As we continue in these difficult times, we are seeing real changes in how we are all living and working, with social isolation making us more reliant on technology for communication. We hear about people learning new skills, such as arranging a video call and saying that they would never have known how to do something like that before.
At our annual franchise conference last year, we discussed the continuing development of ‘high-tech, high-touch’ in home care. Although technology alone will never replace the personal one-to-one care valued by our clients, ‘high-tech, high-touch’ describes the balance of using smart technology to support bespoke person-centred care in the home environment.
Generally, advancements in care technology are helping families communicate better and manage the needs of elderly relatives during different stages of their care journey, but today they are proving to be a lifeline for families separated by the fear of coronavirus.
Ruth Brown, Business Development Director explains, “Over the past decade, technology has changed the way we interact in the world and the tech revolution is now changing the way care is being delivered.
“Many of us are familiar with mainstream high-tech health gadgets and apps such as the Fitbit and Couch to 5K app, but the rapid advancement in technology has allowed for even more sophisticated technology to be placed into people’s homes in order to create connectivity, track behaviours and monitor health.”
Just two examples of tech Home Instead has introduced are GrandPad, a simple tablet allowing clients to send voice mails, view pictures and videos, listen to music, play games and make video calls from a simple set of icons.
It allows better connection for families, bringing them additional peace of mind, especially as many live a distance away or are currently self-isolating.
Another tech solution is Home Aware which uses AI technology to build up a picture of a client’s daily routine. The technology gives care teams a better understanding of a client’s health and their needs so that they are able to make informed decisions and adjust care accordingly.
Ruth added: “Our approach to technology is to use it as a catalyst for improved wellbeing for our clients. Technology will never replace people – but it can enable our franchisees to provide our clients and their families with added peace of mind.
“As the market leader in person-centred care for the elderly we have to look to the future in order to enhance our service and provide the best support possible to our franchise owners.”
The intersecting link between in-home care and technology provides a solution that improves the way we age. With social distancing in full swing, these technologies are proving vital in what are extraordinary times.