The Future of Care: How Technology is Transforming Community Health Support
Welcome to the second article in our thought leadership series on the evolving landscape of health care. In our first piece, we discussed how changing preferences in care have arisen from a new era of ageing, which you can read here.
The care sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by both the evolving needs of our ageing population and the revolutionary impact of technological advancements. From logistical innovations that streamline operations to cutting-edge products that directly improve Client care at home, technology is reshaping the way we support individuals in our communities.
In particular, innovations such as wearable technology, the growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI), and the increasing accessibility of teledoctors and telemedicine are expanding the reach of care. Even in the most remote areas of the UK, individuals can now access vital health services and expert advice at the touch of a button.
At Abbots Care, we embrace the shift towards innovation in home care, empowering our Clients to take greater control of their care. As CEO, I have always promoted a culture of leveraging new technology, allowing individuals to manage their health with greater autonomy and ease in the comfort of their own homes.
This article will explore the key technologies transforming the home care sector, enabling people to live more independently while supporting care providers in enhancing comfort and quality of life at home.
Pre-emptive Measures: How Technology Can Improve Quality and Longevity of Life
The healthcare sector is increasingly recognising the potential of preventive care in improving longevity and quality of life. With data analytics, artificial intelligence, and wearable technology, we are now able to anticipate health issues before they escalate, allowing for early intervention.
With the elderly population becoming increasingly tech-savvy leveraging preventative measures and increasing awareness of their own health in real-time makes it easier to manage care at home, reducing the need for hospital admissions or transitioning into full-time residential care. As a result, visiting care is becoming an increasingly popular option for those seeking to maintain independence while receiving the support they need.
Software and Digital Interfaces
Digital health platforms have transformed communication within community care, allowing Clients, Care Workers, and healthcare professionals to securely share and access critical health information. This improved connectivity has led to better care coordination and enhanced Client safety.
In our office, we use advanced operating systems to keep our central support team informed with live updates on all Care Workers. This enables us to coordinate care visits with maximum efficiency, ensuring that Clients receive accurate updates on their Care Workers’ schedules. Our system also securely stores visit instructions and personal preferences, allowing us to tailor care to each Client’s unique needs and desires.
At Abbots Care, we also offer the Care Circle app to family members and loved ones, providing them with real-time access to essential details of their loved ones’ care plans. This includes visit schedules, food, drink, and medication intake, as well as any concerns or observations made by the Care Worker during their visits.
We have been caring for people in our community for 29 years and we understand the importance of open communication when delivering in-home care. It’s essential not only to ensure that Clients can live in comfort and dignity but also to provide family and friends with peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are receiving the right care.
Electric Lifting Cushions
Falls are a common, but often overlooked, cause of injury. Around 1 in 3 adults over 65 and half of people over 80 will have at least one fall a year. – NHS England – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/falls/
At Abbots Care, we have recently invested in new technology to improve the lives of Clients in the local area.
Elk Cushions are a compact, battery-powered lifting cushion designed to help lift a person who has fallen to an upright seated position. If someone falls, they can shuffle or be rolled onto the cushion, which is then inflated at the touch of a button, lifting the individual to a seated position. The cushion is light, weighing only 8 pounds, which makes it easy to carry and suitable for use even in small places, and can be used indoors and outdoors. The electric lifting cushion assists in maintaining the health and dignity of elderly individuals who might struggle with mobility and fall risk.
The training team at Abbots Care recently demoed the new equipment and will be looking to provide rapid relief to Clients who may have had a fall at home.
This new initiative not only aims to positively impact our Clients but also local health services and responders by taking on some of their workload we can reduce the amount of time someone is left on the floor, which leads to fewer hospital admissions and a reduced chance of long-lasting health impacts for the Client as a result of their fall.
https://mangarhealth.com/us/by-winncare/patient-lifting/ems/elk-lifting-cushion/
The Abbots Care Wellbeing App
I created the Abbots Care Wellbeing app in a response to the feelings of isolation often experienced by Care Workers, which was heightened during the pandemic. The app was designed with the aim of supporting the mental and emotional wellbeing of those who work in this demanding and rewarding field.
Since its launch, we can honestly say that the Abbots Care wellbeing app has made a huge impact not only in the way our people and company communicate but our culture and team motivation as a whole – which is no mean feat when we employ over 500 Care Workers!
The app is available to all employees from the day they start with Abbots Care and is theirs to use as much as they need. They can use it to give compliments to colleagues, keep up to date with company news, take part in competitions and win prizes.
Technology is transforming care delivery
Technological innovations are transforming community care, significantly improving Client safety while reducing the strain on Care Workers and local emergency services.
Elderly individuals are gaining greater control over their health thanks to advancements in technology, allowing them to adapt their lifestyles based on real-time data for increased comfort and longevity. As a result, visiting and live-in care are becoming increasingly popular choices in later life. Technology acts as a safety net for vulnerable individuals and provides peace of mind for family and friends, who can stay informed about care plans, even from afar.
