Technological advances not only allow more elderly and disabled people to live independently at home, they can save money too
For the first time in many years adult social care is near the top of the political agenda. As our population ages, the increasing costs of care will need to be met by a smaller working population. Plus, an ageing population means more citizens – and, importantly, more voters – will be concerned about the quality of care.
These pressures, coupled with spending cuts, mean that all care organisations need to consider using technology to improve services and reduce costs.
The term ‘assistive technology’ is generally used to describe any technology that helps disabled and older people live independently, such as hearing aids, alarms, lifts, electric wheelchairs and specialist software and hardware.
One type of assistive technology is ‘telecare’ – personal monitoring and alarm equipment and services in the home. These range from a basic community alarm service to complex systems with sensors that detect motion, falls, temperature (for hypothermia), fire or gas and let a response centre know when somebody needs help.
Sensors and monitoring systems can enable someone with moderate dementia to live an independent life. The sensors monitor their movements between rooms and record them on a chart that can be viewed by an authorised person over the internet, via a PC or mobile phone. A carer or careworker can assess the information and see if the person is moving about normally or if there is cause for concern.
Another use of telecare is for specially adapted flats with falls detectors, bed sensors and gas detectors. These can be used temporarily by people who have had a stroke, for example, and been discharged from hospital but need support and monitoring until they can return to their own homes.
Telemedicine is another type of direct support, which has developed primarily from the acute medical sector. It allows people with long-term illnesses or recently discharged from hospital to receive medical care and monitoring at home. One example is blood pressure monitoring equipment. Another is the provision of medical advice remotely, which is not only used by people at home but by prisoners in Belmarsh Prison in London.
Swindon Primary Care Trust is using telemedicine to monitor people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is one of the most common respiratory diseases in the UK and costs the NHS £818m and 1 million inpatient days per year. The machines help patients to spot problems early on. As a result, patients are being admitted to hospital less often, require less input from community nurses and therapy teams, and have more freedom to enjoy life. This in turn reduces unnecessary pressure on care providers and ensures best use of health care resources.
Modern information management and analysis tools, coupled with the increasing availability and sharing of data, are also making it easier and quicker for local health partnerships to analyse needs, model options, assess risks and plan services.
Many people would prefer to use technology to stay independent rather than resort to residential homes or more ‘invasive’ forms of care. Technology not only allows people to preserve their dignity, it also helps to personalise care services and reduce inequalities by providing similar services regardless of location.
Moreover, it allows local authorities, the NHS and other care agencies to improve efficiency and collaboration.
John Thornton is an independent adviser and writer, the executive director of e-ssential Resources and a member of the CIPFA IT Panel
