James Rycroft, Managing Director at CQC Outstanding rated Vida Healthcare, discusses the role that technology can play in enabling care homes to provide compassionate, high-quality care that can lead to an Outstanding rating from the CQC.
Technology within care homes
Investment in technology can deliver a range of benefits that contribute to an Outstanding rating. From alleviating staff members of administrative tasks so they can spend more time with residents, to ensuring that residents are in contact with their loved ones to reduce feelings of loneliness.
Care homes will want to tailor their care provision to the individual needs of each resident if they are to secure an Outstanding rating. For example, taking the time to get to know everyone and supporting them as individuals. Utilising the knowledge of staff who spend time with residents on a daily basis is critical when creating individual care plans.
Connecting with other healthcare professionals can also help to develop care plans which in turn inform the technology that is required. IT systems deployed by GPs, district nurses and other allied healthcare staff enhance their communication with care home operators. This ensures that the right care is delivered to the right people at the right time which is particularly important for care home residents with complex needs, such as dementia, who may not have the capacity to accurately convey if they are in need of support.
Deploying technology effectively
Considering technology in terms of the benefits that it will provide can inform the effective integration of the right solutions that in turn contribute to securing an Outstanding rating. While some technology can support care home operators in the provision of medical care, other devices deliver a more holistic approach to health and wellbeing.
For example, smart phones and devices can play a critical role in helping residents to maintain social connections with their loved ones and community, which can support independence and improve wellbeing. While these devices may seem daunting at first, building a positive experience with new technology is crucial for staff and residents who are nervous about, or new to smart devices.
On the other hand, medical solutions, such as telecare services, can play an important role in monitoring and alerting the right people if a resident is in need. Specialist hubs monitor for alerts 24/7 and can be staffed by highly experienced, multidisciplinary teams. In the event of an emergency or urgent care requirement, these hubs can provide early intervention which reduces the time from diagnosis to treatment. Collaborative practices are encouraged, with hubs having access to individual care records, enabling them to provide comprehensive clinical assessments, guidance on condition management and ongoing monitoring. One such example is the Immedicare 24/7 Service, which we have adopted at Vida Healthcare.
What does this look like in practice?
Since being founded in 2013, Vida has built three bespoke care homes which have all secured Outstanding ratings. As Vida has grown, we’ve recognised the crucial role that technology plays in supporting our staff and residents. This led us to launch our very own app, Team Talk, to maintain connectivity and knowledge sharing between staff, residents and family members.
Team Talk is user-friendly and has created a community for staff to interact, communicate and collaborate. Not only has this supported us in delivering high quality and consistent care that achieves positive and valuable outcomes, but it also provides an additional lifeline to families looking to connect with their loved ones when they’re unable to visit.
