We live in a world where a plethora of information is available at our fingertips. With the rapid development of technology and its integration into everyday life, it’s no surprise to see that it is widely debated within society. From the accusation that technology has killed the art of the pub conversation, to the argument that iPads, smartphones and games consoles are ruining the imagination of children, there will always be contention.
However, one thing is for sure – the emergence of technology has certainly had a positive impact in the quality of care families and carers can give to people who need support and care at home. From managing complex medication protocols, to helping transportation needs and wearable technology aiding chronic conditions, different types of technology are invariably changing the discourse of how carers and family members provide live in care for their loved ones.
Medication Management
From mental health illnesses to dementia care and brain injuries, numerous conditions require complex medication to help manage pain and symptoms. Family members and carers often use medication management tools and apps in order to keep track of a patient’s medication intake. Some tools and apps, such as MediSafe Pill Reminder alert the carer when it is time to take medication and keeps track of the dosage. These tools can also remind you to order a new subscription when medication levels deplete. Whether your loved one or patient requires 24-hour care, visiting care, or short respite care, medication management tools will transform the way you care for them, therefore easing a small amount of pressure.
Home Safety Monitoring
What makes home safety monitoring tools so useful is the fact that they can track a plethora of details within the home whilst you’re not there. For example, if a family member has been discharged from hospital after a knee and/or hip replacement, they may require care after coming out of hospital. After this, you may feel more comfortable by installing home safety software that allows you to monitor your loved ones movements – if they fall over, you can contact emergency services. If you’re away and they don’t lock their door, you can alert someone. As well as discharge care, home safety monitoring aids visiting care, and those requiring short-term live in care. Alongside this, it can enhance living quality for those who need visual impairment support. Lively is a great option, alongside apps such as Hive.
Telehealth Monitoring
Telehealth enables carers to monitor their patients health via technology, therefore giving them more information about the patient’s condition, enabling them to deliver virtual medical and health services. What’s great about Telehealth monitoring is that it enables the carer and family member to create a unique care plan for each individual. Whether this is for someone with Motor Neurone Disease or Down Syndrome, no two needs will be the same. Alongside this, Telehealth monitoring allows patients to have an element of control over their own care, giving them a level of independence. Some apps measure blood pressure, heart rate and blood glucose levels, giving both patients and carers the ability to treat any concerning results. Alongside this, both the patient and carer will have accurate medical records.
Emergency Response Systems
If a family member only requires visiting care, fitting a personal emergency response system (PERS) in their home means they can press a button that they’re anywhere in their home in the event of an emergency. Once the button is pressed, they are put in touch with a call center, who will then assist the person accordingly. For those with mental health illness to those recovering from a brain injury and so much more, PERS has the ability to save lives.
Mentally Stimulating Apps
Studies have shown that brain stimulation helps diseases such as Parkinson’s, aids memory loss for patients with dementia, assists improvement with brain injuries and succours those with mental illness. Brain stimulation is critical the wellbeing of the brain – the more information stimulating our senses, the better. From apps such as Brain Fitness Pro, to ReliefLink, there are hundreds to choose from.
If you have any enquiries regarding home care for you or your loved one, do not hesitate to get in touch with IP Homecare Services – we’re more than happy to help!