New York State institutes emergency electronic tracking system for LTC residents

Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that New York’s emergency locating/tracking systems for patients in its state hospitals, nursing homes and other state-run facilities is ready for hurricane season. The New York State Evacuations of Facilities Disaster System, or e-FINDS, was prompted by Superstorm Sandy, which necessitated the evacuation on 7,100 patients/residents from hospitals and nursing homes.

The barcode wristbands worn by patients and residents are preprinted with the facility name unless confidentiality is necessary. Patients can be tracked by the use of handheld scanners or mobile phone applications. If power or phone service is interrupted, the confidential and real-time e-FINDS system can also keep track of resident placement with paper records.

Related articles: Providing shelter in the storm; Assisted living census grows in aftermath of Superstorm Sandy

Sandra Hoban

Sandra Hoban was on I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living’s editorial staff for 17 years. She is one of the country’s longest-serving senior care journalists. Before joining Long-Term Living, she was a member of the promotions department at Advanstar Communications. In addition to her editorial experience, Sandi has served past roles in print and broadcast advertising as a traffic and talent coordinator.