The role of smart devices in prioritising safety and communication in aged care

Aged care providers face a complex landscape characterised by an ageing population, a growing focus on keeping older people at home for longer, and increased legislation and compliance requirements.

Between managing the constant flow of residents, juggling staffing requirements, and overseeing the usage of resources and equipment, effective communication and staff safety are not just key considerations; they are essential to the success of an aged care facility.

Daily operations aren’t merely about providing quality care for the elderly. They involve orchestrating a myriad of variables, from ensuring that resident needs are met to managing staff rotations and using equipment and facilities effectively.

Emergencies can arise without notice, demanding immediate response.

When this happens, knowing the precise location of each staff member is a necessity, not a luxury.

Without effective communication tools and protocols in place, the potential for delay in care is a very real concern.

Purpose-built smart devices equipped with personal duress alarms can help augment safety and efficiency in aged care environments.

There are two key benefits that these smart devices deliver to aged care workers:

1. Enhanced personal safety and security
Australian healthcare workers have seen increased workplace violence, with patients, residents, or visiting friends and family often identified as offenders.

In the unfortunate event of an emergency, speed is of the essence.

Smart devices can instantly relay the real-time location of a staff member in distress when a personal duress alarm is activated.

This means that security can pinpoint and reach them rapidly, minimising risk and ensuring swift resolution. This is essential in the case of a safety or security risk.

2. Improved communication
Efficient communication is at the core of effective operations and delivery of care, and smart devices play an increasingly integral role in operations.

Aged care workers can stay connected whether on the move within a facility or in remote care settings, ensuring that they’re always reachable and can react promptly to emerging situations or requirements.

Purpose-built mobile smart devices also facilitate real-time communication, letting aged care workers share updates, discuss resident conditions, and make real-time collaborative decisions, ensuring that care remains consistent.

They also often integrate with centralised databases, granting staff immediate access to resident records, test results, and care protocols.

This ensures that everyone involved in delivering care has the necessary information at their fingertips, reducing the chance of oversight or error and ensuring that information flows seamlessly, leading to an improved overall experience for the individual.

While safety and communication are critical benefits, the advantages of integrating smart devices in aged care settings extend beyond this.

The expectations of resident care are constantly evolving, and smart devices position organisations at the forefront of innovation.

By streamlining communication processes, facilities can increase staff members' time with residents, enhancing the overall quality of care.

It’s a shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive care, where the workforce is empowered with the tools to anticipate and address resident needs more efficiently.

Additionally, aged care environments can be physically and emotionally taxing for workers.

By implementing a reliable safety mechanism through smart devices, organisations can send a clear message to staff that their safety is a top priority, alongside that of residents.

This instils a sense of security while contributing to a more positive workplace culture: when staff feel valued and protected, it can translate into a more dedicated and compassionate approach to their roles.

The benefits of smart device integration in aged care can also flow into cost-efficiency and resource allocation.

While there is an upfront investment in procuring and implementing modern technologies, the long-term benefits often outweigh the initial costs.

Enhanced communication reduces the likelihood of costly errors or omissions in care, while the faster response time during emergencies can potentially save significant resources, both in terms of people and facility expenses.

Over time, as the systems streamline and the workforce becomes more accustomed to the technology, the returns on investment become more pronounced, offering a compelling case for technology adoption.

As technology advances and melds seamlessly into aged care operations, integrating smart devices will likely become the norm rather than the exception.

Organisations that adopt and adapt early will set themselves apart in terms of operational efficiency and the quality of care they provide.

Ilan Rubin is the chief of Wavelink, a technology-solutions business.

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