Engage: Beyond the screen – how digital technology is revolutionising care

Today we hear from Rob Martin, MD of Care Services at Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of care and housing for people in later life on how digital technology is revolutionising care provision.

We live in a world where digital technology really has transformed the way our services operate and work in the social care sector. It is easy to worry that technology might create a barrier between carers and those they care for. However, the reality is quite the opposite; digital advancements in care homes are not just facilitating but enhancing human interaction and person-centred care.

Having spent two decades in the care sector, I’ve witnessed first-hand the transformational impact these digital advancements are making, and it’s nothing short of revolutionary.

The best way of understanding the needs of the staff and the people they care for is to experience it for yourself. As part of my role, I’ve been completing shifts in different parts of the business, to make sure I can fully understand all the incredible work my colleagues do on the ground every day.

On a recent night shift, I was reminded of just how challenging the job can be, but also how rewarding it is. I saw the unwavering dedication of my colleagues and it reinforced the importance of advancing digital care – for both colleagues and residents.

With digital systems and mobile handheld devices, caregivers can now capture real-time data as they move through care locations.

Historically, the manual and fragmented nature of paper-based systems held a greater risk across the sector of information being lost or duplicated. Digital systems have unlocked the option to remove this unacceptable risk, ensuring essential decision making and subsequent support processed aren’t delayed.

By finding ways to communicate digitally, colleagues can see a wider picture about residents’ preferences, health, and wellbeing, without having to sacrifice the time they spend with them. While it is easy to think of technology in terms of how it might interfere with our lives, I can confidently say that, at Anchor, it’s strengthening our community and relationships with our residents.

By adopting digital solutions, we are not replacing the human touch; we are amplifying it, allowing caregivers to spend more meaningful time with those they care for and focusing on what truly matters: the happiness, health, and independence of every resident.

To go from a largely paper-based system to a new digital one has led to significant enhancements in the ways we monitor, care, and communicate in care homes. Health professionals, GPs, and specialists can be continually and robustly informed.

The role of technology in care homes extends beyond simply improving communication and assisting record-keeping. Advanced solutions in falls prevention and non-intrusive night monitoring are enhancing the security and dignity of residents. With digital infrastructure in place, caregivers can connect and manage care safely and discreetly overnight, allowing residents to maintain their independence.

Dignity in care and putting the resident first will always remain our number one priority, and having access to digital care management has been invaluable. New digital networks of communication not only protect residents’ personal information, but also ensure that sensitive matters are recorded and handled carefully.

The key takeaway from using digital technology is in the culture of application – it should support, not hinder, our primary goal of ensuring residents are empowered to have a later life worth living.

At Anchor, we’re not just adapting to change; we’re embracing it. We’re continually exploring what’s possible with digital care planning and we’re still learning. Our operations are not only improving, but reinforcing the human touch that is so central to caregiving. The result is a more holistic understanding of each resident, allowing us to provide better, more informed, and compassionate care.

As we continue to explore the possibilities of digital technology, one thing remains clear: the future of care is bright. The social care sector is on the cusp of its own digital revolution, a transformative shift that is set to redefine how we approach and deliver care, and I look forward to seeing where it takes us.

About The Author

Rob Martin (pictured) is Managing Director, Care Services at Anchor who operate 120 care homes, three retirement villages and eight domiciliary care services. Rob has built his experience in the social care sector over the past 23 years. He is an executive director of Anchor Hanover and he is also the nominated individual with the Care Quality Commission.

Picture (c) Anchor.