TECHNOLOGY IN CARE Digital Inclusivity
Hellen Bowey, Founder and CEO of Alcove, discusses why technology in care is more important than ever before, and how technology enhances the care experience for both staff and service users.
We have a well-documented, critical shortage of care staff in the UK. According to the latest Skills for Care ‘The state of the adult social care sector and workforce in England’ report, issued in September 2019, nearly 8% of roles in adult social care were vacant, meaning there were 122,000 vacancies at any one time. Another 2019 report from property giant Knight Frank stated that staff shortages was the ‘number one issue’ facing care operators in the UK.
With both reports issued before the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation has become even more dire; the adult
social care sector is now struggling to meet the demand of a high-risk, vulnerable population, whilst trying to navigate the safety of staff and the additional restrictions that lockdown has caused.
With a gap in the workforce prior to the pandemic and the ONS highlighting that those working in the health and social care sector are most likely to contract COVID-19 compared to other job roles, it has never been more important for the sector to embrace technology.
SUPPORTING STAFF
Make no mistake that care staff are doing extraordinary work in unprecedented circumstances. Not only do they have to do more with less staff, they also need to consider the potential risk to their own health and that of their families.
While the pandemic continues across the country, it is integral that care staff receive the support they so desperately need from both the government and local authorities, which is why technology is critical in bridging the gap between the supply and demand of services.
Some local counties have stepped up and implemented mitigation strategies to reduce the risk to staff and residents, for example, Essex and Suffolk local councils have both ordered a wide range of technology products for adult care providers. These include smart devices that are simple to use for adults that may struggle with tech and means staff can keep themselves safe while conducting virtual video check-ins, as well as providing service users with access to the outside world.
This allows care workers to continue to support their patients from a distance, ensuring that they are well cared for without jeopardising their health or that of their patients.
- 30 - “Nearly 8% of roles in adult
social care were vacant, meaning there were 122,000 vacancies at any one time.”
SUPPORTING RESIDENTS
As COVID-19 continues to impact on the care home sector, residents have had to deal with loneliness, isolation, and other mental health impacts that the pandemic has caused. Care technology can support service users in living more independently and staying connected to the outside world.
The reality is that current care technologies in this sector lack video, are oſten outdated, send calls to only one number and are prone to failing.
As a specialist care technology provider, Alcove has been working with local authorities and care providers during this crisis and the feedback received cements how integral access to the outside world is.
For example, one 84-year old care home resident in Stockton-on-Tees had not been able to see her daughters or grandchildren since the beginning of lockdown. She was completely digitally excluded, with only a landline and has never used a mobile phone, let alone a smartphone. Studies5 show that older adults who use video calls feel more ‘connected’ and have a lower risk of developing depression when compared to voice or text communication, and this was reflected in her feedback to Alcove. Her emotional and mental wellbeing has dramatically improved and she feels more connected to her family.
The pandemic has undoubtedly highlighted the role technology can play in improving health outcomes, reducing pressure on an over-burdened sector, and contributing to quality care.
However, the sector needs to be looking beyond this current crisis and begin implementing changes to their technological framework ahead of the national digital switchover programme, which comes into effect in 2023. Those care providers that embrace new technology will not only help create life-changing outcomes, they will be in a position of strength to support their staff, improve the service they provide and reduce some of the pressures on a strained workforce.
www.youralcove.com/
www.tomorrowscare.co.uk
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