What Are Technology-Assisted Care Plans?
Technology Enabled Care (TEC) has been around for several years now, according to a 2015 report from the NHS, but what are Technology-Assisted Care (TAC) plans?
TAC plans support more personalised care because AI can be used to gather information more quickly and to enable carers to use their time getting to know their customers, rather than filling out time-consuming paperwork.
“Across health, social care and local authorities, generative AI tools are being used to save time,” says the King’s Fund. “The summarisation of care records and incidences can help to release staff time, as long as appropriate review processes are in place.”
How Technology Can Improve Care Planning
TAC plans improve communication between loved ones and care teams, while also enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. Freeing up caregivers’ time through more streamlined reporting procedures means that their time can be better used caring for their clients, rather than trawling through reams of paperwork.
Improving Accuracy in Assessments
For an assessor to make accurate handwritten notes, they have to focus on what they’re writing, rather than what the person is saying. This can lead to missed cues, inaccurate recording and a less customer-centred experience. AI tools such as text-to-type transcription programmes can help.
Streamlining Communication
AI tools can help with communication, especially for individuals who struggle with verbal expression. Eye-gaze devices, for instance, where the person’s eyes select letters that are spoken by an AI voice, facilitate communication between carers and customers.
Personalising Care Plans for Individual Needs
Personalising care should be the main priority of every care provider, and at Helping Hands, we excel in it. Carers being able to record daily logs and amendments to care plans electronically reduces the risk of mistakes and ensures the paperwork is always stored securely.
Reducing Errors and Increasing Efficiency
Handwritten logs and care plans are at risk of unauthorised alteration, damage, or destruction, and cannot be shared easily with wider care team colleagues. Electronic plans can be password-protected, meaning that only authorised people can access them.
Challenges Involved with Technology Assisted Care Plans
Increased reliance on technology isn’t always welcomed by care staff who may have been doing things a certain way for a long time and see no reason for it to change. However, remaining patient during the transition can benefit both carer and provider, reassuring existing staff that they will be fully supported.
Ensuring Data Privacy and Security
While TAC plans may increase efficiency and reduce errors, some people may have concerns when plans are fully online and aren’t ‘tangible’. Ensuring passwords are properly utilised and safeguarding security through proper use of company procedures should reassure customers and carers that data will be kept private.
Navigating Care Plans
Forms and plans don’t always display the same on every device, which may unnerve some staff who feel less confident with technology. They may feel that they can’t support their customer as well because they struggle to access the essential information that care plans contain. Training and support should ease worries, though.
Care at Home with Helping Hands
Since being established in 1989, we have spent decades supporting our customers across England and Wales. We focus on promoting independence so that you get to remain as comfortable as possible in the home you love. Kindness is at the heart of everything we do, and we believe our carers are second to none when it comes to compassionate care.
We’re considered one of the UK’s most trusted home care providers, which is unsurprising when you read some of our 4000 Trustpilot reviews. Both our visiting and live-in care services provide the support you need, such as housekeeping, medication, personal care, and companionship. Speak to our friendly customer care team online or on the phone, or visit your local branch; we have 155 locations, so there’s bound to be one near you.
