This is a short summary from the seminar given in person by Adam Abraham CEO H2o Networks and Rishi Jawaheer Director Jawa Group and Care Vision.
Jake Healey from the Care Forum indicated that attendees got a lot of value by finding out new ideas, such as the concept of utilising existing digital care devices for communication and telephony. This helps carers, managers and residents communicate better especially in emergency situations.
The big take away is phone form the point of care and that its run on WIFI do not have to cost a fortune. Care Providers can implement very fast Internet in a couple of days by using Elon Musk’s Starlink Satellite. The Internet speeds are as fast as leased lines, but at a fraction of the cost.
Adam, what are some of the things that care providers are putting into their care home?
I am glad you asked. We are seeing that the mobile devices that run digital care planning can do a lot more than just be for care planning. It is being used for telephony and internal communication – by having an app. This app is a real phone that can call 999, NHS 111, answer the door with video and communicate between managers, carers and staff.
How are you finding this make a difference to Carers and Care Home Providers?
The Care Providers have flexibility as they can now give all care staff a phone on the care planning device. This means in an emergency they can call emergency services, NHS, the senior or manager right from the location they are standing in. The biggest benefit we have seen is being able to see who is at the door to let a night ambulance in that has been phoned in an emergency.
We are also know that these devices are replacing nurse call, intercom to announce to the home messages, and on call when managers or senior staff are “on call” away from the care home.
If we wanted to implement this in our care home, how do we do it?
Its very easy, get in touch with your phone company and ask them if they have a phone app. If they do, then you can install it on the care planning devices. It is best to check with your provider as some phone companies make the app available for free, while others make an extra license charge. For example, we know that Horizon and Hi Hi make an extra charge but 3CX don’t make any extra charge. This means that if you want all carers or other staff, such as the Chef, Activities, Maintenance to give them a phone line, it will not cost extra, but with others every app is a monthly cost.
This does not sound like a new concept – why are more care providers not doing this?
The truth is that care planning devices and phones, cordless and door entry have been kept separate. Since they all operate on WIFI this is something that can be put in very easily at little cost.
This is also being used to rationalise cost so that when a new care home is built instead of having separate systems it all works through the WIFI. In addition, BT have announced that they are ending analogue lines, and they all must operate using the Internet. This is also driving the changeover.
Isn’t this expensive if we wanted this in our care homes?
No, it is not expensive depending on the telecom / internet provider. We have found that most telephone providers charge £10 to £15 per user per month an can include the app with 1-5 year contracts. We have also seen some providers do 30 days and 12 months for as little as £75 per home for as many extensions including calls. It is best to compare pricing and functionality.
What about the WIFI – are you seeing WIFI suffer because of phones and digital care planning?
Yes, it is really concerning now, unfortunately as Care Homes use more and more Internet we see the manager and care staff get frustrated. Everyone complains about the Internet being slow as they are maxing out the Internet connection. They way to solve this is to have a leased line (which a lot of providers have) or go for Satellite Internet which is quicker to install and a lower cost.
If Care Homes are struggling with WIFI, Phones & Tech – What would you advise?
I would say get someone who is independent to the IT and Telecom companies to come and see what you need “In Person” and see how to make things better and improve the Internet, WIFI and or communications for carers. They should do a cost comparison to make sure you actually save money and help you not to be tied into a 3, 4 or 5 year contract. I see a lot of care homes get ripped off on the telecom and internet services and pay far too much. Find someone independent and ask their advice.
Why do managers and carers constantly complain about WIFI & Internet?
Care Homes are also using a lot of Internet WIFI with all the services for Care Planning, Emar, Monitoring, Telephones, Residents Smart TVs and the Internet is struggling. We have found Elon Must Starlink system to be amazing and providers have been getting it installed which is often 80% cheaper than a leased line.
It was put in to a care home in Kent that had a fault with BT for 3 weeks, Internet was always on and off. They put in a Satellite Internet from Starlink within 24 hours with 200MB Internet until BT fixed the line.
Please note that both Adam Abrahami helps care providers with Tech & Telecom and Rishi Jawaheer runs his Family Care Homes and Care Vision. They both have over 25+ years in care and have a wealth of knowledge.
To get in in touch, email adam@h2o-networks or rishi@jawagroup.co.uk for any queries or further information on this article.
