MacIntyre has embarked on an Assistive Technology (AT) project with the aim of technically enabling the organisation and supporting people using MacIntyre’s services to increase their independence and to take more control over their lives.
There are various definitions of Assistive technology, one of which - The King’s Fund defines AT as any product or service designed to enable independence for disabled and older people. (2001). MacIntyre is working with individual people to identify pieces of equipment that will enhance their lives, supporting the person to take more control, we see this as Person Centred technology.
What is the AT project?
The project is to develop the organisation’s technical skills whilst delivering the most effective, efficient, PC solutions for the people we support, which will support and encourage independence. The project will be delivered across all of the operational services that MacIntyre delivers - Supported Living, Inclusive Care, Adult Life Learning and the two residential schools.
Who will deliver the project?
To deliver the project, MacIntyre will employ a full time project manager – Assistive Technology Advisor.
How will MacIntyre deliver the project?
The AT Advisor role will inform MacIntyre about what AT is currently available, what is being developed and potentially what might be possible for future use. The advisor will share the information across MacIntyre, this will be through the steering group, website, literature sent out to key people at key times throughout the life of the project, sharing good ideas and best practice at Roadshows, conferences and meetings with people using services and staff.
Where will the project focus?
MacIntyre is keen to see all people benefitting from this resource, therefore anyone can contact the advisor for support, information and advice. The advisor will carry out visits, assessments and recommend particular products that may be helpful. Staff can also contact the local OT for advice on products. The project will begin by looking at 2 geographical areas where MacIntyre provides services, carrying out detailed assessments with colleagues from other organisations, these joint assessments will identify equipment that could monitor the environment and provide additional support for specific situations. This type of AT will support some people to increase their opportunity to be at home without support, relying on environmental sensors to raise an alarm as and when needed. A thorough assessment ensures that a wider range of equipment can also be considered which will increase independence, confidence and self esteem.
National AT Activity
The government is committing monies to support research and development of AT for older and disabled people, between April 08 and March 09 a total of 168 projects devoted to AT research and development were occurring across the UK. In June 08 the government announced that £31 million of funding would be provided to the Whole System Demonstrator Programme (WSD) and would go live in Kent, Cornwall and Newham, the WSD will run for a minimum of two years. The WSD sites will be subject to rigorous real time evaluation of the benefits of Telecare and Telehealth which is believed to be the largest type in the world. The learning from the WSD will be shared with an action research network, run by the King’s fund and the DoH Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP).
What will WSD do?
WSD will issue, free of charge for the duration of the programme, Telecare equipment based on individual assessment of AT needs. People have been asked if they would like to volunteer to use this equipment. The person receiving the equipment will use it, provide feedback on its use and the data captured via the call centres etc.. will put together a picture that should determine if Telecare equipment has been effective and if the outcomes of those people using it have been enhanced. This research will enable the Dept of health to understand the real benefits to the end user and support decisions about the role of Telecare in future Social Care provision.
No comments:
Post a Comment