Six Service Users of Technology Enabled Care Infographic

Technology enabled care (TEC), also known as telecare, has the potential to cater to a wide range of service users with diverse needs. 2iC-Care have created an infographic based on recent research to highlight that telecare has evolved beyond a one-size-fits-all solution for the elderly. The other service user groups that can benefit are:

 

1. People Managing Long-Term Conditions

• Over 20 million people in England live with at least one longterm condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Nearly 9 in 10 (89%) adults living with one or more longterm conditions use some form of technology to manage their health, whether it's monitoring devices, mobile apps, or online resources.
• TEC solutions can empower individuals with longterm conditions to take an active role in their care, enabling remote monitoring, medication management, and access to virtual consultations with healthcare professionals.

 

 

2. Disabled and/or Learning Disabled Individuals

• Over 1 in 5 people in the UK are disabled, encompassing a wide range of physical, cognitive, and sensory impairments.
• 18 years ago, the United Nations declared assistive technology a human right and integral for some disabled people to interact equally within society, recognising the transformative impact it can have on their lives.
• TEC solutions, such as assistive technologies, smart home systems, and accessible communication tools, can promote independence, autonomy, and social inclusion for disabled individuals, enabling them to participate more fully in all aspects of life.

 

 

3. Those in Reablement

According to the Health Foundations’ publication “The challenges and potential of intermediate care”:

• Around 27,000 people per month are referred to reablement services after being discharged from the hospital. Reablement aims to help individuals regain their independence and confidence after a hospital stay, enabling them to return to their homes and communities.
• In 2023, 1,700 people per week were occupying hospital beds despite being medically fit for discharge. Technology enabled care can play a crucial role in facilitating timely discharges and supporting the reablement process, freeing up valuable hospital resources while ensuring individuals receive appropriate care in their own homes.

 

 

4. Unpaid Carers

• There are around 10.6 million unpaid carers in the UK, which is over 1 in 6 people. These individuals play a vital role in supporting loved ones with various needs, often sacrificing their own time and resources in the process.
• 20% of carers say that using remote monitoring tools like motion sensors, fall detectors, personal alarms, or GPS trackers makes their role easier. Telecare solutions can provide peace of mind and assist carers in monitoring the wellbeing of their loved ones, reducing the burden and stress associated with caregiving.

 

 

 

5. Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The Department for Education found in their “Special educational needs and disability: an analysis and summary of data sources” report that:

• 17.3% of pupils (1.57 million) in England have special educational needs, which can range from learning disabilities to physical or mental health conditions.
• Only 22.5% of children with SEN achieve good GCSE results, compared to 55.8% without SEN, highlighting the need for additional support and resources to help these students reach their full potential.
• TEC has the potential to facilitate better participation for these students by providing assistive technologies, remote learning opportunities, and customised solutions tailored to their specific needs.

 

 

6. Those with Mental Health Conditions

• 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England, highlighting the prevalence and importance of addressing mental health needs.
• One study forecasted that technology enabled care coordination reduced mental health hospitalisations by 6.71%, suggesting that technology enabled care can play a role in supporting individuals with mental health conditions in managing their wellbeing.
• TEC solutions can provide access to virtual therapy sessions, peer support networks, self management tools, and remote monitoring of mental health symptoms, empowering individuals to take an active role in their recovery and well-being.

 

And those are just the beginning! It is evident from the diverse audiences listed above, technology enabled care has the potential to benefit individuals with various needs, ranging from unpaid carers to those with long-term conditions, disabilities, special educational needs, and mental health challenges.

 

How Andi can Help a Diverse Group of Service Users?

 

At 2iC-Care, Andi - the digital dispersed alarm unit and software solution - is redefining what personalised care looks like across all ages and needs. With Andi's interoperability, care providers can mix-and-match peripherals from various manufacturers to build truly customised care plans. This flexibility allows for use of the latest health, medical and social care peripherals (such as Reister) as well as the legacy analogue technology. Whether it's smart sensors for an older adult living independently, wearables for long term condition management, or environmental controls for someone with disabilities - Andi seamlessly integrates.

By leveraging a range of technology solutions, these service user groups can receive support, facilitate better participation, avoid social and healthcare emergencies and manage their conditions more effectively, ultimately improving their quality of life and promoting independence and social inclusion.