Over the past few decades technology in society has become more and more accessible. Most people now own a smartphone, many use computers on a daily basis , they order shopping online and use at least one type of social media daily. Within the care sector, there has been a similar trend in the availability of digital technology for Adult Social Care Providers.
The use of digital technology in Care Home, Domicilary care and supportive living services varies considerably. Some providers are taking advantage of digital record systems, monitoring solutions and digital communications. The more that a Care Home uses digital technologies, the more it could be considered digitally ‘mature’.
Digitally mature care providers are adopting digital solutions to allow them to:
- Order prescription medications over the internet for a Resident using Proxy Access on their behalf.
- Keep up to date and accurate care records and plans for residents using the latest digital record systems to support the live recording and reporting of detailed information about the individual, supporting enhanced person centred care provision and creating valuable time savings for staff.
- Identify where help from a care worker is required through alerts from non-obtrusive sensor-based technology, which will in turn reduce the risk of falls.
- Reduce hospital admissions and improve communication between the care home, health teams and connected services.
- Mobile devices, such as phones or tablet computers, so that Care Workers can access care records, receive care alerts, contact other staff members or document and capture care related information.
- Access relevant GP, Hospital or Social Care information from other sources, such as the latest blood test results, medication information or social work assessments over systems provided by the NHS, such as the Care and Health Information Exchange, or Local Authorities relating to a resident in their care.
- Monitor Residents remotely overnight, rather than interrupting their sleep with routine physical checks of Residents in rooms. These sophisticated systems identify whether help from a Care Worker is needed, these monitoring systems can help to reduce the risk of falls.
The use of such digital technologies has been shown to improve care within Homes, reduce hospital admissions and improve communications between the Home, Health Teams and Social Care.
Not every home has the most proficient Internet connection, Wi-Fi, or care record system, and may not have or be using a NHS Mail account. In some cases a care provider may not know how to access assured system suppliers, or be in a position to afford implementing digital tools and sufficient infrastructure. Our programme can support you with all of these challenges.
If any of this sounds familiar and you would like support, please complete our digital maturity survey so we can understand your requirements. Our programme has funding and resources to support you and your team to reach a good level of digital maturity through a number of initiatives
We are here to help and keen to support you and your care service in improving care though digital solutions, training and ultimately "more time to care".