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Telecare in Care Homes (Scotland) Policy

Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} aims to ensure that, where telecare is employed as part of an individual’s care option, it is safely and ethically used and supported by suitable, knowledgeable and skilled staff.

This policy is in line with the national care standards, My Support, My Life, which require service providers to ensure that their care users experience high quality care and that they have confidence in their care providers, as reflected in the following care home standards:

• 5.10: If I experience 24-hour care, I am connected, including access to a telephone, radio, TV and the internet
• 5.11: I can independently access the parts of the premises I use, and the environment has been designed to promote this
• 5.21: I am able to access a range of good quality equipment and furnishings to meet my needs, wishes and choices.

Background

Telecare — also known as “advanced assistive technology” — typically takes the form of technological devices and systems used in the care sector to increase, maintain and improve the capabilities and independence of people who have cognitive, physical or communication difficulties. Telecare devices are, therefore, increasingly being used to help manage risks, improve care and enhance safety.

Examples include personal alarms, falls alarms and advanced electronic devices and sensors that can be deployed to remotely monitor people and raise an alarm or call for assistance where required.

Telecare is increasingly used to help people who use adult social care services remain in their own homes or in sheltered accommodation, supported by domiciliary care or wardens. However, it is also now widely used in care home settings where it can be employed to improve the quality of life and safety of people and enhance their independence and autonomy.

Where advanced assistive technology or telecare is used in care homes, it must be used in an ethical way and in the best interests of residents and with their full knowledge and co-operation. This is particularly important where the privacy, dignity and human rights of the person who uses services are concerned.

Procedures

In {{org_field_name}}:

• a full risk and multidisciplinary care assessment will be carried out on all people receiving care by appropriately trained staff and with input from appropriate care professionals as part of the care planning process; the assessment will include areas where telecare may play a role in augmenting their care and treatment. These options will be reviewed as necessary and when the person’s condition changes or deteriorates
• people receiving care will be provided with information about telecare options during the needs assessment and care planning process, including the benefits and risks of using telecare and implications for privacy
• where telecare is identified as a possible care option, an additional assessment from a local telecare provider will, with the person’s consent, be arranged; the individual will, where required, be supported during this assessment
• telecare equipment will only be used to enhance and improve care
• telecare equipment will only be used with the explicit informed consent of the person concerned or their relatives or representatives, as appropriate; any decision to use telecare in the care of someone with limited capacity should be assessed in line with the mental incapacity law procedures resulting in a best interests’ decision that is regularly reviewed
• where a person wishes to use telecare, {{org_field_name}} will work with them and with telecare providers to identify their preferred telecare options that maximise their independence and dignity and helps them live in the way they choose; the plan of care will be adjusted to ensure that any support required is provided; staff will be provided with additional training if required to enable them to support the use of telecare options
• appropriate discharge planning will be completed prior to the transfer to {{org_field_name}} from a hospital or specialist unit of any person suffering from a long-term condition which includes the use of telecare as a care option
• the privacy and dignity of people must be considered wherever telecare is used; systems must be designed not to infringe the individual’s privacy and dignity
• care staff should:
  • support people as appropriate in working with any telecare systems fitted
  • report any telecare devices that do not appear to be working correctly
  • report any concerns they have with the use of telecare, including any concerns as to its ethical use or possible infringements of privacy or dignity.

Any telecare equipment used in {{org_field_name}} should be procured from responsible providers with a track record of high quality, safe equipment. All suppliers should have appropriate accreditation from a trade body and abide by any code of conduct and quality standard. All equipment should be installed by a qualified technician under professional guidance and supervision. All equipment will be subject to suitable risk assessments and portable appliance testing. It must be properly fitted, set up, serviced and maintained by suitably qualified persons in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Management Responsibilities

In {{org_field_name}}, managers should:

• arrange appropriate telecare training and information updates for staff
• encourage care staff to consider the incorporation of such technology into care planning and care provision where appropriate
• ensure that the use of telecare is included in the organisation’s Statement of Purpose and complies fully with all legal requirements and best practice guidance on the use of surveillance and monitoring systems
• ensure that telecare is only ever used where indicated in a needs assessment as a way of meeting person-centred care needs
• ensure that telecare is never used as a means of reducing staff cover or as a cheaper alternative to appropriate hands-on care where that is indicated as the best and preferred way to deliver care.

Training

Care home staff should attend suitable training so that they are aware of how telecare and telehealth works and of the variety of devices available.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}

Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}

Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}

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