Staying independent with Technology Enabled Care

Staying independent and self-sufficient can seem tough as we get older, so it's useful to be aware of different options available during this time. Fortunately, assistive Technology Enabled Care (TEC) services have begun to support the transformation of home care across the UK, empowering older and vulnerable individuals to feel safe and independent in their own homes.   

 

What is Technology Enabled Care?   

Before we look any further, we should first outline what TEC is and how it can offer a wide range of digital solutions to long-term conditions. These assistive technology options can include the use of telehealth, telecare, and telemedicine alongside (or in place of) a patient’s usual recovery procedures. This change also allows for pressures on the health and social care industry to be eased significantly.  

At its simplest, Technology Enabled Care systems integrate modern technology with the recovery process. These TEC systems are also highly applicable and valuable for improving the care of elderly patients, for whom remaining independent can often seem like a frustrating challenge. As a TEC supplier, we recognise that the ageing population is demanding new solutions to help support their independence. This is why we work tirelessly to integrate new options for our clients to help them maintain a self-sufficient lifestyle and to remain independent in their own homes for longer.  

 

The increasing demand for assistive technology  

Due to the UK’s ageing population, the demands and pressures placed on long-term care solutions have grown in recent years. Care systems have been met with a growing demand for long-term care; in fact, we have seen a 36% increase in assisted living housing in Wales.  

The Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) predicts that 57% more adults aged 65 and over will require care in 2038, and a 29% increase for adults between 18 and 64 years old. Due to this exponential growth, assistive technology such as Telecare or Telehealth is being more widely used to improve the wellbeing of individuals across the UK. This movement accelerated during the social distancing regulations, which prevented many people from attending their appointments regularly in person.  

 

Types of assistive technology options 

At Delta Wellbeing, we are committed to supporting independent living for longer and supporting people who are digitally anxious. Through our collection of assistive living technologies, we can provide peace of mind that help is always there when you need it.  

Here are just a handful of our favourite ways to use assistive living technology to help individuals maintain their independence and self-sufficiency.   

 

Medical alerts   

One of the first options for assistive technologies that we have available is our range of medical alert devices. These are technologies that can provide support at the touch of a button. Discreet technology solutions, such as wrist-worn alarms, pendants or small mobile devices that can fit into your pocket, can give assurance that help is always there when you need it.   

These digital solutions offer extra security so that individuals can stay independent in their own homes for longer. Our lifelines and pendants can go through to our 24/7 monitoring centre, ensuring that help is always just a touch of a button away.   

 

Sensors   

Depending on your needs, additional sensors can provide enhanced safety measures which can be particularly helpful for people who may wander. We also provide some excellent fall and epilepsy sensors, supporting users to manage their conditions.   

What’s more, we can also provide appropriate community response through the CONNECT project available in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. One of our team of Community Responders can attend when somebody has fallen but has not been injured and needs help to get back to their feet or back into bed. These services help to give peace of mind to loved ones and caregivers.   

 

Automatic pill reminders & dispensers   

Taking pills on time can often be a challenge. Luckily, our automatic pill reminders and dispensers are useful tools to ensure you never forget your medication. These tools can be readily adapted to specific needs to make them as straightforward as possible. We also have reminder clocks which can support people with dementia by prompting them with reminders of daily tasks or events.   

 

Final thoughts  

Undoubtedly, assistive technology is becoming an increasingly important field. With solutions and systems such as Telehealth and Telecare now offering a new way for patients to attend their appointments online, as well as a myriad of assistive living devices that help make living easier, retaining independence for the future is easier than ever. 

Delta Wellbeing provides technology enabled care packages with 24/7 monitoring to customers across the UK. If you live in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire or Ceredigion, you can sign up for our wrap-around support service Delta CONNECT which is FREE until March 31, 2023. 

If you want more details about how we can help maintain our clients' independence and monitor their health, call us today on 0300 333 2222. We can’t wait to hear from you!