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

Blog Article
Technology is changing the world around us at a rapid pace. For most of us, it’s difficult to imagine life without the convenience it brings to all aspects of our lives. When it comes to the care sector, technology can play a significant role in improving quality of life for residents and carers alike. Digital advancements in health monitoring, communication, and social engagement are already making a positive impact by bringing efficiencies to care services and enjoyment to the lives of residents. Here are some of the ways it is currently being utilised and what we can expect from the future.
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Enhanced communication and connectivity

Three happy diverse senior woman and african american male friend sitting on sofa and using tablet

One of the major problems experienced by residents is isolation. But thanks to digitalisation, the challenge of communication with their loved ones is a thing of the past. Regular video calls through laptops, tablets and smart phones can help ease a resident’s emotions and make a person feel less lonely through platforms such as FaceTime and Skype.  There are also apps like MessagEase Keyboard with can turn a residents texting keyboard into a non-QWERTY keyboard for ease of use. Whilst residents of today are learning to use this technology and might need assistance from care providers, future generations will likely be more tech-savvy and expect these types of digital tools to be commonplace in the care home. 

Streamlined administrative processes

A laundry employee holds a tablet on which the Miele MOVE platform can be seen

Technology can assist care home staff to ease administrative activities like scheduling, record keeping and stock management. Software such as our Miele MOVE platform  provides a whole host of benefits for care homes, such as the documentation & control. These types of advancements are going to bring greater efficiencies in the future, freeing-up care workers and easing the load on time-consuming tasks. 

 

Personalised healthcare services

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. 

Support for mental wellbeing

Happy nurse taking care of senior man sitting in armchair at home

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.

Do you need individual advice?

Do you feel inspired, and want to learn more about our tailored solutions? Contact us to find out more! 

Sources
  1. 1.
    Birdie - https://www.birdie.care/blog/person-centred-care-planning-software/
  2. 2.
    The New York Times - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/21/realestate/nursing-home-robots.html
  3. 3.
    Healthcare Digital - https://healthcare-digital.com/technology-and-ai/how-will-care-homes-look-future/