It’s unclear where the common phrase “all the bells and whistles” originated. The phrase’s earliest uses seem to be in mid-century America. Newspaper ads for new homes refer to kitchens and cars with all the bells and whistles. Some speculate that it has roots in the American locomotive industry, as bells and whistles were exactly what were used to notify folks that a train was pulling into town. Others say it’s more likely that cinema organists adding the sound effects to silent films were the origin of the phrase. A whole host of sound-makers, including a wide variety of bells and bird whistles, enhanced the movie-goers experience.
As we understand it now, anything offering all the bells and whistles will have a lot of features and functions that may be useful, but rarely enhance the actual purpose of the device you’re purchasing. If you’ve ever bought a computer from a store, you know the pressure to get the sharpest screen resolution, the fastest processor and the most memory is alluring. The salesperson will insist it is necessary. But if you intend to use the new computer for word processing and occasionally browsing the internet, all the bells and whistles will go to waste. As the consumer, the trick is in finding the machine that will function as you intend to use it and leaving behind all the extras that add to the cost but not the value.
The same is true if you’re looking for a nurse call system.
I recently attended a trade show that got me thinking about bells and whistles. I was positioned across the aisle from another company which provided a very different nurse call system. While PalatiumCare focuses on creating a more home-like atmosphere, this nurse call system was clearly intended for a hospital setting. The display included several call lights that stayed flashing all day long. There were also shrill audible alerts that would go off from time to time, and the folks behind the display would quickly jump to silence the alert.
Now there are certainly settings in which a system like that would be appropriate. But when I think of the bells and whistles that will serve a senior living community, I think of proactive reporting, easy-to-use system interface, the ability to customize how you want your system to notify care givers, and the peace of mind that comes with a reliable server. All of these features don’t just make PalatiumCare appear more desirable, they enhance the user experience and empower the staff to provide the highest quality care.
If you’re looking for a new nurse call system for your senior living community, I encourage you to take the time to speak with your staff, administrators and residents. Identify what features you couldn’t live without, and what features sound impressive, but you doubt you’ll ever use. Knowing how your community uses a call system is the best first step in picking a new one. And it will help you avoid the dazzling allure of “bells and whistles” that are ultimately just a lot of noise.
Kirt GravesSales Representative
kgraves@palatiumcare.com
