Assistive technology embraced by home care users in Essex

The drive to improve access to assistive technologies, for social care service users in Essex, has exceeded the 20% goal the local council set, with 59% confirmed as now taking up innovative ways of managing their care.

New methods include the use of risk sensors able to send alerts to a Careline operator, including carbon monoxide and smoke alarm sensors, door and bed sensors to monitor if individuals do not return, and medication reminders for people with memory loss. Those who have benefitted include those diagnosed with dementia, many with physical frailties, learning disabilities, or people with a visual or hearing impairment.

Finding that 1,703 social care users now use either assistive technology or personal budgets, significantly more than the 1,283 target set, Essex County Councillor John Aldridge spoke of the local authority’s ongoing commitments:

“It is important the County Council does all it can to help ease the pressure on those individuals and their families having to live with Dementia. By providing these vulnerable residents with the opportunity to manage their own care budget or have assistive technology we are handing back the control to the individual and helping protect their independence.”

Innovative technologies are seen as essential by care sector experts in protecting the independence of those who do not wish, or are unable, to move into residential care, reducing the vulnerability of individuals to accidents and various abuses, and for the peace of mind of family who cannot keep permanent watch over their loved ones.