1. Module 10 Supporting Self Care with Assistive Technology
Self Care Training
Module 10
Supporting Self Care with Assistive Technology

2. Module 10 outcomes On completion of this module learners will:
Have knowledge of the range of assistive technologies available to support people’s self care
Understand how to discuss, access and signpost people for appropriate assistive technologies
Understand how to provide on-going support to people with assistive technologies
10.1

3. Defining assistive technology
‘...any item, piece of equipment or system that is used to increase, maintain and improve the functional capabilities and independence of people with cognitive, physical or communication difficulties’
(Source: Audit Commission report AT 2004)
‘ …assistive technology is defined as a product or service that enables independence for older or disabled people’
(Source: The Federation for AT (Fast UK) ATForumnBulletinOCT0)
10.2

4. Mobile technology
10.3

5. Group discussion
Think of all the assistive technologies that we use to support ourselves in our own homes.
10.4

6. Assistive technology – why now?
The increase in the ageing population – It is estimated that between 2006 and 2031 those aged 65+ will increase by around 6 million people
The increase in long term conditions – People with long term conditions are living longer and want to stay in their own homes and this can increase the likelihood of accidents and incidents
Pressure on other health and social care services – Avoidable accidents and incidents can mean individuals being admitted to hospital or respite care or their relying on family and friends
Individuals making the CHOICE! – There are now a wider range of technology products available
10.5

7. Assistive technologies
To support – not replace
Assistive technologies
do not replace you!
10.6

8. The 3 types of assistive technology
1. Daily living aids 2. Telecare 3. Telehealth
10.7

9. Daily living aids
Daily living aids can be non-technological or technology
based
Non-technological: Daily living aids that do not need computers, modems or monitoring centres to make them work
Technology-based: Daily living aids that are electrical (mains or batteries)
Simple aids that can be used inside or outside the home
Exist to put people in control and increase their independence in daily activities
They all work in different ways
10.8

10. Group discussion
Think of some of the daily living aids individuals may use in their own homes which support their self care
10.9

11. Examples of daily living aids
In the bathroom – tap rails/bath mats/adjustable brushes
In the bedroom – bed ropes/mattress elevators/grabbing sticks
In the living room –chair raisers/window handles/electric chairs
In the kitchen – caring cutlery/jar openers/kettle tipper
Around the house – tap levers/magnifiers/custom telephones
Out and about – wheelchairs/walking sticks/mobile ramps
10.10

12. Telecare equipment ‘Telecare’ equipment is technology-based
Each piece of equipment can be linked to a monitoring centre
The equipment can predict and prevent problems occurring
Used to monitor signs of environment, security and safety 24 hours a day
Can work to prevent individuals from going into hospital
Can reduce the level of support the person may need
10.11

13. Examples of Telecare equipment
Chair and bed sensors
Fire/smoke alarms
Gas shut off devices
Emergency pendants
Movement detectors
Window and door sensors
Fridge activity sensors
Medication reminders
10.12

14. Telehealth equipment
‘Telehealth’ equipment is used by people in their own homes to monitor and manage their long term conditions
The equipment is technology-based
People take their own health readings, sending them to a monitoring centre or simply keep an eye on the readings themselves
Taking regular readings can reduce GP visits, unplanned hospital visits and improve confidence in self care
At the moment not many individuals have telehealth equipment in their own homes
However the use of telehealth is growing... remember your mobile phone!
10.13

15. Telehealth – how it works
Monitoring Centre
Telehealth Equipment
10.14

16. Examples of Telehealth
Pedometer - Used to monitor exercise, readings can motivate people to increase their Self care management
Asthma Monitor - Used to monitor the person’s airways
Electro Cardio Graph Monitors (ECG) - Used to monitor heart conditions
Blood Sugar Monitor - The ‘Gluco Band’ can be used to monitor high and low glucose readings and diet intake
Oxygen Monitors - Measure blood oxygen levels by using a clip on the finger
Blood Pressure Monitors - Used to measure the person’s blood pressure
Temperature Monitors - Used to measure the person’s temperature
‘Wrist care’ - Can be used to detect high or low levels of movement when individuals are ill or have dementia, e.g. Alzheimer's
10.15

17. Benefits of assistive technology
Keeping safe
More involved and in control of their self care
Building motivation
Monitoring and managing their long term conditions
10.16

18. Who decides?
We all have the right to make our own choices and decisions unless
proven otherwise under the Mental Health Capacity Act 2005
The five key principles:
A presumption of capacity – every adult has the right to make his or her own decisions and must be assumed to have capacity to do so unless it is proved otherwise
Individuals being supported to make their own decisions – a person must be given all practicable help before anyone treats them as not being able to make their own decisions
Unwise decisions – just because an individual makes what might seem as an unwise decision, they should not be treated as lacking capacity to make that decision
Best interests – an act done or decision made under the Act for or on behalf of a person who lacks capacity must be done in their best interests
Least restrictive option – anything done for or on behalf of a person who lacks capacity should be the least restrictive of their basic rights and freedoms
10.17

19. In your best interests?
More and more individuals living with long term conditions such as
Alzheimer‘s and dementia are living in residential and nursing homes:
If it is proven that individuals lack the mental capacity to make their own decisions they may need to be deprived of their liberties
This could mean others making decisions to use assistive technologies on their behalf to keep them safe and secure in residential or nursing homes
This can only be done following a strict standardised assessment process and for those living in residential and nursing homes
Even when an individual has been deprived of their liberty they are legally entitled to safeguards to ensure it has been done in their best interests
For those living in their own homes, decisions to use assistive technologies can be made by those closest to them – family, advocates, main carer
10.18

20. The role you play 10.19 DISCUSS Assistive Technologies
ACCESS INFORMATION on Assistive Technologies
SIGN POST - Arrange Assistive Technologies
10.19

21. Discuss assistive technology - ICE
IDEAS
CONCERNS
EXPECTATIONS
‘What are you finding difficult to do?’
‘What knock on effects does this have?’
‘How does it make you feel?’
‘Are you concerned by what you can’t do?’
‘By how much?’
‘Are you at risk from the things you can’t do?’
‘Do you want to do more for yourself?’
‘What do you think the solutions could be?
‘Have you thought of using assistive
technology?’
10.20

22. Access information on assistive technologies
Speak to your supervisor and access appropriate leaflets and guidance.
Spend time going through the leaflets, helping to answer any questions the person you support may have
Reduce anxiety by focusing on the positive differences the equipment may have on their self care
Reassure the person that if they choose to have the technology they will be in control of it and there will be support for them to get used to it
Where possible, involve the person’s wider networks so that a number of perspectives can be discussed before any technologies are purchased or leased
10.21

23. Signpost for referral Stage 1 Signpost Stage 2 Refer Stage 3 Visit
Let your supervisor know that the individual you support has an interest in using assistive technology
Stage 2 Refer
You supervisor will make contact with the local authority to advise that a person-centred assessment is needed
Stage 3 Visit
Using the information you have already gathered, a representative from the local authority will visit and undertake an assessment, setting goals and supporting the person to decide on the most appropriate assistive technology for their needs
Stage 4 Pay
The person may be eligible for full financial support, or may choose to use their individual budget to part or fully fund their assistive technology. Alternatively the person may choose to rent the equipment directly from the supplier.
10.22

24. Within your new types of worker role
Make sure you are kept informed
Support the person to feel comfortable with the equipment
Focus on strengths and abilities
Keep communication going
Review
10.23

25. Self Care Training Manual: Implementing the Common Core principles for Self Care
© Skills for Care, 2009.
Albion Court, 5 Albion Place, Leeds LS1 6JL.
All rights reserved.
This material may be reproduced for non-commercial distribution in aid of social care workforce development, provided the copyright notices and acknowledgements are included in each reproduction.
Requests for commercial publishing rights should be directed to Skills for Care.
Referencing:
Short reference: Skills for Care, 2009
Long reference: Skills for Care, Self Care Training Manual: Implementing the Common Core Principles for Self Care (Skills for Care, Leeds, 2009)
Acknowledgements:
This material was commissioned from jdee Training and Lancashire County Council by Skills for Care’s New Types of Worker programme in the north west. It was researched and compiled by Shaun Douglas Galley and Sarah Johnson.