Module 10

Supporting Self Care with Assistive Technology

Self Care Training

On completion of this module learners will:

Have knowledge of the range of assistive technologies available to support people’s self care

Understand how to discuss, access and signpost people for appropriate assistive technologies

Understand how to provide on-going support to people with assistive technologies

10.1

Module 10 outcomes

‘...any item, piece of equipment or system that is used to increase, maintain and improve the functional capabilities and independence of people with cognitive, physical or communication difficulties’

(Source: Audit Commission report AT 2004)

‘ …assistive technology is defined as a product or service that enables independence for older or disabled people’

(Source: The Federation for AT (Fast UK) ATForumnBulletinOCT0)

10.2

Defining assistive technology

10.3

Mobile technology

10.4

Think of all the assistive technologies that

we use to support ourselves in our own

homes.

Group discussion

The increase in the ageing population – It is estimated that between 2006 and 2031 those aged 65+ will increase by around 6 million people

The increase in long term conditions – People with long term conditions are living longer and want to stay in their own homes and this can increase the likelihood of accidents and incidents

Pressure on other health and social care services – Avoidable accidents and incidents can mean individuals being admitted to hospital or respite care or their relying on family and friends

Individuals making the CHOICE! – There are now a wider range of technology products available

10.5

Assistive technology – why now?

Assistive technologies

do not replace you!

10.6

To support – not replace

1. Daily living aids

2. Telecare

3. Telehealth

10.7

The 3 types of assistive technology

Daily living aids can be non-technological or technology

based

Non-technological: Daily living aids that do not need computers, modems or monitoring centres to make them work

Technology-based: Daily living aids that are electrical (mains or batteries)

Simple aids that can be used inside or outside the home Exist to put people in control and increase their independence

in daily activities They all work in different ways

10.8

Daily living aids

Think of some of the daily living aids individuals may use in their own homes

which support their self care

10.9

Group discussion

In the bathroom – tap rails/bath mats/adjustable brushes In the bedroom – bed ropes/mattress elevators/grabbing

sticks In the living room –chair raisers/window handles/electric

chairs In the kitchen – caring cutlery/jar openers/kettle tipper Around the house – tap levers/magnifiers/custom

telephones Out and about – wheelchairs/walking sticks/mobile ramps

10.10

Examples of daily living aids

‘Telecare’ equipment is technology-based

Each piece of equipment can be linked to a monitoring centre The equipment can predict and prevent problems occurring Used to monitor signs of environment, security and safety 24

hours a day Can work to prevent individuals from going into hospital Can reduce the level of support the person may need

10.11

Telecare equipment

• Chair and bed sensors• Fire/smoke alarms• Gas shut off devices• Emergency pendants• Movement detectors• Window and door sensors• Fridge activity sensors• Medication reminders

10.12

Examples of Telecare equipment

‘Telehealth’ equipment is used by people in their own homes to monitor and manage their long term conditions

The equipment is technology-based People take their own health readings, sending them to a

monitoring centre or simply keep an eye on the readings themselves

Taking regular readings can reduce GP visits, unplanned hospital visits and improve confidence in self care

At the moment not many individuals have telehealth equipment in their own homes

However the use of telehealth is growing... remember your mobile phone!

10.13

Telehealth equipment

Monitoring Centre

Telehealth Equipment10.14

Telehealth – how it works

Pedometer - Used to monitor exercise, readings can motivate people to increase their Self care management

Asthma Monitor - Used to monitor the person’s airways Electro Cardio Graph Monitors (ECG) - Used to monitor heart conditions Blood Sugar Monitor - The ‘Gluco Band’ can be used to monitor high and

low glucose readings and diet intake Oxygen Monitors - Measure blood oxygen levels by using a clip on the

finger Blood Pressure Monitors - Used to measure the person’s blood

pressure Temperature Monitors - Used to measure the person’s temperature ‘Wrist care’ - Can be used to detect high or low levels of movement when

individuals are ill or have dementia, e.g. Alzheimer's

10.15

Examples of Telehealth

Keeping safe

More involved and in control of their self care

Building motivation

Monitoring and managing their long term conditions

10.16

Benefits of assistive technology

We all have the right to make our own choices and decisions unlessproven otherwise under the Mental Health Capacity Act 2005 The five key principles: A presumption of capacity – every adult has the right to make his or her own decisions

and must be assumed to have capacity to do so unless it is proved otherwise Individuals being supported to make their own decisions – a person must be given all

practicable help before anyone treats them as not being able to make their own decisions

Unwise decisions – just because an individual makes what might seem as an unwise decision, they should not be treated as lacking capacity to make that decision

Best interests – an act done or decision made under the Act for or on behalf of a person who lacks capacity must be done in their best interests

Least restrictive option – anything done for or on behalf of a person who lacks capacity should be the least restrictive of their basic rights and freedoms

10.17

Who decides?

More and more individuals living with long term conditions such as

Alzheimer‘s and dementia are living in residential and nursing homes:

If it is proven that individuals lack the mental capacity to make their own decisions they may need to be deprived of their liberties

This could mean others making decisions to use assistive technologies on their behalf to keep them safe and secure in residential or nursing homes

This can only be done following a strict standardised assessment process and for those living in residential and nursing homes

Even when an individual has been deprived of their liberty they are legally entitled to safeguards to ensure it has been done in their best interests

For those living in their own homes, decisions to use assistive technologies can be made by those closest to them – family, advocates, main carer

10.18

In your best interests?

10.19

The role you play

10.20

IDEAS

CONCERNS

EXPECTATIONS

‘What are you finding difficult to do?’‘What knock on effects does this have?’‘How does it make you feel?’

‘Are you concerned by what you can’t do?’‘By how much?’‘Are you at risk from the things you can’t do?’

‘Do you want to do more for yourself?’‘What do you think the solutions could be?‘Have you thought of using assistivetechnology?’

Discuss assistive technology - ICE

Speak to your supervisor and access appropriate leaflets and guidance.

Spend time going through the leaflets, helping to answer any questions the person you support may have

Reduce anxiety by focusing on the positive differences the equipment may have on their self care

Reassure the person that if they choose to have the technology they will be in control of it and there will be support for them to get used to it

Where possible, involve the person’s wider networks so that a number of perspectives can be discussed before any technologies are purchased or leased

10.21

Access information on assistive technologies

Stage 1 Signpost Let your supervisor know that the individual you support has an interest in using

assistive technology

Stage 2 Refer You supervisor will make contact with the local authority to advise that a person-

centred assessment is needed

Stage 3 Visit Using the information you have already gathered, a representative from the local

authority will visit and undertake an assessment, setting goals and supporting the person to decide on the most appropriate assistive technology for their needs

Stage 4 Pay The person may be eligible for full financial support, or may choose to use their

individual budget to part or fully fund their assistive technology. Alternatively the person may choose to rent the equipment directly from the supplier.

10.22

Signpost for referral

1. Make sure you are kept informed

2. Support the person to feel comfortable with the equipment

3. Focus on strengths and abilities

4. Keep communication going

5. Review

10.23

Within your new types of worker role

Self Care Training Manual: Implementing the Common Core principles for Self Care© Skills for Care, 2009.www.skillsforcare.org.uk Albion Court, 5 Albion Place, Leeds LS1 6JL.All rights reserved. This material may be reproduced for non-commercial distribution in aid of social care workforce development, provided the copyright notices and acknowledgements are included in each reproduction.Requests for commercial publishing rights should be directed to Skills for Care.

Referencing:Short reference: Skills for Care, 2009Long reference: Skills for Care, Self Care Training Manual: Implementing the Common Core Principles for Self Care (Skills for Care, Leeds, 2009)

Acknowledgements:This material was commissioned from jdee Training and Lancashire County Council by Skills for Care’s New Types of Worker programme in the north west. It was researched and compiled by Shaun Douglas Galley and Sarah Johnson.