A care device and process are provided. The care device has a sensor module (11), which is to be placed directly on the patient (3) for picking up the patient's data, such as temperature, pulse and ECG. A first receiving means (13) is arranged in space in the vicinity of the patient (3) and is designed to pass on the measured data received from the sensor module (11). A mobile part (9) can be removed from the care device and provides wireless communication and a second receiving means (24) for establishing an alternative primary wireless link when the patient is removed from the care device.