The adult social care sector is beginning to embrace the use of technology and learning how different types of technology can improve the ways care and support is provided. Read on to find out how care providing organisations are benefitting from using different types of technology.
Robotics and artificial intelligence
The possible use of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics is a relatively new development for the delivery of social care. There are currently a limited number of robots being used or in development within social care. Take a look at the types of AI already in use.
Find out how Havering Care Homes are using artificial intelligence to detect health issues early.
Using surveillance in your care service
The Care Quality Commission feature advice and guidance on their website regarding the use of surveillance technology which includes CCTV, cameras and microphones. It can help keep people safe and monitor their care but if you use it, it's important to use it in a way that protects people's privacy and human rights. Read more.
Find out how East Anglia Care Homes are using CCTV to keep residents safe.
The Hubble Project: helping care providers on their tech-enabled care journey
Developed by the National Care Forum with funding from NHS Digital’s Digital Social Care Pathfinders Programme, shares the experiences from three care providing organisations on planning, implementing and using technology. The resources include films, information packs, templates and guides.
Find out more about the Hubble Project and how it could help you develop the use of technology in your organisation.
Exploring the world of assistive technology
Skills for Care, Digital Social Care and Sight and Sounds hosted a series of webinars to inform adult social care providers about the range of assistive technology available to support people who are visually challenged or who have visual processing or other sensory challenges.
Each webinar focuses on individuals with a variety of conditions and specific requirements. Using real life scenarios, the groups discussed different areas of technology that would support and enable the individuals to maintain their mobility, independence, pursue their hobbies and interests, connect with friends and carers and to operate more effectively in everyday life.
The webinars were delivered to a live audience, recorded and made available for further viewing.
Sesion 1
This session focuses on mainstream technology, accessible smartphones and apps, computer software, mobility at home and outdoors, indoor and outdoor navigation, portable magnification, wearable technology, voice activated devices and text-to-speech.
Watch the webinar
Session 2
This session focuses on mainstream technology, accessible smartphones and apps, built-in accessibility features, computer software, mobility at home and outdoors, indoor and outdoor navigation, portable magnification, wearable technology, voice activated devices, text-to-speech and smart home technology
Watch the webinar
A guide to WhatsApp
Organisations are evolving with new ways of working. WhatsApp is a quick and effective way of sharing information with your workforce. ‘A guide to WhatsApp’ provides an introduction into WhatsApp and how it can be used to support communication.
Download 'A guide to WhatsApp'
Film: Embracing a digital future for care workforce and residents
This film, made by TEC Services Association and developed in partnership with Skills for Care, follows Registered Manager Martyn Davies of Urmston Manor as he reveals how they’ve introduced technological innovations in their care home.
Innovations include:
- facial recognition: this creates an automatic record of which staff are on duty at any given time.
- electronic staff rota: allowing rostering to be done anywhere, any time.
- electronic care planning: this system provides digital support on examinations such as blood pressure checks and creates digital records of everyone the staff at the home support.
- voice assistant: systems such as Alexa provide easy to use entertainment and a feeling of company for people in their rooms.
Hear how this has benefitted Martyn, his team and the people they support.
View the ‘Embracing a digital future for care workforce and residents’ film on the TSA website.