Tablets have become common in activity rooms, memory care neighborhoods and resident lounges. Residents use them for video calls with family, music, games, photos, brain exercises and virtual outings. Used well, they bring joy and connection. Used carelessly, they become a security risk, an infection control concern and a source of frustration when staff cannot keep them working.
This post covers three practical areas: locking down the device with kiosk mode, keeping it clean, and controlling the content. The goal is a tablet that is simple for residents, easy for staff and safe for the organization.
A tablet that anyone can pick up differs from a personal phone. It may be used by dozens of residents and staff in a week, handled by people with limited dexterity or cognitive changes, and left on tables or carts. Without management you can expect accidental settings changes, unwanted app downloads, lost devices and worn-out batteries.
Kiosk mode, sometimes called single-app mode or guided access, restricts a tablet to one or a few approved apps. Most major tablet platforms offer it, either built in or through a management tool.
Limit the apps. Show only approved apps, such as a video calling app, a music app and a photo viewer.
Disable the app store and any ability to install software.
Lock settings. Require an administrator passcode to exit kiosk mode or change Wi-Fi, volume limits or display options.
Turn off notifications that could pop up personal or confusing messages.
Set automatic updates for a time when the devices are not in use.
Turn on location and remote lock features if your device management tool provides them, so a missing tablet can be found or wiped.
For more than a handful of devices, use a mobile device management tool. It lets you apply the same settings to every tablet and fix problems remotely rather than visiting each one.
Avoid logging in with a personal account of a staff member. Use a dedicated organization account for each device or use case. Do not store resident health information on the tablet. If tablets are used for family video visits, make sure the arrangement respects resident privacy, and that visits are not recorded unless there is clear consent and policy.
Shared devices are touched by many hands, so cleaning must be part of routine use.
Check the manufacturer's guidance for approved cleaning products. Some disinfectants damage screen coatings.
Clean between users or at least between sessions according to your infection prevention policy. Residents with known infections or isolation precautions should not share devices.
Use cleanable cases. Seek cases with smooth surfaces and few crevices, and consider screen protectors designed for repeated wiping.
Wash hands before and after use, and encourage residents to do the same.
Assign responsibility. An activities staff member or designee should own cleaning and sign off in a simple log.
Talk with your infection preventionist when setting the routine, so it matches existing policies.
Residents deserve content that is meaningful, age-appropriate and safe.
Curate a library. Choose music playlists, games and videos that fit your residents' interests and abilities.
Filter the internet. If browsing is available, use a content filter to block unsuitable sites. In most cases a tablet in kiosk mode should not have open web access.
Watch for ads and purchases. Free games may include ads or in-app purchases. Disable purchases and prefer paid or ad-free apps.
Review regularly. Ask the activity team what residents enjoy, and update the library monthly.
Consider accessibility. Larger text, simple layouts, stands and styluses help residents with vision or dexterity challenges.
Place tablets on a separate network or VLAN from staff systems and clinical devices. Use strong Wi-Fi passwords or certificate-based access, and keep a list of all devices with their serial numbers. Apply updates promptly, and retire older tablets that no longer receive security updates.
Store tablets in a locked charging cabinet or cart.
Check out devices with a simple sign-out sheet.
Replace batteries and chargers before they fail.
Provide a one-page quick guide for staff.
Keep one spare device so an activity does not get canceled when one breaks.
UnityCare IT can help care organizations set up tablet fleets with kiosk mode, secure networks and remote management, so activity teams can focus on residents rather than troubleshooting. If you are planning a rollout, start small with a few devices, learn what works, and expand from there.
An outsourced IT department with proactive maintenance and one number to call.
Call or text: 405-285-3845
New customers: start@unitycareit.com
Existing customers: support@unitycareit.com
Address: UnityCare Technologies, 2524 N Broadway Ste 554, PMB 947974, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034-4172