Which access control solutions are the most secure for care homes and retirement homes?
Last updated: 11 March 2026
In care homes and retirement centres, ensuring safety also means respecting the freedom of those who live there. That is why an increasing number of centres are turning to electronic solutions that make day-to-day life easier, provide greater control and simplify management, helping to strike a balance between protecting assets and ensuring residents’ independence.
With this in mind, at TESA ASSA ABLOY we develop electronic systems that overcome the limitations of traditional mechanical locks and focus on smart solutions designed to offer traceability, ease of use and centralised management.
The Transition from Mechanical to Digital Control
Although traditional management using physical keys remains common in many facilities, this approach has clear limitations, particularly in environments with high staff turnover, visitors and suppliers.
Losing a master key not only creates a security risk, but also entails high costs and a complex process to restore security.
Adapted Technology: SMARTair and the Management Ecosystem
Our solutions are designed not only to provide security, but also to be inclusive and tailored to the realities of care homes, where accessibility and ease of use are key.
- A variety of qualifications
In addition to cards, the system supports the use of waterproof RFID wristbands, which are ideal for residents with limited mobility or manual dexterity. It is also possible to unlock doors using a smartphone via the Openow app, facilitating access for authorised staff and users.
- High-security cylinders and locks
Solutions such as the SMARTair electronic cylinder or the i-volution lock combine certified mechanical strength (EN-1303 standard) with digital intelligence, offering effective protection against break-in attempts such as bumping or drilling.
- Centralised management with TS1000
Our web platform allows administrators to manage access in a simple and flexible way: schedule visiting times for suppliers, enable ‘pass-through’ mode in communal areas during visiting hours, and receive alerts for low battery levels or unauthorised access attempts.
Efficient Maintenance and Sustainability
In the day-to-day running of a care home, any technological solution must be easy to maintain and must not place an additional burden on the facility. Operational efficiency and sustainability are not abstract concepts, but rather a guarantee that security systems operate continuously without interfering with the care of residents.
That is why SMARTair devices run on standard batteries that last for up to five years (or 70,000 cycles), reducing the frequency of technical interventions and making maintenance management more predictable.
Furthermore, compatibility with Euro-profile systems means that existing doors can be upgraded without the need for building work or rewiring. This simplifies the implementation of the system, reduces costs and minimises the environmental and economic impact of the installation.
Success Story: La Sínia Residential Complex (Calafell)
A current example of our technology in action is the new La Sínia residential complex in Calafell, a cutting-edge project developed by the Fundació Privada Santa Teresa del Vendrell and built by Certis Constructora, designed by BTA Arquitectura.
This centre, which operates on the Person-Centred Care (PCC) model, has implemented the SMARTair system to manage its premises, which cover more than 6,200 m². The installation, carried out by specialist installer Aplicaciones Eléctricas Ene, comprises:
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185 SMARTair i-max electronic door handles: Robust, battery-powered devices that secure private rooms and communal areas without the need for wiring.
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46 SMARTair wall-mounted readers: Installed in pairs to monitor both entry and exit, ensuring a secure flow of traffic at critical access points.
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Online Wireless Technology: The system enables real-time communication between the doors and the management software, facilitating permission updates and instant remote unlocking.
This project has been recognised by authorities such as the Regional Minister for Social Rights and Inclusion, Mònica Martínez Bravo, as a model of innovation that uses technology to humanise care.
Help create a safer environment for those who need it most
In care homes and retirement homes, safety should not be seen as a barrier, but as a discreet form of support that is part of everyday life. When technology adapts to people rather than the other way round, it is possible to safeguard spaces, make staff’s work easier and, at the same time, respect residents’ independence.
With solutions such as SMARTair, access management ceases to be a constant worry and becomes a reliable and discreet tool, designed to provide better care – both now and in the long term – for those who need it most.
Advanced security for residential proper
And beyond who comes and goes, in a care home it also matters what is stored, who has access and when. That is why access management can be enhanced with an additional layer: smart lockers that help staff organise their daily routines and improve security without complicating operations.
i-Locker in care homes: fewer keys, less hassle, greater peace of mind
In the day-to-day running of a care home, managing physical keys is often a constant source of stress for both staff and residents. TESA ASSA ABLOY’s i-Locker solution transforms this situation by digitising access to lockers, cupboards and drawers, thereby eliminating the risk of loss or mix-ups at source.
These electronic locks not only simplify logistics, but also have a direct impact on the user’s quality of life and independence:
Goodbye to keys
They open easily with an RFID card or a smartphone, making them easier to use for people with reduced mobility.
Intuitive signage
Its LED indicators provide a clear visual indication of whether the access is blocked or available, which is an essential aid for residents with impaired vision.
Respect for privacy
It enhances residents' sense of home and personal security without the need for complex installations or cables.
Efficient management
It blends seamlessly into the residential environment, allowing staff to focus on what matters most: looking after people, not keys.
The key lies in making the transition from mechanical to digital access control to improve security and simplify day-to-day management in care homes and retirement homes. With SMARTair, the facility gains greater control, traceability and convenience for staff, whilst maintaining an accessible experience designed for everyday use. And when combined with solutions that streamline internal operations, the result is a safer, more efficient and more consistent environment for residents.
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Discover how SMARTair technology is transforming day-to-day management in care homes
Maximise staff efficiency and residents’ freedom with a keyless access control system.
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Author: Rogelio Rodríguez
Rogelio Rodríguez is Sales Manager at TESA ASSA ABLOY and has extensive experience in electronic access control solutions for environments that require security, traceability and ease of use. His expertise in implementing smart systems enables him to explain how technologies such as SMARTair can improve day-to-day management in care homes and retirement homes, promoting both the safety and independence of residents.
