Introducing new technology to a care home setting can be challenging. However, hearing about a resident with dementia singing along with songs from her childhood played via Alexa, makes it all worthwhile, according to Jo Howes, chief executive officer of the Wiltshire Care Partnership. “It opened up something that had been locked away … suddenly she had access to that once again. [The staff] described that to me as a magical moment.”
It’s been part of a pilot Wiltshire Care Partnership has run across 14 of its 70 care home members since October 2019. Two or three voice assistants have been placed in the homes – some in residents’ rooms, others in communal spaces such as the lounge. The results have been interesting so far, says Howes. Residents have reported it’s made them feel less lonely, and there have been lots of singalongs and impromptu quizzes happening. “At one particular home in Chippenham, the residents have had a whale of a time trying to catch Alexa out, asking questions it doesn’t know the answer to,” she adds. “There’s a lot of mental stimulation around that.”
Digital technology has the power to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, personalisation and quality of care in a social care setting, Diane Buddery, Skills for Care’s programme head, sector digital, says. But it’s easy for providers to feel overwhelmed by the options available. “Most of our sector is made up of small to medium enterprises … you’re not going to be a technology specialist,” she says. “So in terms of understanding what’s out there, what you should buy, what you should avoid … getting the right expertise without being upsold is key.” Other challenges include concerns over cost, making sure the right foundations are in place, and ensuring staff have the right skills.
To fill this gap, Skills for Care has been involved with the launch of the Digital Social Care website, a service paid for by NHS Digital and developed and run by seven social care membership organisations and Skills for Care, to supply social care providers with unbiased advice. There’s a digital readiness tool that helps employers measure the current capability of their staff and infrastructure; information about choosing appropriate software and equipment; and guidance about good data security practices. Skills for Care has also published a guide to becoming a digital social care organisation, including advice from providers that have made the leap.
Howes admits there were concerns that introducing Alexa to residents with dementia would be problematic – there has been research to suggest the computerised voice can cause distress, for example – but that has been managed by staff being responsive to any changes in mood and turning the devices off if necessary. Other challenges include dealing with patchy local broadband provision, and some reluctance from service users and older staff members to give the voice assistants a try. But overall, Howes says it’s been an incredibly positive experience. The group is also working with a law firm to consider the ethical and legal requirements if this is to be rolled out more broadly.
Getting staff on board was essential in Liverpool when acoustic monitoring and circadian lighting systems were installed at Parkhaven Trust’s newest residential complex for people with dementia, the Beeches. The acoustic monitoring system listens to sleeping residents and triggers an alert if the sound level exceeds or falls below an individual’s personalised settings. Lights automatically turn on in the en-suite bathroom when someone gets out of bed, and there are cameras in each bedroom, so staff can easily check on residents via a live feed. “From a service user point of view, we can react much more quickly if anybody needs support,” says Kim Crowe, chief executive of Parkhaven Trust. “Previously we would have undertaken two-hourly checks on everybody. Now we can see people all the time. If they need support, it’s instant.”
The Beeches only opened in November 2019 but the benefits of this technology are already apparent. Residents are sleeping better because they’re not being disturbed by staff coming into their rooms unnecessarily. “A lot of people with dementia have disturbed sleep patterns,” Crowe says. “[These changes mean] they’re more awake during the day because they’re sleeping better at night. If they’re more awake during the day, they’ll eat more. They’ll interact with other people. They’ll have a better experience all round.”
It’s not the only technology Parkhaven has introduced at the Beeches. Staff also use a mobile care monitoring system to record interactions in real time, such as how much residents have eaten. That information is now available for use in all sorts of situations, from appraisals and CQC compliance to families who have questions about their loved one’s day. Crowe acknowledges it’s been important to involve staff with these changes. “This is a real cultural shift for them in terms of how they undertake their jobs.”
Buddery agrees staff attitudes can be a key challenge. “We see lots of examples where technology has been purchased [but] has then been avoided by the staff or by the manager … because actually they don’t understand it, they don’t like it, they find it very threatening.” To combat that, she adds, it’s important to organise appropriate training, involve staff so they understand why this technology is being introduced (and why it’s the right solution), and for managers to lead the charge. Skills for Care’s Registered Manager Networks are a fountain of knowledge for those looking for inspiration, and it’s worth talking to local commissioners to understand how they see commissioned services operating in the future, she adds.
Overall, she encourages providers to give digital tools, many of which aren’t expensive, a try. “Once you see some of the results in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and personalisation, you’ll start to see there’s a huge opportunity here.”
Find out more about embracing digital technology in your service. Visit skillsforcare.org.uk/digital
