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The Role of Technology in Modern Homecare

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

The Role of Technology in Modern Homecare

Homecare for loved ones who are elderly or ill allows them to remain independent and have the support there when they need it. Technology can add to this support through many different ways and it is becoming more common within households as a way to assist with caring for loved ones. It can create a safer living environment through remote monitoring, telehealth, medication management and home automation devices. Technology can play an important role in modern homecare with many benefits which are discussed below.

Remote Monitoring

Technology has made it possible for healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients at home. Patients can use devices such as:

  • Wearables.
  • Sensors.
  • Smart Phone Technology.

These are used to monitor vital signs and health indicators. Healthcare providers can use this data to track patients’ health status and intervene if necessary. This gives families peace of mind that their loved one will be taken care of even if they live alone. Having a monitor on allows them to go about with their usual daily routine all the while knowing they are being looked after.

Did You Know?

– 99% of England’s GP practices are now activating remote consultation platforms.

– Digital medicine, artificial intelligence and robotics could significantly change the roles and functions of clinical staff by 2040.

– This means delivering improvements in patient care, labour productivity of healthcare staff and reduced costs.

Homecare and technology

Telehealth

Telehealth is a term used to describe the use of technology to deliver healthcare services remotely. They relate to services such as virtual doctor visits and allow loved ones to receive medical care from the comfort of their own homes.

Telehealth is especially important for individuals with chronic conditions who may require frequent check-ins with their healthcare provider. It ensures they don’t have to travel as much and prevents them from cross infections.

It is also particularly useful for patients who have mobility issues and those who live in remote areas as they can access the care they need in the comfort of their own homes.

Telehealth, modern technology and elderly woman speaking with healthcare provider.

It can help reduce healthcare costs by reducing hospital readmissions and emergency room visits. It allows healthcare providers to check-in on patients to monitor their health which in turn can prevent needless hospital visits. Improved health outcomes are possible when patients can access care quickly and easily. They are more likely to comply with their care plans. Telehealth is accessible, convenient, and cost-effective for both patients and healthcare providers.

Medication Management

Technology has made it easier for loved ones to manage their medications. Smart pill dispensers and medication reminders can help them stay on track with their medications. This reduces the risk of withdrawal symptoms and medical emergencies.
Examples of medication management technology are:

  • Pillbox marked with days of the week.
  • A high-tech pill dispenser that beeps as a reminder, especially beneficial for people suffering with dementia.
  • As a vibrating alarm on a watch as a pill-taking reminder.

This has advantages for the caregiver as well as your loved one as they can rely on the device as a good medication reminder. It prevents mishaps being taken with regards to important medication.

Elderly man, technology and ipad at home with medicine.

Another technological advancement that has greatly impacted home care medical management is online patient portals. These patient portals allow your loved one to access their medical records, check test results and communicate with healthcare providers. It allows for better communication, more comprehensive medical management, and the development of effective treatment plans.

Home Automation

Home automation involves using smart devices connected to the internet. These devices can be controlled via a smartphone, tablet or computer. Home automation can improve the safety and security of your home. Smart cameras and sensors can be used to monitor homes for intruders or to detect smoke, carbon monoxide, and other hazards. The alerts can notify your loved one if something unusual happens in your home, allowing action to be taken immediately.

Smart home technology can help loved ones with mobility issues or disabilities to manage in their homes more easily.

Voice-controlled devices, such as Amazon Echo or Google Home, can help patients turn on lights, adjust thermostats, and perform other tasks without having to move around their home.

These allow for a safer environment to live in.

Technology and homecare

Through technology, the overall quality of life of your loved one can be improved greatly. It is invaluable to those with long-term illnesses or physical limitations and their families. It provides them with much-needed peace of mind and allows for more independence and control over their own health care needs.

Find out more about our care services today.

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Understanding Types of Homecare Services

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

Understanding the Different Types of Home Care Services

Home care services, also known as domiciliary care, are when care staff travel to the homes of people in need of assistance. This care is arranged through the local council or through private agencies. They come in the form of healthcare jobs that provide assistance with activities of daily living and healthcare to individuals in their own homes. They cover a wide range of services such as personal care, respite care, and end-of-life care.

With the right knowledge and education, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and families can all make informed decisions on how to best provide care and assistance to a loved one living at home. By understanding the different types of home care services available, everyone can better work towards improving the quality of life for those who need it most.

Personal Care

Personal care is a home care service that provides assistance to individuals with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and hygiene needs. It is designed to help seniors, those with disabilities, or anyone that needs assistance to maintain independence in their own home.

This type of care also includes meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, errands, and companionship. Personal care attendants can provide assistance with mobility and transfers, as well as provide assistance with activities of daily living, such as meal planning and grocery shopping. They can also provide medication reminders and help with medication administration.

Additionally, personal care attendants can provide transportation to medical appointments and social activities, as well as help with organizing and maintaining personal records and bills. They can also offer emotional support, comfort, and safety for individuals who require assistance.

Personal care for elderly woman and the different types of homecare services.

Types of Personal Care include:

  • Bathing/Grooming Assistance
  • Light Housekeeping
  • Meal Preparation

Care 24-7

People who use our services range from older people, to those with physical disabilities, people with dementia or those who are nearing the end of their life. Care is also available for those who are returning from a stay in hospital offering respite for family carers.

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Respite Care

Understanding the different types of homecare with elderly woman and nurse

Respite care is short-term relief for primary caregivers, allowing them to take a break from their caregiving duties. It can be provided in a variety of settings, including in-home care, adult day services, or overnight care in a facility. Respite care can be arranged on a temporary or more permanent basis. This depends on the needs of the caregiver and the care recipient.

This service guarantees that your loved one will be looked after by a qualified healthcare provider, providing peace of mind to the main caregiver, who may be a relative and is unable to provide care for a certain amount of time.

Caring for a loved one full-time can be an emotionally, physically, and mentally draining experience. It can be difficult to manage a full-time caregiving role while also tending to other responsibilities, such as family and work obligations. In these cases, respite care can provide a much-needed break for family members who are providing care, knowing their loved one is in safe and capable hands. This rest period can be used to attend to other duties, or simply take some time to relax and recharge.

Respite care also provides an opportunity for the family member to get a better understanding of the care their loved one needs, allowing them to make informed decisions about the best care support for their loved one in the future.

Dementia Care

Dementia care services can be provided through home care services. Home care services allow a person with dementia to receive care and support in the comfort and privacy of their own home. Assistance can include help with daily living activities (such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation), help with managing medications, and can also be a source of companionship. It is care that focuses on the emotional and psychological needs of the individual.

Services may include:

  • Supervision and safety monitoring: Ensures alarms are functioning and house safety features are installed.
  • Assistance with activities of daily living: Assistance with bathing and cleaning.
  • Assistance with nutrition and meal preparation: Ensures medicine and food is taken correctly.
  • Cognitive stimulation activities: Such as puzzle making, creating art or listening to music.

If you would like to read more about dementia and in-home care, our blog The Benefits of In-Home Care for Elderly Adults with Dementia will provide more information.

If you’d like to gain a better understanding of dementia and the advantages of in-home care for elderly people suffering from it, our blog post about these topics is a great resource to look into.

End-of-Life Care

End-of-life care, also known as palliative care, is care that is provided to an individual who is in the last stages of life. It is often provided by home care services and typically includes physical, emotional, and spiritual support. End-of-care services can range from providing comfort and companionship to helping with medical and practical tasks to providing help with daily living activities.

End-of-care services also involves providing support to the individual and their family during this difficult time. This includes assistance in planning end-of-life wishes as well as providing emotional and spiritual support. Benefits of this type of care include:

Flexibility: It allows patients to remain in familiar surroundings, surrounded by family and friends, while still receiving specialised medical and emotional care.

Cost Savings: Generally speaking, palliative care at home is less expensive than care in a hospital or hospice.

Quality of Life: Many people prefer to stay in the familiar environment of their own home, where they can maintain the hobbies, activities, and routines that they value while feeling comfortable.

If you are considering in-home care for yourself or a loved one, it is important to understand the different types of services available and what each type of service entails.

Having a thorough understanding of the different types of in-home care available and their associated benefits can help you make an informed decision about what type of care is best for you and your loved one. Consider the various types of in-home care services such as companionship, personal care, and medical care and assess which type is most appropriate for your particular situation. Research the credentials and experience of any potential in-home care providers and ask questions to ensure that you are comfortable with the person providing care for your loved one.

In addition, look into the cost of in-home care services and what type of insurance coverage is available, if any, to help cover the costs. With this information on hand, you can make an informed decision about the type of in-home care that is best for you and your loved one’s needs.

Considering in-home care, contact us today.

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