Tuesday, 1 February 2011

Housing staff should learn more about Telecare

As the debate continues about how we will cope with caring for the growing number of older people in the population, it is clear that telecare or telehealth will be playing an increasing role.

Telecare is the delivery of health care related services and information via telecommunications tools,” said Chloe Weatherhead, Head of Housing e-Academy.

“Many people working in the housing sector may not be aware of how widely it can be used, not just for residents in sheltered and supporting accommodation, but also by vulnerable general needs residents who could benefit from this type of support.”

Telecare supports independent living by providing health care services from a distance and there is an increasing need to lay the foundations for the rapid and widespread adoption of these solutions across the UK.

A recent report from the Centre for Social Justice on issues impacting on older people said ‘the provision of assistive equipment can be hugely beneficial on maintaining or improving an older person’s quality of life. Yet, as an Audit Commission report recently revealed, low importance is attached to such equipment. This is in spite of mass research finding it provides good outcomes and reduced costs.’

Chloe adds: “It is important that social housing staff have an increased understanding of how telehealth and telecare works, because by adopting these technologies, it will impact on the way they work and will guide them on how they should be preparing for the future.”

For more information about e-learning call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk.

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