

How long-term care facilities can balance resident safety and accessibility with smarter access
As Canada’s long-term care sector prepares for growing demand, based on Canadian Institute for Health Information’s (CIHI) latest data, operators and security professionals face a complex challenge: creating secure environments that don’t feel restrictive.
In a long-term care (LTC) facility, security cannot be considered in isolation from accessibility, resident well-being or day-to-day operations. Residents may have limited mobility or cognitive impairment, while staff need reliable access to resident rooms and controlled areas throughout the day, and facilities must protect residents, maintain privacy and respond to changing operational needs. That makes access control and door hardware part of the environment in which care is delivered, not just security infrastructure.
For LTC operators modernizing existing facilities or developing new campuses, the challenge is finding solutions that provide the right level of security at each opening while supporting accessibility, operational efficiency and the experience of the people who live and work there.




Applying the right level of security
Effective access control in long-term care isn’t simply about deciding who can enter, it’s about understanding how each space is used and applying an appropriate level of control. Residents need to move through common areas comfortably, while exterior entrances and restricted areas may need additional security, and staff need access to the spaces their roles require without unnecessary delays.
Keyscan Access Control, powered by Keyscan Aurora software, supports this through credential and access-permission management. Security teams can manage access to specific areas, modify permissions as responsibilities change, and maintain an audit trail; simplifying administration while improving visibility into access across the building.




Modernizing without starting from scratch
The challenge grows more complex for organizations responsible for multiple LTC facilities, whose portfolios can include buildings built at different times, with different layouts, security requirements and existing hardware. Replacing everything at once may not be practical, or necessary. Instead, operators need a strategy that lets existing infrastructure remain part of the solution while building toward greater consistency and centralized management.
Keyscan Aurora can bring access control together across multi-site campuses while making use of existing infrastructure where appropriate. A single credential can provide access across doors and elevators, while centralized management establishes consistent policies across a campus or tailors permissions to individual buildings and resident areas. That flexibility also supports a phased approach: facilities can address priority openings first and add access points as needs, budgets or renovation schedules allow, minimizing disruption to residents and staff.
Keyscan Aurora Control Software


- Enhanced Lockdown
- Support for E-Plex offline electronic locks (requires M-Unit handheld); Functions with E-Plex 7900; and other select E-Plex electronic locks
- VMS Integration
- Visitor Management Systems Integration
- Telephone entry system integration
- E-Plex and other select wireless locks integration
- Active Directory integration
- Support for Keyscan and other select mobile access solutions
- SMART elevator systems integration
- Aurora web client interface
- Centrally managed access control
- Upgrade to full SQL server
- Optional licensed and add-on modules for enhanced and added functionality
- dormakaba Community and Ambiance hospitality and multi-housing software integrations offering unique ‘back-of-the-house’ access control solutions
- Ten (10) assigned groups to a single credential holder
- Support for 45,000 credentials (up to 90,000)
- People-centric methodology
- Unlimited user-definable fields
- Available SDK and API available for custom integration
- Aurora 2.0 offers new user experience
- Aurora 2.0 full support for New Keyscan KC Series controllers
- English, French, Spanish and Portuguese language support




Make accessibility part of the security strategy
Accessibility is another critical consideration, often overlooked when security is treated primarily as a question of credentials and permissions. For a resident with limited mobility, opening a door can be a significant obstacle; heavy manual doors are difficult for people using wheelchairs or walkers, or those with limited strength or dexterity, and staff assisting residents face the same barriers.
Low-energy door operators address this by making doors easier to operate while maintaining the functionality and appearance expected in a modern care setting. For interior applications, the dormakaba EasyAssist Low Energy Swing Door Operator supports accessibility without a large or intrusive footprint; for exterior applications, the ED100LE provides low-energy automatic operation in a compact, streamlined design. Both are German engineered, offering a cost-effective way to improve accessibility while staying unobtrusive. RCI strikes and touchless switches can complement these operators for accessible, controlled entry. Accessibility shouldn’t be added after the security strategy is developed, it should be considered from the outset.
ED20LE EasyAssist Low Energy Swing Door Operator




- The EasyAssist SmartArm with integrated cabling allows for door leaf mounting without exposed wiring
- The design enhances security by preventing cable tampering and damage while offering a sleek appearance and simplified retrofitting
- Compatible with dormakaba push buttons and touch-free actuators; opening and closing smoothly to enable reliable, barrier-free movement
- Opens doors at precisely controlled speeds and force, ensuring safety for all users, and its engineered functionality makes it an intelligent addition to sustainable buildings at an affordable price
- Passive: Standby with no operator support
- Manual: Select Power Assist or Push-N-Go function
- Automatic: For use of switches with Power Assist as default setting. Power Assist and Push-N-Go functions can be deactivated
- Permanent Open: Permanent hold-open
- Push-N-Go: Door opens automatically following a slight manual movement of the door
- Power Assist: Manual opening drive support
- Power Close: Provides a controlled boost of power to ensure the latching of the door against stack pressure
- Safety: The door will stop and reverse if an obstruction is encountered
- Backcheck: Cushions to prevent uncontrolled door opening, protecting the door and wall from damage
- ANSI /BHMA A156.19
- UL and CUL listed for fire door operators with automatic closers
- ADA compliant
- Onboard power supply for access control devices
- Maximum door width: 55” (1,400 mm)
- Maximum door weight: 200 lb (90 kg)
- Operator weight: 14 lb [ 6.35 kg]
- Ambient temperature: 5º F [-15º C] to 122º F [50º C]
- Maximum opening angle: Pull 130º, Pull as push 120º
- Non-handed
Applications
- Maximum Door Weight: 200 lb.
- Use on Interior Doors
ED100LE Low Energy Swing Door Operator


ED100LE PULL51CLEAR
EZ # 187199
ED100LE PUSH51CLEAR
EZ # 187200
- Employs an innovative, and super-quiet, electromechanical drive that is a perfect solution for facilities that want a quick, quiet, and painless transition from manual doors to touch-free access
- Can automate new or existing swing doors through the use of a push plate, wave plate, or other actuator devices
- The advanced automatic power assist combines minimal push forces (as low as ANSI size 1) with reliable closing
- All common applications for outswing and inswing doors — either with push arm or pull arm
- Easy to install and makes existing doors easily accessible
- The ED100LE combines advanced power assist, reliable closing, and special firmware capabilities to help manage the combination of wind and building pressure.
- Includes a blow-open feature for smoke ventilation (per NFPA code 92B), permanent hold-open, and an onboard power supply delivering 1.5 amps @ 24-volt DC, which eliminates the need for a secondary power supply
- Twelve programmable options to accommodate even the most challenging door installations
- In addition, the ED100LE low energy operator boasts a small footprint, up to 65 percent smaller than some other manufacturers' operators
- Onboard power supply for access control devices: 1.5 A @ 24 VDC
- Maximum door size: 48" (1219 mm) wide
- Maximum recommended door weight: 400 lb (181 kg)**
- Operator weight: 26.58 lb (12 kg)
- Operating temperatures: 5° F to 122° F (−15° C to 50° C)
- Standard operator dimensions: 27" W × 2-3/4" H × 5-1/8" D (685 mm × 70 mm × 130 mm)
- Maximum opening angle: Powered—110°
- Non-handed
- **Doors up to 600 lb (272 kg) under limited conditions. Please consult the factory for doors over recommended weight limits.
- Opening and closing speed
- Hold open time: from 0–30 seconds
- Backcheck & latching angles
- Blow open/night bank hold open
- Wall blanking on pull side
- Safety sensor testing
- Delayed opening for unlocking: From 0–4 seconds. Use with electromechanical access control peripherals such as electric strikes or exit devices with electric latch retraction.
- Closing force prior to unlocking: Works with the delayed unlocking feature and accommodates reduction of latch bolt locking force prior to releasing the electromechanical access control device.
Applications
- For interior or exterior use in medium to heavy duty (600 lbs door) settings such as hospitals, care facilities, hotels, restaurants, and at commercial and academic institutions.




Extending electronic access to individual doors
Not every door in an LTC facility requires the same solution: resident rooms and staff areas may have different access requirements, and operators need flexibility to apply appropriate permissions while maintaining visibility into activity.
The E-Plex 7900 lock offers a cost-effective electronic access option well suited to retrofit installations and resident room doors. Manufactured in Montreal, this Grade 1 RFID lock supports multiple credential technologies tailored to residents, staff and support workers. It operates in standalone offline or wireless modes and integrates directly with Keyscan Aurora, letting operators extend electronic access management to individual doors without connecting every opening to a central controller. Available in cylindrical, mortise and exit-trim configurations, the ACA compliant lock offers flexible installation, emergency lockdown functionality and an audit trail, with a design that complements the facility rather than dominating it visually.
E-Plex 7900 RFID Wireless Lock for Keyscan Aurora Integrations


- Integrated with Keyscan Aurora software for wireless online or offline applications
- Integrated with Keyscan LUNA software or Keyscan Aurora software for offline mode (with M-UNIT handheld)
- Also functions with third-party software (see ACS partner integration)
- Designed for cylindrical, mortise and exit device applications
- Can be utilized in conjunction with E-Plex 3x00 Series and E-Plex 5x00 series electronic wireless locks
- Compatible with most credential technologies, including Keyscan, and Farpointe BLE mobile credentials
- Integrated RFID reader
- ADA compliant
- BHMA/ANSI Grade 1
- UL/UL10C, ULC S104
- FCC Part 15 Class C and CE directive 2014/53/EU and industry Canada compliant
- Standard backset: 2-3/4” (70mm) backset
- Key override: Ilco KIL cylinder, keyed different. Best (SFIC) and equivalents (core not included)
- Deadbolt: 1” (25 mm)
- Door Thickness: 1-3/8” to 2-1/2” (35mm to 66mm)
- Battery powered: Alkaline batteries (4 AA)
- Low battery indicator in software and on lock
- Battery life up to 1 year (based on optimal usage)
- Programming and audit trail: Lock memory stores 30,000 audits, max 10,000 users, wireless locks using Aurora software stream lock; transactions in real time with on-line programming
- Stand-alone lock programming and audit retrieval (requires M-Unit)
Zigbee configuration changes:
- Generation 2 - Fully compatible with Gen 2 E-Plex locks and wireless networks. Generation 2 hardware is not compatible with the Generation 1 wireless network; however, it will continue to function alongside Generation 1 wireless locks and networks
- Generation 1 - Compatible only with existing Gen 1 locks and zigbee wireless network
- Contact your sales representative for any generation 1 hardware needs
- Up to 100 gateways per network
- 100 devices (locks/routers) per gateway
- Up to 8 routers per gateway
- Locks/routers can be up to 2-hops from gateway
- Locks will ping and look for closest gateway/router
Applications
- Offices, classrooms, healthcare facilities, government buildings, warehouses, laboratories, remote buildings, and other commercial openings where wired access control is cost-prohibitive
RCI 910TC Series Touchless Actuators


- Designed for touchless door activation in any facility
- Functions by triggering activation of automatic door openers by hand gesture or use of a remote fob
- Can make the difference when it comes to a clean, hygienic facility
- Ideal for use in healthcare facilities, restaurants, schools, offices and restrooms by minimizing touchpoints
- Aesthetically pleasing designs
- Hands-free – helps reduce the spread of germs and bacteria
- Adjustable detection zone to reduce unwanted activations
- When the device is activated, the indicator light (waving hand) will change color
- Secondary Normally Open (NO) mechanical switch in the event of a power loss
- Selectable unlock times (1-63 seconds)
- Available remote control to trigger switch remotely
- May be purchased as a kit (910TC-WRM-WRB). Includes 910TC Switch, 910TCWRM Remote Receiver Module and 910TC-WRB Remote Transmitter
- Meets ADA compliance to ANSI/BHMA A156.19, (Always check local building codes for compliance in your area)
- FCC compliant
- ISED compliant
- Up to 8 routers per gateway
- 910TC-WRM - 433MHz Remote Receiver Module
- 910TC-WRB - 43MHz Remote Transmitter
Accessories


RCI 8371/8372 Surface MiniMag
- Designed with a 1-7/8” width to keep undersized openings within code
- Ideal solutions for traffic control on narrow-style interior or perimeter doors
- RCI 8371 Surface MiniMag® is for single outswinging doors
- RCI 8372 Surface MiniMag® is used for double outswinging doors without mullions
- Installs perfectly alongside most automatic door operators or stop-mounted door hardware
- Reduce installation time and eliminate the need for extra brackets
- Stabilizing 4 bolt “drop stop” mounting
- Keyhole mounting for ease of installation
- Surge protection
- Easy-access wiring cavity
- Lifetime Limited Warranty
- Fail-Safe
- Optional Door Status Sensor (DSS)/ Security Condition Sensor (SCS) Available
- Designed to overcome residual magnetism
- Hardened steel armature nut
- Includes 3/8" (9.5mm) armature plate
- UL 294 Special Locking Arrangement Component (6th Edition)
- UL 10C Auxiliary Locks Listed for fire doors rated up to 1-hour
- CAN/ULC S104 Auxiliary Locks Listed for fire doors rated up to 1-hour
Applications
8371 Surface MiniMag- Single Outswinging Doors
- Single Inswinging Doors (use with TJ (Z) bracket)
- Pairs of Outswinging Doors without mullion
- Pairs of Inswinging Doors without mullion (use with TJ (Z) Bracket)
RCI 3513/3513DM Cabinet Locks
- Designed for small enclosures where power is available
- Compact surface-mounted electric locks are versatile for side or top mounting
- RCI 3513DM adds an option for dual monitoring to the standard electromechanical RCI 3513 cabinet lock
- Surface-mounted compact electric lock
- Superior heavy-duty metal construction
- Versatile side or top mounting
- Low energy consumption
- Positioning of the solenoid determines lock mode
- Black finish
- 200mA Field-Selectable 12/24VDC (Max at 12VDC, 100mA at 24VDC)
- 440lbf Holding Force
- Field-Selectable Fail-Safe & Fail-Secure
- Optional Dual Monitoring Model Available
- 3 Year Limited Warranty
- Dimensions: 1-3/16" W x 2-7/8" H x 1-1/8" D (30mm x 73mm x 29mm)
- Dimensions: 1-3/16" W x 3-11/16" H x 1-1/4" D (30mm x 94mm x 32mm)
Applications
- Small Interior Enclosures
- Filing Cabinets
- Drug Cabinets
- Jewelry Cases
- Showcases
- Key Cabinets
- Desk Drawers
- Cash Drawers
- Machine Access
- Vending Machines Covers
Designing security around the resident experience
Technology is only part of the equation. The most effective LTC security strategies bring access control, door hardware and facility operations together around the needs of the people who use the building.
There’s also a fundamental difference between an LTC facility and other security environments: it is home. Security should help residents move comfortably through their surroundings and maintain independence, with hardware that supports that experience rather than creating an institutional feel, down to the fit and finish that complements the warmth residents seek. The goal isn’t simply a more secure facility, it’s an environment that’s secure, accessible and easy to navigate, while still feeling like home.
A more integrated approach to LTC security
As Canada’s LTC sector evolves, security strategies must account for more than protecting buildings. They must address how residents, caregivers, staff and visitors interact with the environment every day, treating access control, door hardware and accessibility as interconnected elements of facility design.
For operators and integrators, the opportunity is to develop solutions that can adapt to the realities of LTC: existing infrastructure, phased renovations, multiple facilities, changing access requirements and the need to minimize disruption to residents.
IDN-Canada is a dedicated partner to this integrated approach. They are a wholesale distributor of security hardware and access control with a network of highly trained experienced consultants and a national footprint spanning locations from coast to coast. They have experience supporting installers, integrators and facility teams with door hardware and access control solutions for the long-term care market.


E-Plex 7900


RCI 0 Series




For more information including price and delivery click here:https://www.idn-inc.ca/information
Or contact your local IDN-Canada branch:https://www.idn-inc.ca/store_locations
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