Virtual Care Could Be The Way Of The Future

Improvements in technology could soon see aspects of social care being performed by robotics within a service user’s home, according to the British Computer Society (BCS).

Speaking to the BCS’s specialist Northern health informatics group, Dr Kevin Doughty, deputy director of York University’s Centre for Usable Home Technology, said that around 50 forms of help – ranging from motion-activated lights to a fully-fledged robotic companion who could advise, interact and even entertain older people – could be the solution to the care burden predicted in years to come.

“By using technology we will not only be able to support the elderly more efficiently, but they will be able to stay in their own homes and maintain a level of independence,” he added.

Some of the technology – including a system which alerts homeowners to potentially dangerous situations in the nearby area, such as leaving the gas tap on, or informing the owner of the fact that they have got out of bed in the middle of the night – has already been developed and is being trialled in the UK.

A new tele-presence system could see service users being able to virtually shop, visit friends or go to church. Dr Doughty even suggested that in the not-too-distant future we could see “hug suits” which would simulate physical contact and could be used to alleviate feelings of loneliness.

Current telecare projects in West Lothian, Northamptonshire, and elsewhere in the UK have already shown significant long-term financial and human resource savings for care providers, whilst their clients have benefited from better care provision.It also means that more service users are able to enjoy the comforts of their own home for longer, freeing up spaces in care homes for those who are more severely affected.