Technology and its Role in Aged Care
As technology rapidly evolves, so does the age care sector. Care, at its core, is ever changing and incredibly subjective to each and every person. As we develop in age, so do our care preferences and needs. As such, it has never been more important to harness technology in aged care homes, to ensure our care nuances can be documented, and referenced in all aspects of care.
Leecare has always been at the forefront of aged care tech, since our founder Dr. Caroline Lee established the company in 1992, and wrote the original software that has now developed into the Platinum6 Software and App Suite (P6).
And this revolution of technology in aged care homes, is now more common than ever, as the demand for care continues to grow over the next decade, so does the need for technologies to support aged care staff, in ensuring caregiver effectiveness, efficiency and productivity.
So, why is technology used in aged care and nursing homes? Well, the answer is simple, for safety and security, to both the resident, and their families.
With almost 3,300 aged care providers in Australia, technology has played a large role in the over 9,300 services on offer. Technology and its use in aged care, comes in the form of a system of processing, such as Leecares Platinum6 Programme, which works as a mobile App and web browser-based system, and its application on the technology implements themselves, such as tablets, computers and phones.
These apps are specifically designed by healthcare workers and specialists, to ensure one can predict, record and manage clinical risk and needs. In addition to this, programs such as Platinum 6, ensure sharing and reporting information is easy, with the client and resident needs being the forefront of the systems programming.
Clinical governance is an important aspect of ascertaining levels of staff accountability, as well as ensuring all needs are being met by the patient. Globally, governments have committed to setting standards in benchmarking quality healthcare, as such, technology systems which reference high clinical governance standards, ensures that whilst integrated technological systems are in place, more time is focused on quality of face to face care.
Safety is the first priority of these technological processes, as finding and achieving the very best procedure to accommodate the elderly is dependent on the skill and knowledge of those who manage and control the everyday running of an aged care organization, home or business. As such, aged care technology, such as the Leecare Platinum6 Suite, plays a role in ensuring these processes are simplified and easily accessible, for all, this rewards patients and their families. An important example of this is the MyCarePlan App, found both on the App Store and Google Play, which enables a carer to input all patient data, such as goals of care, preferences, needs, vital signs and to view / upload photos of daily life, and more. This app connects the family with their loved one, and is able to be personalized in detail by the resident, client, family or representative.
Some recent and upcoming innovations to aged care which are changing the sector for the better include:
Safety and Alarm Technology
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, falls are amongst the leading cause of injury in Australia, ranking 17th for fatality. As such, the elderly are at a high risk to be hospitalized due to unexpected falls, this is due to decreased bone density, reduced muscle tone and varied conditions which impede their eyesight and balance. As such, many technological advancements have been made in order to respect the elderly’s privacy, and ensure when accidents happen, they can be reported quickly and succinctly. Some examples include; Alert buttons, around the elderly’s space of care, to be pressed when the persons are in need. Wearables, similar to an alert button but on the person’s exterior, and alert necessary staff in an emergency. And lastly, monitors, worn around the neck or arm to track heart rate and any sudden spikes or warning signs.
Data Tracking Software
The advancement in data tracking software is one of the main technological advancements which has integrally changed aged care for the better. The main role of these systems is to collect, store and share integral resident information related to their care. Leecare is a provider of data tracking software, with our Platinum6 Software and App Suite, which covers all aspects of care, such as an individuals care plan, preferences, analytics, medical results, and more, all updated in real time, so it is accessible when necessary, from the family to the carer, and all those in between.
Connective Needs
Connectivity is an integral part of everyone’s day to day life, without it, life would definitely be gloomy. According to a study done by Stanford Medicine, connection leads to a 50% increased chance of longevity and those who are more connected to others, have lower levels of anxiety and depression. This is where technology plays a large role, many nursing homes now implement Wifi, and ensure residents can stay in touch with their loved ones. Leecare is a big believer in keeping residents connected, and our P6MyCarePlan has been connecting families with their loved ones since its development in 2018. An app, which allows families to access photographs uploaded by carers and ensure they can stay connected with their loved ones’ needs.
AI Technological Advancements
Many advancements have been made in technology over the past decade, and this trend does not seem to be slowing down, AI is a big part of the future advancements to be made. In recent news, a group of scientists at the University of Alberta are taking first steps towards creating chatbots that can express and respond to emotion during a conversation. One of the goals of their research is to create AI-powered companies that could help alleviate loneliness for seniors. This is a huge feat, especially considering loneliness in the elderly can contribute to a deterioration of health and sickness.
The role technology plays in aiding the elderly is clearer than ever, and with many advancements being made over recent years, the advancement of care has always been a priority, especially to us here at Leecare. Enquire with us today, to receive your free Platinum6 demo.
