The care sector is facing a wide-scale digital overhaul and replacing IT infrastructure should be the first step of the process, not a step taken subsequently.Â
The care sector is facing some important changes with deadlines rapidly approaching. Many organizations are already starting to replace their aging technology such as old telecare and nurse call systems, and with this comes an opportunity not only to bring in new equipment, but upgrade infrastructure and harness new technologies to help enhance the service and care delivered to residents.
Analogue switch off
One of the biggest accelerators of the changes taking place is the analogue switch off. Plans are in place for telecom providers to switch off the old analogue phone network (PSTN) and migrate all customers over to digital services by the end of 2025, leaving many systems and crucial aspects of infrastructure at risk of becoming obsolete in just a few short years. In a lot of cases, this will affect more than just phone systems, as many digital care systems including personal alarms and security systems also run on these networks.Â
Upgrading IT infrastructure
Switching analogue systems over to digital may appear at first glance to be a simple process, however many digital care systems are dependent on wider IT infrastructure, such as Internet connectivity, telephony, security, and in some instances cloud-based services to operate correctly. What’s more, these systems need IT-trained staff to operate and manage them. Opting to simply replace analogue equipment with digital may result in different problems if the infrastructure isn’t there to support it.
Opportunities in the care sector
The move to digital shouldn’t necessarily be viewed as an issue, rather an opportunity to upgrade, strengthen and future-proof. Data collection and reporting will soon be at the forefront of care technology. Sensors and devices can work together to monitor a range of in-room elements from temperature and energy usage to resident health and movement, with the goal of combining this data to provide detailed and valuable analytics for carers. This technology is more than a simple gimmick to attract residents; it is life enhancing and potentially life saving.
The modernisation of care systems and Internet networks not only provides a platform for an improved level of care, but also gives residents the opportunity to use their own technology more effectively. Residents arriving with smart devices can be confident that they can video call friends and family on a stable connection, for example, or access online streaming services for entertainment. Organizations that don’t recognize the increase in technology literate residents will soon fall behind other providers if they aren’t able to provide a certain level of online access and digital facilities.
The next steps
There are three years until the proposed analogue switch off date, giving care providers ample time to assess their current facilities and plan for a gradual update and upgrade of their equipment. That said, the plans for migrating to a digital set up must start soon to allow for a comprehensive and effective implementation to take place. Early planning means that the most suited solutions can be found well in advance and loss of service and disruption is kept to a minimum.
If you would like more information on digital care systems or need help in creating a roadmap for upgrading over the next three years, please get in touch. ASK4 works with numerous clients in the care sector and has a deep understanding of the requirements of these organizations and the issues they are currently facing.
