Care for elderly given boost by improved access to latest telecare services
Scottish local authorities given access to latest digital technology to care for elderly and vulnerable in the home
Scottish local authorities can now access the next generation of digital care technology to help them deliver the latest in ‘smart’ care services so that elderly citizens can remain independent in their own homes.
In what is believed to be a first for the country, Communicare247’s Archangel, a digital platform for integrated care, is now available to local authorities on the Excel procurement framework. They can use the technology to provide the latest telecare services such as remote monitoring, video conferencing, fall sensors, GPS location devices for vulnerable people, plus personal alarms.
Until now, local authorities using telecare have had to rely on increasingly-outdated telephone lines to help keep people safe in their own homes. But services such services can be hampered by slow connectivity and unreliable networks. Using digital technology means councils can provide support services around the clock to the growing number of elderly and vulnerable people, in a more-reliable and cost-effective manner.
Now Scottish local authorities can buy advanced services by using Archangel as the infrastructure to support moves into using more-effective technology to deliver care and support to those most in need. This means that technologies such as Nest, the smoke alarm-style product that can act as a hub for several smart home devices, can be deployed at scale to support enhanced care delivery services such as real-time monitoring and video consultations.
Tom Morton, chief executive of Communicare247, said: “As the Scottish Government recognises, without the right technology approach we risk building the country’s integrated care models on increasingly-outdated technology. Now local authorities can demonstrate how Scotland is at the forefront of digital telecare by providing a multitude of services designed around individual needs.
“With more people needing care at home, there is increasing pressure on councils to provide personalised care, but with reduced budgets. Digital technology means they can better target the care they provide and ensure that people are connected to care providers and loved ones round the clock.”
Local authorities can access these services through the country’s Excel procurement framework, the procurement channel for Scotland’s local government sector.
With the country rolling out super-fast broadband to enable wider uptake of digital services, and with £10m investment to fund greater use of telecare in the NHS, Scotland is committed to expanding the use of such technology-enabled care services through its revised eHealth Strategy 2014-2017. This follows research that showed that between 2006-2010 a financial benefit of £48m had resulted from a £12.6m investment in telecare.
