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.

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.

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:

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.

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.