New technology


acoustic monitoring used at Drovers House, Rugby, enabled staff to respond more promptly and appropriately to residents’ needs during the night. As a result, it was rated ‘outstanding’ for responsiveness.3


Other benefits include increased privacy for residents as routine checks are not required so often, which can also help improve sleep cycles. Additionally, care homes have seen reduced costs due to greater staff efficiency. Staff are also finding smart watches particularly beneficial in residents with dementia who can become disoriented and may wander off. Like fitness trackers, smart watches enable vital statistics, such as the heartbeat, to be regularly monitored without having to invest in costly additional equipment. They also have benefits for the wearer, for example, if they get lost, their smart watch can safely guide them back home and enables them to make emergency calls.


There are several strands to the use of telemedicine that have been present in care homes for many years, helping staff to improve efficiency. Telecare, such as personal alarms, can either be worn by residents or left in their rooms, which they can call in case of emergency.


ARJO DEMENTIA CARE SOLUTIONS Centering care around


body and mind Approximately 50 million people worldwide live with dementia, with the condition affecting more than 60% 1


of long-term care residents.


For carers and their residents living with dementia, we deliver non-pharmaceutical


solutions that enable a person-centred approach to essential routines designed to reduce moments of friction, promote the wellbeing of your resident and create an environment of homeliness and familiarity.


In addition many of our wellness solutions include key sensory features such as music, tactile stimulation, spa and relaxation therapy.


Our solutions are designed to support you to:


• Facilitate smoother activities of daily living • Enable one-to-one interactions • Support a calm and dignified care environment


For more information on our consultancy, education and dementia care solutions email customerservice@arjo.com visit www.arjo.com/en-gb/solutions/dementia-care/


March 2020 • www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 15 Evening relaxation time Dressing


Memory aids are particularly beneficial for residents living with dementia and can be used to remind them to take their medicine or have a drink, for example. Telemonitoring equipment includes implants worn under the skin or placed in resident’s rooms to monitor information such as blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rate and temperature.


Software solutions


Software solutions have allowed for the digitisation of records including care plans, medical records and staff employment and management records. This has led to the optimisation of operational and administrative processes in care homes. Systems such as eMar have helped to reduce pressure on staff by providing a faster and more efficient way of recording information on residents.


While eMar manages medication administration processes, there are several types of software solution that care homes can invest in to speed up administrative tasks such as care planning, budgeting, staff rostering and supply chain management, allowing for a more efficient business model and enhanced resident care.


By adopting relevant software solutions, in addition to providing enhanced quality of care, efficiency and productivity can be improved. Many care establishments are now recognising the benefits of cloud-based solutions and are performing more effectively as a result . While in recent years the care sector has upped its game in terms of the implementation of technology, there is still a long way to go. Robotics, AI and machine learning technology are expected to have an important role in enhancing and transforming care homes in the future.


As stated previously, technology is expected to benefit not just residents by helping to alleviate severe issues such as loneliness, but care professionals too. Assisting with daily core tasks, reducing workloads and broadening healthcare functions will allow carers to devote more time to residents and providing compassionate care.


Robotics


Robots are starting to be introduced into care homes across the world in an attempt to alleviate loneliness. However, it is the future possibilities that are particularly exciting.


Research has shown that loneliness is Solutions for person-centred care Sleep Toileting Undressing Toileting


Bathing and showering


TOILETING • Carendo • Sara Flex • Sara Stedy


BATHING & SHOWERING • Carendo • Parker bath • Rhapsody & Primo baths


Dinner Breakfast


DRESSING • Carendo • Sara Flex • Sara Stedy


Afternoon relaxation time Toileting Lunch Toileting Morning relaxation time


RELAXATION • Wellness Nordic Relax Chair


TRANSFER & MOBILITY • Sara Flex • Sara Stedy • Maxi Move • Maxi Sky 2


1. World Alzheimer Report World Alzheimers Report 2015, Alzheimer´s Disease International, https://www.alz.co.uk/research/WorldAlzheimerReport2015.pdf


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