NHS England has published a new case study entitled ‘Improving care home residents’ wellbeing through digital technology – South Devon and Torbay’, in which Digital Health Devon, a collaboration between the NHS, Torbay council and local Healthwatch; aimed to support care homes and their residents in making the best use of SMART technology.
Recognising the importance of residents keeping in touch with friends and family members who may live further away, the project looks to work with care home managers to ‘establish a network of champions in smart digital technology’ and introduce interactive solutions for residents.
Using an introductory pack from Digital Health Devon, which comprises of Amazon Alexa ™ devices, a meta portal, mobile phones and Wi-Fi extenders; staff in care homes receive online training to help them to put this plan and tech in place for their residents.
In particular, the ability to use voice-controlled devices such as the Amazon Alexa ™, has helped residents with limited mobility regain some of their independence, as they are introduced to ways in which the device can help them to manage things like remembering medication, selecting preferred music, and calling their loved ones.
The project stresses the importance of the engagement of care home staff, iterating that as digital champions for the project, they are best placed to understand the needs of their residents and how these can be met using the digital technology made available to them.
The published article on the case study finishes with the following quote from Roz Wills, the Registered Manager of Mallands Residential Home: “The portal has been of huge benefit to the residents. Residents were able to speak to their loved ones and their friends. It has been better than using a phone, because they are able to see their loved ones. The loved ones are also able to see the residents, how they look, how they feel, particularly beneficial for residents with communication difficulties. Also, hugely beneficial to care staff.”
To view the case study, please click here.
