SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT LIVING ASSIGNMENT GUIDE
TASK 1 – Essay Word count: 1000
Using Case study 1
1.1 Explain how technology can be used to support users of health and social care services in living independently.
To answer this question:
- Define independent living (reference properly)
- Explain who the users of health and social care services are
- Explain the meaning of assistive technology in health and social care
- Describe the assistive technologies provided to Sally to live independently ( Case study 1) and the support they provided
1.2 Analyse barriers to the use of technology to support users of health and social care services in living independently.
To answer this question:
- Mention and explain barriers of assistive technologies in supporting independent living in Health and Social Care practice
- Explain the challenges Sally (Case study 1) is likely to face in using the assistive technology she was provided with
- Explain how barriers to the use of assistive technology in supporting independent living can be limited
1.3 Explain the benefits of these technologies to health and social care organisations and their users.
To answer this question:
- Explain the benefits of assistive technology to users of health and social care and their carers (family, friends)
- Explain how Sally (case study 1) benefited from the assistive technology she was provided with
- Explain the advantages of assistive technologies to health and social care organisations (example, care homes, hospital, schools)
TASK 2 – Essay
Using case study 1 Word count: 1000
2.1 Explain health and safety considerations in the use of technologies in health and social care.
To answer this question:
- Explain Health and Safety legislation 1974
- Explain what should be considered when using assistive technologies in health and social care practice (example hospitals, care homes, client’s homes, schools) according to the Health and safety legislation
- Describe the health and safety considerations in supporting Sally (case study 1) with assistive technology
2.2 Discuss ethical considerations in the use of assistive technologies
To answer this question:
- Define ethics
- Explain ethical considerations in the use of assistive technologies in health and social care
- Explain the benefits of following ethical guidelines in supporting users of health and social care with assistive technologies
- Explain the implications (disadvantages) of not following ethical guidelines in using assistive technologies in health and social care practice
- Recommend ways compliance to ethics in the use of assistive technologies can be promoted
2.3 Explain the impact of recent and emerging technological developments on health and social care services, organisations and care workers
To answer this question:
- Describe emerging assistive technologies used to support users of health and social care
- Explain the positive and negative impacts of emerging assistive technologies to:
- Care workers
- Organisations (hospitals, care homes, schools)
TASK 3 – Mini report Word count: 1000
Provide introduction to the report: give a brief summary of the content of your report
Using case study 2:
3.1 Identify Maggie’s specific needs and
To answer this question:
- Explain/define specific needs
- Briefly explain the needs of people with dementia
- Explain Maggie’s specific needs (Case study 2)
3.2 Recommend assistive devices to support Maggie to continue living independently
3.3 Evaluate the usefulness of technology for users of health and social care services
To answer this question:
- Briefly explain the benefits of assistive technology to health and social care organisations (hospitals, care homes, supported housing) and clients (elderly, disabled)
- Give example (2 or more) of assistive technology explaining the positives and negatives
- Explain how certain types of assistive technology will be useful to Maggie, also explain the type of AT that may not be useful to Maggie due to Dementia
- Considering Maggie’s health problem (Dementia), explain how technology may not promote her independence as her illness advances (deteriorates)
- Summarise and conclude your report
Case Study 1:
Sally is a 42-year-old female who presents to her GP with complaints of tingling and numbness in her left foot, 18 months later she also complained of double vision. Consultation with a neurologist at that time results in a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. She is placed on disease-modulating medication and educated about lifestyle changes to avoid fatigue, which manages her double vision, with the exception of long workdays. The GP refers her to a vision specialist for management of the impairment of double vision that interferes with activities and participation in her job as an account executive. The GP has also requested the assistive technology specialist to provide information and education about other assistive devices that are available should she develop additional impairments.
A vision specialist recommends an eye patch for use when warranted and suggests she stay in touch with the assistive technology specialist should other problems arise. Two years later, Sally returns to her GP with complaints of weakness and numbness in her right side (upper and lower body). These new impairments interfere with her ability to drive to and from work and chauffeur her children to soccer and other after-school activities. Her function at work has been greatly compromised as well. She is experiencing difficulty with typing, maneuvering around the building, holding her lunch tray, and performing other activities of daily living. She is referred to the Occupation Therapist for an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) for the right foot and a cane to improve her mobility, and she is also referred to the Assistive Technology Specialist for consideration of alternate input methods for the keyboard. A keyboard was chosen that covered a larger surface with large black letters surrounded by a yellow background. Both specialists worked together to identify other aids to facilitate additional activities, such as Sally’s personal care activities using a dressing stick and toothbrush handles; cooking using kitchen aids, including jar openers, recipe card holders, and large-handled pots and pans; and gardening using adapted gardening tools.
The GP refers her to a driver’s trainer specialist to adapt her vehicle with a spinner knob and left foot accelerator and to train her in this new way of driving. At this time, the GP also referred her to a social worker for support and counseling regarding her finances, work, and personal life decisions.
Throughout the previous 4 years, Sally’s family has noticed changes in her memory function. After the psychologist completes a cognitive evaluation and identifies strengths and weaknesses, Sally is provided a hand-held personal digital assistant (PDA), called the “PocketCoach,” to aid in her memory skills. This device enables her to push a single button to remember “what to do next.” It assists her to remember to complete task activities and to manage important aspects of her healthcare, such as taking medications and nutritional supplements.
Task 3: Mini Report
Case Study 2:
Maggie is a 62 year old lady who has early onset dementia. She recently lost her husband. She is an extremely active lady who goes out on a number of occasions each day. She is disorientated to the day and time. Her family has significant concerns that Maggie is leaving her home at night and reports from her neighbour confirm this. A fortnight ago her daughter, Lisa paid her a visit and she found water flowing out of her door. When she pressed the door bell there was no answer because Maggie was not home. On occasions homecare arrive early in the morning and Maggie is already out which means she can miss taking her medication and is skipping meals. A risk assessment highlighted an unknown prevalence of Maggie leaving her home.
TASK 1
1.1.A) Independent living is considered as a philosophy or a concept. The word ‘independent living’ signifies living independently. There are many people with different disabilities but they prefer to stay independently. Disabled people live independently with the same independence just like the normal people stay with. According to Jill Weiss, it is not merely living alone but living independently with the same choices and preferences that the non disabled people live with. In independent living, people try to work out some other alternatives in life and work towards improvement of their self respect and determination, however proper support and assistance from friends and family is required for a successful and independent living.
B) Patients whoever use the services of health and social care services become the users of health and social care service. Whenever you are sick, you visit your General Practitioner but health and social care services are merely not limited to your GP. Nowadays you can avail or use their services sitting at your home too. Some other places where you can get the services are schools, private clinics, hospitals, day care centres, nursing homes and places of work. Clients or patients who are using the services provided by the health care centres are the users of these services, however disabled people have the full and equal rights to avail the services of the health and social care services.
C) Assistive technology is a kind of technology with the help of which patients can perform certain duties. Without Assistive technology (AT), they might not be able to perform the job. There are various types of gadgets or equipments with the help of which patients can do their work. There are different kinds of equipments meant for a particular objective. The devices are assembled according to its requirement. The patients can complete their job with the help of technology which is supportive. Technology like responsive can help them take care of the risks and technology like preventive help prevent risks and harmful situations. The assistive technology devices range from walking stick to different kinds of detectors. Some more examples of devices of assistive technology are
i) Devices which help patients to remember what work they need to do.
ii) Smoke or temperature detectors that help people detect smoke or temperature.
iii) Helps in locating or finding patients who have the habit of leaving home and getting lost.
iv) Devices which help patients remember to take their medicine who suffers from forgetfulness.
D) A forty two year woman named Sally visited her GP with few complaints. Sally has been put on some assistive technology measures in order to help her live independently. When she complained about her double vision, the doctor put her on disease modulation medications. Further she was given an eye patch. She was given a cane to improve her movements ( Bond, 1995). The doctor suggested her to use a keyboard which had larger letters marked in black and the background marked with yellow. To improve her lifestyle, she was given a dressing stick, large handled pots and jar openers. Her vehicle was fitted with a left foot accelerator and spinner knob to help her drive safely. A digital memory minder was given to her in order to help her remember and complete her task on time.
1.2 A) Some health care services have systems of AT in place but it is not effectively implemented. Although AT needs to be considered in all the health care units, but most of the staffs are unaware of the procedure of using tags. Lack of proper training, knowledge is one of the barriers of AT. Due to improper selection of the device, a mismatch is very likely to occur. Mismatch between the patient and the device results in frustration. It can be expensive and also wastage of time. People who suffer from various dilemmas might not find AT useful and effective. It is sometimes embarrassing for some people to use devices in front of the public.
1.2 B) The keyboard that was chosen for her might not be the correct one to solve her problem. Also Sally might feel embarrassed to use a cane in front of public. A PDA can be very heavy to carry and also expensive. It might be difficult for her to get trained on new devices that were fitted in his vehicle.
1.2 C) In order to overcome or reduce the barriers, the most important thing is to gather information on the devices of AT. Also if one can get support from different groups in using these devices can help reduce the barrier. It is also advisable to train people on the use and thus help them understand the significance of these devices.
1.3 A) One of the benefits of AT is it saves time. Additionally it reduces the chances of accidents or injury. Also AT can replace caregivers. Patients can stop depending on family members and also the family members can relax at ease. Lastly it helps the older patients to live independent and help them do their work on their own.
1.3 B) Sally was recommended to get in touch with her AT specialist. Firstly she was provided with a cane which helps her improve her walking movements (Leichsenring, 2004). The dressing stick and toothbrush handle helped her improve her daily activities. The kitchen tools helped her to cook and the device recommended for her vehicle help her drive better. The Personal digital assistant help her improve her memory skill.
1.3 C) There are some advantages of assistive technology to health and social care organizations like schools and hospitals. People who suffer from cognitive diseases can be tagged with the help of electrical devices (Hudson, 2002). Hospitals and schools can give maximum care to the patients with the assistance of devices of Assistive Technology. People who suffer from dementia or have the habit of falling down can be put on these devices and the hospitals can take care of them in their best possible ways.
References:
- Leichsenring, K. (2004). Developing integrated health and social care services for older persons in Europe. International journal of integrated care, 4.
- Curtis, L. A. (2012). Unit costs of health and social care 2012. Personal Social Services Research Unit.
- Anttonen, A., & Sipilä, J. (1996). European social care services: is it possible to identify models?. Journal of European Social Policy, 6(2), 87-100.
- Andersen, R. (1968). A behavioral model of families’ use of health services.Research Ser., (25).
- Unit costs of health and social care. University of Kent at Canterbury, Personal Social Services Research Unit, 2002.
- Burns, F. M., Imrie, J. Y., Nazroo, J., Johnson, A. M., & Fenton, K. A. (2007). Why the (y) wait? Key informant understandings of factors contributing to late presentation and poor utilization of HIV health and social care services by African migrants in Britain. AIDS care, 19(1), 102-108.
- Hart, F., & Bond, M. (1995). Action research for health and social care: A guide to practice. McGraw-Hill International.
- Andersen, R. M. (1995). Revisiting the behavioral model and access to medical care: does it matter?. Journal of health and social behavior, 1-10.
- Hudson, B. (2002). Interprofessionality in health and social care: the Achilles’ heel of partnership?. Journal of interprofessional care, 16(1), 7-17.
- Richardson, S., & Asthana, S. (2006). Inter-agency information sharing in health and social care services: the role of professional culture. British Journal of Social Work, 36(4), 657-669.
Task 2
2.1 A) The Health and Safety at Work Act was passed in 1974. It is also known as HSWA 1974 or HASWA 1974. This act was passed in the UK Parliament. The most important and significant act in the health and safety legislation is the Act of Health and Safety at Work. Employees’ general duties and responsibilities are mentioned in this Act. For all the other regulation which is related to Health and Safety, the Health and Safety at Work Act form the basis or the framework. There are 4 parts in this Act. The parts are as follows:
i) the Part 1 explains the general duties and responsibilities of Health and Safety Commission and Health and Safety Executive.
ii) The Medical Advisory rules which are provided to the Employees are laid in the Part 2.
iii) The laws and rules related to building is mentioned in Part 3
iv) The general amendments are covered in Part 4
In general, the Act talks about the laws and regulations in order to ensure safety and take care of the health of the employees.
2.1 B) Assistive Technology is any equipment or systems which help disabled people live independently. In other words it can be said that it helps to increase safety in the performance of any work. It includes different kinds of equipments from simple alarm clock to a high tech equipment which reduces of chances of accidents at residence. People who need extra help in order to live independently at home can use these devices (Marsh, 1998). These devices ensure safety at home like different kinds of detectors. Personal safety of patients can be ensured with the help of these devices. They can provide communication support and remind people ‘what to do next’.
2.1C) Sally was given a cane which will ensure safety and improve her mobility and walking movements. A keyboard with larger black letters will help her correct her vision as she suffers from double vision. Kitchen aids will help her cook and thus help her live independently. The new devices which are fitted in her vehicle will help her learn a new way of driving. The personal digital assistant will help her improve her memory.
2.2. A) Ethics can be defined as a system of principle. These principles are used by people while making important decision. It can be defined as moral philosophy. Ethics can help us understand the difference between the right and wrong approach.
2.2 B) The telecare in Assistive Technology can help benefit people. Although it has huge potential to become helpful to people but it can also have negative effects if not used properly. We have understood that through Assistive Technology can provide independence and save the time of the family member or care givers but some negative aspects of AT is it disrupts privacy. Importance should be given at the time of installation otherwise the benefits of it cannot be enjoyed. Also some people who suffer from dementia should be interviewed time to time in order to understand whether they are happy with it or not.
2.2 C) With the help of Assistive Technology, patient’s independence can be ensured. As it provides the patient which different ranges of devices and equipments, it help the disabled patient to live independently and stop depending on family members or care givers. When disabled patients start to live independently, their self respect is enhanced in the society. The dignity of the disabled people who enjoy a happy life with the help of the assistive technology is also enhanced in the society.
2.2. D) Like any other technology if ethical considerations are not followed, there will be some chances of implications or disadvantages for misusing it (Nichols, 1990). If assistive technology is over used , then this will certainly cause a hindrance in the relationship of care providers and users. The use of assistive technology can disrupt the private life of an individual. Even if the patient is able to perform the task, a device might be used to perform the same. This will reduce the person’s capability of performing the task that he could have performed without any assistance. Use of technology that is dependent on usage of computer will always pose a risk to the leakage of confidential information and sharing of important messages. Also the devices can make the activities more difficult.
2.2 E) There are pros and cons related to every technology and assistive technology is no exception to it. It is recommended that the technology should be used in such a way that it should disrupt the wellbeing or privacy of the individual. Individuals should ensure no confidential information should be shared with anybody in order to prevent the leakage of important information (Channing, 2008). If a person is able to perform a certain duty, he should not depend on the device.
2.3 A) There have been recent technological developments on health and social care. Some of the technological devices are microchips modeling clinical trials. Wearable technology and google glass are examples of some technological advancement. The usage of 3D in medical field has been overwhelming and really has been one of the greatest innovations in health and social care. An introduction in new technique called optogentics is also an example in the medical field. Digestible Sensors has also been invented recently.
2.4 A) With the introduction of assistive technology, the care workers have fewer jobs compared to the days when individuals used to depend on them. Nowadays individuals tend to depend on the devices of Assistive Technology and try to live an individual life. Care workers have been hugely benefited by the assistive technology. They can closely monitor and take care of patients as the devices play the vital role in taking care of the patients (Cralley, 1979). The organizations like hospitals, schools are now at ease as using these devices help reduce the job of the individuals who work in this organization and ensure safety. On the hand, with the emergence of more devices, they can be a threat to the organizations.
References:
- Cralley, L. V., & Cralley, L. J. (1979). Patty’s industrial hygiene and toxicology. Vol. III. Theory and rationale of industrial hygiene practice. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Baffins Lane, Chichester, Sussex.
- James, P., Walters, D., & Institute of employment rights. (1999). Regulating Health and Safety at Work: the way forward. London: Institute of Employment Rights.
- Nichols, T. (1990). INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN BRITAIN AND THE 1974 HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK ACT-THE CASE OF MANUFACTURING. International journal of the Sociology of Law, 18(3), 317-342.
- Smith, R. S. (1976). The occupational safety and health act: Its goals and its achievements (Vol. 25). American Enterprise Institute Press.
- Marsh, D. (1998). Comparing policy networks. Open University Press.
- Beaumont, P. B. (1983). Safety at Work and the Unions. Routledge.
- Ridley, J., & Channing, J. (Eds.). (2008). Safety at work. Routledge.
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- Hughes, P., & Ferrett, E. (2011). Introduction to health and safety at work. Routledge.
- Chelius, J. R. (1977). Work Place Safety and Health: The Role of Workers’ Compensation (Vol. 174). Aei Press.
TASK 3
Introduction: This report talks about a 62 year old lady called Maggie. Maggie suffers from a disease called dementia. She is in the early stage of dementia. Maggie is a lady who is extremely active. But after her husband’s death she has been suffering from dementia. She often leaves her home at night as she does not understand the difference between day or night time. The family is concerned about Maggie’s behavior. She is also suffering from forgetfulness. The family is of the opinion due to her weird behavior, she might be forgetting to take her medications on time.
3.1A. An individual whose mental condition or emotional set up of mind is not normal require special care and such individual can be described as a person with special need. A person with specific need is fully normal and they need complete support and care from the family members.
3.1B. when a person’s mental abilities reduce, he or she is said to be suffering from a disease called dementia. First and foremost they start depending on someone as their mental health is not normal. So their need is to get support from a person who does not criticize them for their misdoings. Sometimes they are unable to express their views and opinions so one should be sensitive towards them and take care of empathically. If a person suffering from dementia is fond of going out, an individual should always assist him in his/her outings. They tend to forget simple things in life and with love and care they can be looked after. People should be very caring towards patients of dementia.
3.1 C Maggie is lady aged around 62 year old. She has been diagnosed with dementia. Maggie’s husband has died recently. She has the habit of going out and visiting different places throughout the day. On many occasions, she has failed to understand the difference between daytime and nighttime. On one occasion, she left her tap open which resulted in overflow of water (Piefke, 2007). Her daughter visited her once but could not find her at home. Her family is concerned about her forgetful nature and they feel that Maggie’s is at risk due to her forgetful nature. Maggie’s needs are to be recognized and taken care of.
3.2 Some assistive devices can be recommended for Maggie in order to let her live independently and without depending on her family. She is recommended to use devices like a sensor which helps to detect extreme temperature, gas or smoke. A mat put on bed which sends alarms when the person gets up from the bed at night. Another device which is whenever she gets up from bed or chair an alarm would ring. Electrical tags can be used. Hearing aids, dressing aids, walking canes can be recommended. To address her problem of keeping the tap open, a device that rings an alarm whenever any tap is kept open can be used. Since Maggie has the habit of leaving her home without informing anyone, locator devices can be used in order to find out her exact location. Calendar clocks can be used in case she cannot remember the day.
3.3.A) There are many benefits of assistive technology to health and social care organizations. First and foremost, with the help of these devices disabled people can live independently without any dependence on care givers or family members. There are various risks associated with the patients who suffer from dementia. Using the devices of assistive technology can help reduce the risks. If a person is dependent on devices of assistive technology, they don’t need to pay a visit to hospital at an early age. The devices would help improve the memory of the patients. The patients who suffer from dementia are prone to suffer from stress and they tend to get exhausted easily. The devices can be a relief to them and also to their family members.
3.3B) A person suffering from dementia can use a hand held digital assistant can help him improve his memory. This device helps him remind what work to do next (Ravenscroft, 2002). This will help him to complete his work on time and thus he will remember to complete the important tasks throughout the day. The device is very costly and might be difficult to acquire it.
Locator devices can help people locate in case they are lost. Sometimes some devices of assistive technology may disrupt the privacy of the individual.
3.3 C) A PDA which is personal digital assistant can be very useful to Maggie as she suffers from dementia. Also the locator device can be helpful for her. A walking cane might not be helpful for her as she is a very active lady. A computer device might not be helpful for her as she is old enough and does not go to office.
3.3.D) Dementia is a disease of declining memory capabilities. The mental condition of an individual gradually declines as the illness advances (Ratcliffe, 2008). Maggie is at the early onset of the disease. She has been recommended to be put on different devices which may be helpful to him in the initial stages. She has the habit of going out of home and she cannot distinguish between day and night. But as the disease will advance, she might carry the locator device that will help find her location even if being used to it from the onset of the disease. Another device called the PDA has been recommended for her. With the advancement of the disease, she might forget to carry it in her pocket and thus the device might not be useful to her anymore.
3.3 E) In this report, we have come across a lady called Maggie who is suffering from the disease called dementia. Maggie’s family is concerned about Maggie’s safety. Dementia being a mental disease cannot be cured completely. Different kinds of devices of assistive technology have been recommended for Maggie in order to help her live independently and prevent her risk factors.
References:
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