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  • From caring to a career – it’s time to strike a healthy balance for caregivers

    Helen Dempster, Chief Visionary Officer at Karantis360

    In today’s pressurised climate, it is hard to ignore the growing burdens on caregivers. An increasing number of people are juggling a full-time job and part-time carer role, which is having an incremental impact on their ability to progress in their profession.

    With 47 percent of caregivers stating that this role has affected their work performance, it is evident that this under-appreciated generation of carers are under intense pressures.

    While the onus is partly on businesses to ensure their employees are able to tackle the flurry of challenges that caregivers have to overcome, we need to question whether there is enough support being given by the government and healthcare authorities to help those people who are caring for their loved ones. 

    Funding is key, but the most important factor is how it’s being used. There is no doubt that whatever work pressures they’re under, this group of carers will do everything they can to give their loved ones the greatest care possible.

    But this is becoming harder and harder, with financial stressors building, and an ageing population becoming ever more present in today’s society.

    Therefore, to make the most impact healthcare organisations must consider how they can implement technology to support this valuable group of carers and reduce the heavy weight pushing down on the social care system. 

    The introduction of IoT technology can be leveraged to make the most of the resources currently available and will provide caregivers with the tools they need to manage their time effectively.

    Having a non-intrusive system of sensors makes the delivery of 24×7 care possible by tracking habitual behaviour and spotting changes in real time to allow for intervention when it is most needed. This real-time information will enable those caring for a loved one to have more time to conduct other tasks, such as any work commitments, without having to worry that their family member is not receiving the care they need and deserve.

    And for those whose care duties have caused them to be late to work, leave early or even miss the day entirely, this transparency will be fundamental. Safe in the knowledge that their loved one is comfortable at home, caregivers can confidently and happily prioritise their work to achieve success.

    The caregivers who hand over their care role to full-time carers during the day can also find added comfort by using a mobile application. This app can ensure that the carer’s report and client’s mood is automatically shared with the individual’s family members, including the caregiver, putting their minds more at ease. This system of information can be even more important for those patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s, as through this open communication channel caregivers can alert the full-time carers to any specific events that may have happened on a certain date to explain unusual behaviours and vice versa.

    Providing this level of reassurance will be essential for businesses who strive to support their caregiving employees. Tackling the obstacles head on and with the implementation of innovative technology will empower employees to balance a career and carer role. And the benefits of this will extend beyond the caregiver’s employer. By completely alleviating the pressures part-time carers face, the care infrastructure can operate in a far more positive way. Most importantly, caregivers will be able to dedicate more time to their career progression, leading to a healthier life, work balance.

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