Whiddon
At a glance
Day and night security coverage: Cameras and intercoms improve after-hours entry management and perimeter security, while deterring unauthorised access.
Over 90% reduction in incident resolution time: Whiddon has decreased the time required to resolve security incidents from several days to a few hours.
Increased operational efficiency: Cameras and viewing stations enable frontline staff to independently manage and review security footage, freeing up IT resources.
Background
Whiddon is a leading provider of aged care services across Australia, operating across 24 residential aged care facilities, 12 retirement living locations, and multiple administrative offices. With a dedicated staff of 3,200 caring for over 3,000 clients, Whiddon creates a safe environment for its vulnerable populations, while emphasising dignity and choice for each individual, including those living with dementia.
As the Chief Information Officer (CIO), Regan Stathers steers Whiddon’s technology strategy to meet both immediate security needs and long-term care objectives.
The challenge
Before adopting Verkada’s solutions, Whiddon grappled with disparate legacy security solutions across an extensive network of care facilities. Traditional lock-and-key systems and analog CCTV setups required substantial manual effort to maintain and operate. The analog systems produced low-quality footage that hindered effective monitoring and incident response, particularly in remote and rural locations.
"We needed a security solution that not only protects our people and properties, but is also user-friendly for our team members.”
The solution
"We've moved from simply managing technology to empowering our entire team to use it in ways that truly make a difference. What used to take days now takes just hours or less.”
Verkada’s hybrid cloud cameras and intercom systems marked a significant turning point for Whiddon, aligning with their shift towards a cloud-first security infrastructure. Accessible from a web browser or mobile app, the Command platform requires no specialised skills to use, making it well-suited for staff members with varying degrees of technical expertise.
The results
Simplified IT management and user experience
Hybrid cloud security camera systems merge the reliability of on-site storage with the flexibility of cloud solutions. This dual approach addresses common challenges faced by IT and physical security teams, particularly in remote environments with fluctuating network conditions. The scalable design allows local electricians to effortlessly handle installations and routine upkeep, while Verkada's SCIM integration streamlines user provisioning. By automating onboarding and offboarding processes, IT teams can maintain and manage users at scale with minimal effort.
Regan highlights the initial setup experience: “I remember receiving the first trial kit. It was so straightforward—I didn't even look at the instructions. I just plugged it in, and it was immediately operational." The simplicity of the systems extends to the viewing stations, empowering teams to quickly assess and respond to situations, fostering a sense of autonomy and confidence.
Proactive security with actionable alerts
Strategically placed cameras continuously monitor exteriors and critical areas, while intercoms at gated villages deter unauthorised access and facilitate remote entry management. This layered security setup supports vigilant monitoring and swift responses around the clock.
"The first night we deployed the intercom, it captured nefarious activity at 3 a.m. Individuals approached the intercom, unaware it was recording, and quickly fled when they realised it was active. Moments later, a police patrol drove by, which was also captured on the intercom footage. It was a powerful demonstration of how the technology reinforces our security."
Proactive alerts further strengthen Whiddon’s security framework, including:
Person of Interest (POI) and Vehicle of Interest (VOI) alerts: Quick identification and action can be taken when a POI or VOI is detected. Linking POIs with vehicles also enhances the speed and context of responses.
Line-crossing and loitering alerts on cameras: Custom alerts for specific activities, such as unauthorised entry or prolonged loitering, improve perimeter security and internal safety.
These alerting capabilities significantly reduce the need for manual monitoring and enable faster incident response.
Empowering teams with incident management tools
The Command software's user-friendly interface significantly reduces the demand on IT resources by enabling staff to manage security checks and incidents directly. "A large portion of our frontline management team now handles security incidents themselves. They access the system, review footage, and follow up on specific details, streamlining the entire process."
Features that support incident response and management include:
AI-Powered Search: Staff can swiftly locate relevant footage across all cameras, eliminating the need to manually review hours of video.
Digital Evidence Consolidation: Staff can easily compile high-quality images and video clips into a cohesive narrative.
Seamless Collaboration: Staff can share incident details and footage in just a few clicks.
Making data-driven decisions
Whiddon has implemented Verkada’s actionable insights and occupancy trends to refine caregiving and facility management. By aggregating real-time and historical data across camera feeds into a single dashboard, Whiddon gains valuable insights into how spaces within their facilities are utilised. For instance, they can identify peak times in common areas, enabling better staff allocation to ensure adequate care and supervision. This targeted use of data not only boosts operational efficiency but also supports resident safety and well-being by adapting the environment to meet their needs.
“Our move to become a data-driven organisation marks a significant change in how we operate. By analysing video and access data, we can make adjustments based on actual needs observed in real-time. This not only improves our efficiency but also directly impacts the quality of care we provide. It’s about making smarter decisions with the information at our fingertips.”
Looking ahead
With Verkada, Whiddon has an easy-to-use security solution that supports their mission of safe and dignified care. Regan’s achievements in security and efficiency highlight the value of cloud-managed technology for aged care services in demanding environments. He is exploring environmental monitoring integrated with camera systems, and hopes to eventually tie in their access control and alarm systems to create a unified security network.
“With Verkada, we’re not just keeping up with technology; we can set new standards for safety and security to elevate our quality of care.”