Home Care Technology
Understanding Home Care Technology
There’s no doubt that technology is all around us these days and we’re always hearing about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising our everyday lives. It’s one thing to have easier access to social media and personalised content online, but how can technology make a difference in the field of home care? Interestingly, it already is! According to the Homecare Association, “AI algorithms and machine learning are revolutionising home care by enabling predictive care and more specific personalised treatment plans.” Home care is typically a labour-intensive industry, vulnerable to shortages in skilled workers, so there is definitely a place for technology to work alongside dedicated carers and healthcare staff, but to what extent? Would people be happy with a walking and talking robot carrying out essential care tasks in their home for example? Home care technology is here to stay though, so it’s more about how we embrace and work with it, rather than fear its influence.
Examples of Home Care Technology
From at-home health monitoring devices to wearable technology, there are already many examples of how technology and home care are working together. Wearable devices such as fitness trackers that also monitor heart rate and blood oxygen levels are relatively common these days, and many people wouldn’t dream of leaving the house without their smartwatch. The data that these devices capture is useful for healthcare practitioners who wish to have accurate information about their patients’ well-being. These devices can also be vital if there is a sudden change in a person’s condition, such as fluctuations in insulin levels sending an alert to a person’s phone via a device implanted under the skin.
Why use Technology in Home Care?
It’s true to say that most people want to remain safe and independent at home, especially as they age. Home care monitoring systems can provide an extra level of home safety that can be utilised remotely. The NHS tells us that “Personal alarms and monitoring systems can alert call centres or carers if you experience a problem, either at home or outside, such as a fall – you may hear this called telecare.” These systems are either connected to a remote monitoring centre or will be designed to send messages to loved ones or carers. They may have sensors installed that will detect movement in your home, meaning you can be monitored for potential fall risk too. The sensors may also alert for things such as temperature changes or an appliance being left one, and in some cases, rectify the problem by adjusting the appliance automatically. Door intercoms can also let you and your loved ones know who has approached your home without having to go to the front door, and there are many different products that can increase home security to ensure you’re always safe.
Choosing the Right Technology for Your Home Care
It’s not just private home care companies who are looking to the benefits of technology to deliver their client care, the NHS is also implementing AI to do the same and try to better allocate services and reduce hospital admissions. “The NHS has also rolled out 10,000 virtual ward beds, allowing patients to receive hospital-level care at home,” the Home Association tells us, “further alleviating pressure on physical healthcare facilities and supporting patients in managing their health more effectively at home.” By utilising AI and technology in this way, resources can go to the areas where they’re most needed, relieving pressure from the NHS, especially during critical times such as seasonal peaks.
If your GP, community nurse or health visitor recommends you would be suitable for Telecare (sometimes called Telehealth) there are a number of different conditions that can benefit from this technology, in various ways. These include:
Sending blood pressure readings
If you have high blood pressure and need to record it regularly
Measuring blood oxygen
Necessary if you live with COPD, severe asthma or other conditions that affect breathing
Glucose monitoring
An alarm can sound if blood glucose levels fluctuate too much, and can be worn at night to alert you
Urinary infections
A simple device can test for possible infection and the results can be sent electronically
Choosing the Right Technology for Your Home Care
Home care technology doesn’t have to be high-level support; it can be something as simple as a key safe that enables your carers to enter your home easily or a reminder app to take your medication. Choosing the right technology for you and your situation is important though, and it’s worth talking to your local authority’s adult social services department about the kind of technology you may benefit from. They can also arrange a care needs assessment to establish what help you’re entitled to and whether you can receive financial assistance. Your GP or occupational therapist can also advise you on the type of technology available.
How can Helping Hands Help?
Since our establishment in 1989, we’ve been helping people live as independently as possible in their own homes, so it’s no surprise we’re considered one of the UK’s most trusted home care providers. We work tirelessly to ensure that you are safe and comfortable at home, and we provide care on both a visiting and live-in care basis. We can help with every aspect of your daily routine, such as personal care, housework, meal preparation and medication. We can also be an essential companion, and we can help you to make the most of your local surroundings. We understand care because we started as a small family company and have grown to encompass a branch network of 150 across England and Wales.
Fully regulated by the CQC / CIW
We’re proud of the difference our carers make to our customers’ lives every single day. We realise how hard our carers work, and that’s why we reward them with plenty of opportunities to develop their skills and undertake qualifications, making sure that their motivation remains high and they feel valued for their work. Thanks to the 3450 Trustpilot reviews we’ve already received, we know how much our customers and their loved ones value what their caregivers achieve every single day. And thanks to the amazing work that our employees do, we’ve received great ratings from the Care Quality Commission and the Care Inspectorate Wales too. Because all of our care services are fully regulated, you and your loved ones can be confident that you’re always in the very best hands.