How digitalisation can help improve quality of life in the care home

The progression of digitalisation and its part in quality of life is expected to bring many benefits to the care industry. From having sensor systems that detect falls immediately to wearable devices that monitor health to environments that respond to voice commands. With more data available to help create a picture of a resident’s health, care providers will be better equipped to respond to their personal needs. Residents will also have more autonomy, especially in situations where the environment around them can be adapted to their needs with just a push of a button. The brightness of lighting, room temperature and even their favourite music can all be controlled via app-based technology  such as Google Home, where you can connect multiple devices in one easy to navigate app. 

A residents’ mental health should always be a priority for care providers and requires just as much effort and thought as physical health does. Introducing and training residents on digital platforms such as apps that provide mindfulness exercises, meditations and virtual therapy sessions can be key to improving their mental health.  This can also promote independence whilst helping to reduce stress, anxiety and manage depression leading to greater emotional wellbeing and resilience. Other technologies such as the use of robots in care homes can provide emotional support and companionship to residents as well as performing other important tasks such as medication alerts. 

With digitalisation  already bringing many benefits to the care industry, advancements in the future will undoubtedly improve quality of life for the next generation of residents whilst creating greater efficiencies for care professionals. Care homes that embrace digitalisation, now and in the future, will be able to use this to their advantage to provide a more personalised level of care, an approach that is becoming increasingly demanded and expected.