#Japan #Tokyo #Facial Recognition #Haseko Corporation #Haseko Senior Well Design

Innovative Access Management System for Elderly Care Facilities

In a groundbreaking development, Haseko Corporation, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, in collaboration with Haseko Senior Well Design, has introduced an innovative access management system tailored for elderly care facilities. This system integrates facial recognition technology with automatic intercom notifications, aiming to streamline visitor procedures and reduce staff workload. This initiative marks Japan’s first introduction of such advanced technology in elderly care settings, with plans for implementation in all 38 facilities of the "Bran-Ciel" series by March 2026.

The Background

Historically, visitors to elderly care facilities were required to fill out paperwork upon entering and exiting. The pandemic has added yet another step to this process: temperature checks. As a result, visitors have faced increased inconvenience during their visits. The newly developed system seeks to enhance the experience for both guests and staff by allowing pre-registration of family members, service providers, and others. This pre-registration facilitates smoother entry and exit procedures, minimizing the administrative burden for staff and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Pilot Implementation Success

Early trials of the system revealed significant benefits; for example, participating facilities reported accommodating over 600 visitors each month. The time saved during administrative procedures amounted to 15 hours per month for staff. Such efficiency not only alleviates workload pressures but also allows staff to focus more on resident care, garnering positive feedback from those involved.

A staff member noted, “The increased time spent attending to residents has greatly improved our service quality.” As visitors enter a facility, their information is displayed on monitors located at the management office. Simultaneously, automatic voice announcements relay visitor details to staff members via their intercoms, ensuring that even newly assigned or less experienced staff can access and relay accurate information quickly, thereby enhancing hospitality across the board.

Addressing Staffing Challenges

The introduction of this access management system is particularly timely in light of the ongoing staffing shortages and the high levels of stress faced by staff in elderly care facilities. Haseko Group is committed to resolving these challenges through the adoption of technology and ICT tools, enhancing service delivery for facility users. As operational efficiency improves, the ultimate goal is a higher standard of care for elderly residents, aligning technological advancements with human-centered service.

The System’s Future

The facial recognition-based access management system is not merely a technological advancement; it represents a thoughtful response to the urgent need for modernization within elderly care facilities. By leveraging modern technology, it sets a new standard for operational practices in this important sector. The integration of facial recognition and real-time communication shows promise as a viable solution to longstanding issues within the industry.

The ongoing trial phase will continue to yield insights into the effectiveness and adaptability of the system, paving the way for future innovations that could further enhance operational efficiencies in elderly care. As Haseko Corporation and Haseko Senior Well Design plan for broader implementation, stakeholders in the industry will be watching closely to gauge the successes and potential adaptations of this unprecedented initiative.

Through these efforts, Haseko Group not only addresses immediate operational challenges but also aspires to revolutionize the management of elderly care facilities, making them safer, more efficient, and more welcoming environments for both residents and visitors alike.