This text is sponsored by Kings III Emergency Communications. On this Voices interview, Senior Housing Information speaks with Miranda Sliter, Senior Care Enterprise Growth Supervisor at Kings III Communications, in regards to the evolution of emergency communication techniques in senior dwelling elevators, and the rising significance of accessibility for residents with listening to or speech impairments. Sliter discusses how Kings III’s CabView answer makes use of video and real-time two-way messaging to reinforce security, help ADA-aligned code necessities, and ship a extra inclusive, dignified expertise throughout emergencies.
Senior Housing Information: What’s your background, and the way did it result in your function right this moment?
I’ve been within the elevator trade for just a little over 10 years, working with a number of the high firms within the discipline. In that point, I’ve seen a variety of phone-related points—throughout new installations, modernization initiatives, and even routine inspections. It gave me firsthand expertise with how emergency communication can have an effect on elevator performance and security. Via all of that, Kings III stood out. Anytime I got here throughout their techniques or wanted a dependable answer, they have been those I trusted. Once I noticed a task open right here, I jumped at it. It’s an organization I really revered, and I wished to be a part of how they help the trade.
Miranda Sliter: How have latest updates to elevator and constructing codes shifted the dialog round accessibility in senior dwelling communities, particularly for residents with listening to or speech impairments?
That is actually a three-part dialog. First, it’s about bettering entry to emergency communication. Latest updates to ASME A17.1—now a part of IBC in lots of states—require elevators to help video and two-way messaging. That makes a giant distinction for residents who could also be deaf, laborious of listening to, speech-impaired, or cognitively impaired. When one thing sudden occurs, having a transparent, visible connection can present reassurance and cut back panic.
Second, it connects to inclusive design. We’re seeing an even bigger dedication to creating environments extra navigable for all residents—whether or not by way of visible indicators or intuitive communication instruments. That aligns with what operators are already working towards in reminiscence care and assisted dwelling settings.
And at last, it’s about independence. When residents know they will ask for assist and be understood—even when they will’t converse—it offers them confidence to maneuver about extra freely. That’s what accessibility is de facto about: giving folks extra management in conditions that used to really feel unsure or horrifying.
What function does real-time two-way messaging play in supporting residents who might not be capable of hear or converse throughout an elevator emergency? How does Kings III’s CabView system tackle this want?
Two-way messaging performs an enormous function in supporting residents with communication challenges. It offers them a approach to interact in an emergency without having to talk—whether or not they’re laborious of listening to, have cognitive impairments, or are simply disoriented within the second. CabView contains an on-screen interface with stay textual content messaging that enables dispatchers to ship clear directions or ask easy sure/no questions.
The important thing right here is ensuring each resident may be seen, heard, or understood—even when verbal communication isn’t doable. That stage of accessibility builds belief throughout high-stress moments, and in senior dwelling, these moments matter.
How does having video visibility contained in the elevator cab enhance emergency response instances and outcomes for residents?
Video visibility makes an enormous distinction. It permits our emergency dispatchers to see what’s occurring in actual time and reply accordingly, eradicating the guesswork beforehand related to an incoming name the place the operator is met with silence. If a resident can’t converse—whether or not on account of a medical emergency, reminiscence care want, or panic—we’re not guessing. We are able to assess the state of affairs visually and ship assist quicker. That is key for an organization like ours that’s devoted to the very best and most complete stage of emergency response.
Our dispatch heart is staffed 24/7 by educated professionals who focus on emergency communication. They keep on the road upon request, information the caller, and observe protocols that assist residents really feel supported till assist arrives. It additionally helps present residents with the distinctive and personalised care they deserve—throughout the board. In lots of communities, elevator calls nonetheless ring by way of to the nurse’s station or entrance desk, which may be overwhelming, and, extra importantly, can impede their essential caregiving duties. We tackle that duty with the identical stage of compassion and professionalism so frontline groups can keep centered on resident care.
Some communities may even see accessibility options as only a compliance guidelines. How does CabView go additional to create a extra human-centered and dignified emergency expertise for residents?
CabView undoubtedly goes past simply checking a compliance field. It creates a real-time, human connection—particularly in moments when a resident could also be scared or confused. With the ability to see a dispatcher’s response on display screen, even when they will’t converse, helps residents really feel much less alone. It reveals them that somebody is actively responding, not only a recording or blinking mild. Moreover, being assured that somebody has visibility right into a compromising state of affairs and may assess what’s happening through video with out the onus on the passenger to speak supplies reduction to people who may discover communication difficult.
That form of expertise is crucial in senior care. It’s about preserving dignity and providing reassurance, even in small however crucial moments and safeguarding EVERY human life, with out compromise.
Why is it particularly necessary for senior dwelling communities to paved the way in adopting inclusive emergency communication options like CabView? What recommendation would you give to operators who’re contemplating modernization?
Senior dwelling communities serve a number of the most weak populations—residents who might not be capable of converse clearly, who might panic in an emergency, who’re navigating reminiscence loss or listening to impairments, or are vulnerable to a myriad of vulnerabilities that include age. These are the environments the place inclusive communication techniques make the largest influence.
My recommendation to operators is to view modernization as a proactive step towards safer, extra assured care. Even when native code enforcement isn’t instant, it’s imminent, with over 85% of the US having already adopted the up to date model of those codes. Planning forward not solely avoids last-minute retrofits—it additionally helps groups present the form of help they need to give day by day.
Within the senior dwelling trade, 2025 can be outlined by…
…a stronger give attention to inclusive design, tech-driven security, and care that actually facilities the resident expertise. These aren’t simply facilities—they’re important to supporting independence and peace of thoughts for everybody concerned: residents, workers, and visiting relations.
Editor’s notice: This interview has been edited for size and readability.
Kings III makes a speciality of emergency communication options purpose-built for senior dwelling environments. From elevator security to accessible communication, their techniques are designed to guard residents, assist guarantee compliance, and supply peace of thoughts for workers and households alike. Able to entrust the specialists together with your neighborhood’s emergency response? Go to https://go.kingsiii.com/accessible-response.
The Voices Collection is a sponsored content material program that includes main executives discussing traits, matters and extra shaping their trade in a question-and-answer format. For extra info on Voices, please contact [email protected].
