Care homes across Dorset are set to receive up to £10,000 in funding to implement acoustic monitoring systems
Care homes across Dorset are set to receive up to £10,000 in funding to implement acoustic monitoring systems, a significant advancement in care technology aimed at improving resident safety and reducing the burden on staff. This initiative is being rolled out by Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council, in partnership with Ally Cares, a leading provider of innovative care solutions.
The councils are seeking between nine and 22 care homes to participate in this initiative. This cutting-edge technology will be installed in residents’ rooms and is designed to detect sounds and movements that could indicate potential health or safety concerns. Examples include detecting a resident trying to get out of bed, coughing, choking, or exhibiting restlessness during the night. Once triggered, the sensors send real-time alerts to care staff through handheld devices, enabling them to respond swiftly to any issues.
A Technological Step Forward in Care
The acoustic monitoring system is WIFI-enabled and forms part of a broader strategy to digitize social care across the UK, a programme backed by the Department of Health and Social Care’s Digitising Social Care initiative. The benefits of this technology go beyond merely enhancing resident safety. By reducing the need for intrusive nightly checks, staff are free to focus on immediate care needs without compromising the supervision of other residents.
This development comes at a critical time when the care sector is grappling with unprecedented staffing shortages. With the system in place, care workers can monitor multiple residents efficiently during night shifts, alleviating some of the pressure on staff and improving overall care delivery.
Enhancing Personalised Care
Councillors from both Dorset Council and BCP Council have praised the initiative. Cllr Steven Robinson, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Dorset Council, highlighted the benefits of real-time notifications, stating: “This real-time notification will allow staff to respond promptly without the need for intrusive regular night-time checks that might disturb residents. It enables staff to focus on addressing immediate needs and will allow carers to provide more personalised care.”
Cllr David Brown, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at BCP Council, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of modern technology in enhancing care services: “This is a fantastic opportunity for care homes across the region to benefit from acoustic monitoring system technology, which will support us in providing residents with an even more efficient, effective and tailored care experience, as well as giving extra reassurance to them and their families.”
Conclusion
This initiative is a significant leap towards digitising care and addressing the challenges faced by care homes in Dorset and beyond. By embracing acoustic monitoring technology, care homes can offer safer, more personalised care, while easing the workload of overburdened staff. The £10,000 funding opportunity presents a great incentive for care providers to adopt this innovative approach, ultimately benefiting residents, staff, and families alike.