-level	Medium	Medium
Wireless Coverage	80 ft per repeater	Not specified	Not specified	Real-time alerts	Up to 250 ft	250 ft	Not specified	Room-level tracking
Customization	High & Low Cost	Custom design	Modular	Highly customizable	Flexible	Plug-and-play	Broad integration	Flexible call-point setup
Reporting & Analytics	Advanced	Advanced	Advanced	Management insights	Not emphasized	Not available	Extensive	Not specified
UL Certification	UL1069 & UL 2560	Not listed	UL 2560	UL 2560	Not listed	Not listed	UL 2560	Not listed
Third-Party Integration	Fire, HVAC, security	API support	UL-compliant	ADL tracking + mobile	Nurse station console	Smart Caregiver	Deep system integration	Safety/workflow tools
Staff Notification	10 methods	2-way comms	Basic	"I Got It" alerts	Pager + dome lights	Simple call buttons	Alerts by urgency	Vibrate + audible

BEC Wireless Nurse Call System

BEC Integrated Solutions provides an inclusive wireless nurse call system with advanced integration capabilities:

Types of Systems: MV200plus, MV500, and PC-based wireless call system
Unique Selling Point: All-in-one integration of nurse call and wander management on one single system
Key Features:
No hidden costs with a pre-programmed system and no recurring software fees
Installation flexibility with any contractor of your choice
Lowest total cost of ownership in its class
Affordable wireless repeaters covering a wide range (approximately 80 feet per repeater)
Integrated with a mobile app with resident-specific information
10 distinct staff notification methods
Integration with security, fire detection, and HVAC systems
Free lifetime system support
Comprehensive device supervision
Real Time alerts and Tracking
Data Collection Reports
Compatible with pre existing call stations
Integrated wander management (ALL ONE SYSTEM)

View Pricing

Cornell Communications

Cornell provides wireless nurse call solutions with strong communication features:

Types of Systems: InformTM I A Mobile, IndePendant Wireless, and IndePendant Basic Wireless
Unique Selling Point: Integration with legacy systems and real-time tracking
Key Features:
Real-time alerts and response tracking
Data collection and reports
Two way mobile communication
API integration capabilities
Compatible with pre existing call stations
Custom design and support services

TekTone

TekTone provides wireless nurse call systems with a focal point being dependability:

Types of Systems: Tek-CARE570 and Tek-CARE500 (UL2560 Listed)
Unique Selling Point: Highly configurable with UL compliance
Key Features:
Wide range of device options, such as, emergency call switches and pendant transmitters
Optional Event Monitoring and Reporting Software
Portable pendants for resident mobility
Various wireless call transmitters, such as, smoke detectors and door monitors
Integrated wander management (but a separate system)

RCare

RCare specializes in wireless nurse call solutions for a variety of senior care environments:

Types of Systems: RCare Mobile, RCare Voice, and Rapid Deployment Kit
Unique Selling Point: Customizable solutions for different facility types, such as, independent living, assisted living, and memory care
Key Features:
Multiple device choices
Real-time alerts and reporting
Integration with pre existing facility systems
Mobile device compatibility
Waterproof, drop-proof hardware designed for healthcare environments

Visiplex

Visiplex provides wireless alert systems with strong visual notification features:

Types of Systems: VS4820-based wireless nurse call systems
Unique Selling Point: Comprehensive alert notification options
Key Features:
Supervised wireless corridor lights with many color options
System activity reporting for device call logs
Two-way stations
Text notifications
LED message board integration
Pager integration for direct staff alerts

National Call Systems

National Call Systems provides affordable wireless solutions:

Types of Systems: EconomyCare+ Wireless Nurse Call System
Unique Selling Point: Affordable, basic implementation
Key Features:
Central monitoring unit for up to 40 nurse call buttons
Integration with motion sensors, bed/chair exit pads
Pager notification
Basic alarm logging
Easy installation

Securitas Arial

Securitas Healthcare provides the Arial wireless nurse call solution:

System Types: Arial Emergency Call & Nurse Call
Unique Selling Point: Integration with fall wander management (separate system)
Key Features:
Mobile app for staff collaboration
Unified event management
Integration with Foresite fall management
WanderGuard BLUE management compatibility
Reporting and analytics platform
Wireless technology for cost-effective installation

SECURalert

SECURalert offers wireless nurse call and duress systems:

System Types: XtendCall for senior living
Unique Selling Point: Duress protection combined with nurse call functionality
Key Features:
Wireless zone creation
Self-contained solution
Mobile alerting capabilities
Integration with pre existing communication infrastructure
Location-specific alerts

The Integration Advantage: Nurse Call and Wander Management

Integrating nurse call systems with wander management systems is a crucial differentiator in the healthcare market. For years, facilities have attempted to operate these systems separately, making it difficult and leading to potential gaps in resident safety.

BEC's Revolutionary All-In-One Approach

BEC’s Wireless Nurse Call System stands above the rest with its unified system that brings wander management and nurse call into just one system. This collaboration provides many unique advantages:

Operational Simplicity: Just a single system to manage instead of two separate platforms
Consistent Communication: All alerts go through the same system
Enhanced Safety: Zero gaps between systems that could hinder resident safety.
Streamlined Training: Staff members need to learn only one system, which makes training quicker
Cost Efficiency: Purchasing a single platform decreases the cost, that would otherwise be the price of two systems.

The integrated system includes:

One single RF wireless network
Call pendant and wander pendant combined in one device
Mobile alerts with patient-specific information
Centralized calls to the nurse call master from wander doors and devices

Device Supervision: A Critical Safety Feature

Device supervision is a critical, but frequently overlooked component in nurse call systems. This crucial feature continuously monitors the working status of all components within a system.

Why Device Supervision Matters

In healthcare facilities, a faulty call button can lead to dangerous threats. Device supervision:

Guarantees transmitters, pendants, and pull cords remain working at all times
Monitors battery level and sends low-battery alerts prior to a failure happening
Detects tampered or broken devices
Verifies network connectivity throughout the entire facility
Delivers automatic alerts for any malfunctioning components

BEC Wireless systems include comprehensive device supervision, continuously monitoring the status of all components to avoid communication errors when they're most critical.

Feature	Wireless Nurse Call System	Wired Nurse Call System
Installation	Easy to install, no need for extensive wiring, ideal for retrofitting existing buildings.	Requires professional installation with extensive wiring, best suited for new construction.
Cost	Lower upfront installation costs due to minimal wiring.	Higher initial cost due to labor and materials for wiring.
Flexibility	Easily expandable and reconfigurable as facility needs change.	Limited flexibility; adding new units requires additional wiring and labor.
Reliability	Dependable with battery backups, though wireless signals may face interference in some environments.	Extremely reliable with direct wired connections, unaffected by wireless interference.
Maintenance	Minimal maintenance, but batteries in wireless devices need periodic replacement.	Low maintenance, but repairs may require accessing hardwired connections inside walls.
Compliance	Meets regulatory standards for assisted living and long-term care facilities.	Often required in hospitals and high-acuity healthcare settings due to strict regulations.
Scalability	Easily scales with facility growth, making it ideal for assisted living and nursing homes.	Expanding requires additional wiring and infrastructure, increasing costs and complexity.

Cost Considerations and Total Ownership Value

Cost is an important matter to consider when evaluating wireless nurse call systems, but it’s just one factor. The overall cost associated with owning this system includes installation, maintenance, upgrades, and ongoing fees.

Installation Costs

Wireless systems frequently offer major savings in installation:

Wired Systems: Require extensive construction work, cable pulls, and longer installation time
Wireless Systems: Limited infrastructure changes, fast installation (days versus weeks/months)
According to healthcare industry research, wireless installation can reduce costs by 30-40% compared to wired alternatives.

Recurring Costs

Many nurse call systems require continuous expenses that greatly impact the total ownership cost:

Software Maintenance Fees: Many systems charge annual fees for updates and technology support
Licensing Costs: Per-user or per-bed licensing may be applicable
Upgrade Charges: Many vendors charge for new features or functions