Technology enabled care helps you create inclusive, accessible and safe environments that empower and enrich the lives of older people. But your TEC services need to be part of your overall strategy if you want to realise the full benefits. This means becoming a TEC-orientated organisation and planning projects accordingly.
We look at the key steps to take so you can develop successful technology enabled care services – and make the most of your investment.
1. Invest in the right technology
With the digital phone switchover currently in progress, it’s vital to get the correct digital infrastructure in place. This means you can fully benefit from the opportunities of technology enabled care, as well as ensuring the safety of these life-saving services as the rollout of the digital network continues.
Making sure you have flexible, scalable solutions in place means you can adapt to changes in people’s needs and accommodate growth more easily. It’s also about protecting your investment in TEC, so you can keep pace with future developments as needed.
2. Assess requirements and opportunities
Consider the risks, challenges and needs of your residents. This means involving them from the outset so you can co-produce solutions that address their requirements and make a positive difference.
Once you have an idea of what you need, you can look at how technology enabled care can help you achieve this.
3. Define your objectives
What’s the intended purpose of the services and what outcomes are important?
For example, you may want to:
– ensure the ongoing safety of your services
– reduce operational costs
– meet a wide range of needs
– help people feel more connected
– provide better personal and building security
4. Adopt best practice
The TEC Quality Standards Framework gives clear guidelines on best practice. This focuses on ten common standards modules, looking at safety, effectiveness, ethics and quality. The framework also allows you to benchmark and certify your TEC services, so your customers can feel confident in these.
Alongside this, it’s important to be aware of the latest research and guidance – such as the revised TAPPI principles (Technology for our Ageing Population: Panel for Innovation) – as well as learning from others’ experiences.
5. Ensure your services are fit for purpose
Your TEC solutions need to be robust, resilient and compatible with the new digital network.
TSA guidance on resilience explains criteria for:
– fitness for intended purpose
– data protection and security
– minimum availability levels of TEC equipment and monitoring
This recognises the end-to-end delivery of TEC services can be ‘complex’ and recommends designating a person in the team with oversight of these key areas.
It’s also important to think about who you want to work with for your technology enabled care projects. Check potential suppliers’ track records and confirm equipment and services comply with British Standards and the TEC Quality Standards Framework.
6. Bring your staff with you
Engage with your staff and make sure they understand how TEC can support them in their roles and benefit their residents.
Training is vital and digital skills should be seen as a core part of their roles. The Housing LIN recommends regular awareness sessions so they are confident in discussing technology enabled care and using new systems. You can also make use of the Adult Social Care Digital Skills Framework and other resources, such as Scottish Services Council ‘23 Things TEC’.
7. Make the most of your TEC services
This should be an ongoing process. Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and establish how you will monitor and review these. Invite feedback, provide regular training and address any issues. Look at how you can use the data gathered from your TEC services to improve your offerings and the way you work.
Technology enabled care in supported housing
It’s clear technology enabled care is playing an increasingly important role within health, care and housing. Find out more in our blog post series about technology enabled care:
– What you need to know about technology enabled care
– Why technology enabled care services are important – and who they’re for
– What are the benefits of technology enabled care?
You can also take a look at our video series, Discussing Digital, which provides all the information you need to navigate the digital switchover smoothly.
Appello is here to help you develop effective TEC services. Our goal is to provide all the facts on the digital switch, so you can make decisions with confidence. Talk to us about your next steps for a pain-free transition to digital services.
