Wired vs. Wireless Nurse Call Systems

May 8, 2025 | Blog | 0 comments

When choosing the right call system for an assisted living facility, the decision between wired and wireless technology can significantly impact everything from resident safety to facility efficiency. Both systems offer unique benefits and drawbacks depending on your building infrastructure, staff needs, and budget. Whether you’re planning a new facility or upgrading an existing one, understanding how these systems compare across key features—like installation, flexibility, and reliability—can guide you toward the most effective solution for your residents and staff.

Here’s a comparison table of wired vs. wireless call systems in assisted living facilities:

Feature Wired Call System Wireless Call System
Installation Requires extensive wiring and wall-mounted hardware Quick to install; minimal disruption; no wiring needed
Flexibility Fixed locations; hard to relocate devices Easily relocatable; scalable to changing facility needs
Resident Mobility Residents must be near wall unit to call Residents can carry pendants/wearables anywhere
Response Time May require centralized monitoring Instant alerts to mobile devices or staff pagers
Maintenance May involve cable faults or hardware aging Battery monitoring needed, but less physical wear
Cost (Initial) Higher due to construction and cabling Lower due to minimal infrastructure changes
Cost (Ongoing) Maintenance on physical wiring and panels Occasional battery replacement and software updates
Integration May require separate systems for alerts Often integrates with smartphones and alert platforms
Reliability Very stable if properly installed Highly reliable; can be affected by interference (rare)
Ideal For New builds with planned infrastructure Retrofitting older buildings or fast deployment
Explore our Wireless Call Systems

“That family sure was impressed by our response reports!”

“Good data shows how super we are.”