Every month we round up some of the most important and interesting topics in aged care on Twitter. This month we saw a lot of cool innovation going on with new research into Alzheimer’s, new technology being developed, fall-preventing flooring, a cute therapy robot called Paro and the importance of having emotional intelligence in aged care. Check out the full August summary below!
Paro the robotic seal
Residents at Elizabeth Lodge in NSW have recently been introduced to an adorable little seal called Paro. Although he may be a robot, Paro provides therapy by responding to touch, light, sound, temperature, and even his own name. These similarities to a real therapy animal mean that Paro has already had a positive impact on many residents, especially those living with dementia and depression.
Paro the robotic seal is popular at Anglicare's Elizabeth Lodge #agedcare. See why! https://t.co/qRgkbBCnCR
— Anglicare Sydney (@ANGLICARESydney) August 26, 2016
A future of mobile-centric healthcare could save lives
New technology is constantly being developed and Sir Bruce Keogh, the medical director of England’s NHS, has highlighted three areas where it is aiding the innovation of healthcare. These areas include the monitoring of individual health through wearable sensors, creating a channel of trusted information with easy access to reliable help, and creating personalised care by allowing computers to exchange electronic health records.
'A future of mobile-centric #healthcare could save lives' https://t.co/xUuCsyX2aw via @guardian #eHealth #mHealth #IoT #ageing
— EU_eHealth (@EU_eHealth) August 26, 2016
Floors using iPad Technology
New sensor flooring installed at Benetas uses iPad like technology to detect when residents fall, and will hopefully also reduce the number of falls occurring altogether. The flooring in each bedroom has sensors that can be increased or decreased depending on whether someone is a higher falls risk, and data collected will be used as part of a research project.
Floors use iPad tech to aid research into falls at Benetas new #Frankston Sth #agedcare home https://t.co/yQiBvpJd6S pic.twitter.com/SdG0VNC5nB
— Benetas (@Benetas) August 24, 2016
The emotional challenges in aged care
Residential aged care is often listed as one of the most stressful work environments. According to a new Australian study, it’s therefore important that personal carers, nurses and other aged care workers are equipped with a strong emotional intelligence. The study piloted a 6-month emotional intelligence program with 60 staff, finding that those who went through the training were less stressed and able to improve the quality of patient care.
Working in #agedcare is emotionally challenging; new training helps staff to manage burden https://t.co/4pfue5nuwt pic.twitter.com/orUs0IUtOb
— Aust Ageing Agenda (@AustAgeAgenda) August 24, 2016
Transforming research into Alheimer’s
Exciting new research by Newcastle University is looking to significantly improve the success rate of Alzheimer’s treatment in clinical trials. The study has been designed to identify biomarkers, so that the occurrence of Alzheimer’s can be detected much earlier and before a person shows any obvious symptoms.
Study by @UniofNewcastle could transform research into Alzheimer's #ageing https://t.co/Rq7XyT0T9Q
— NCL Science Central (@NCLScience) August 22, 2016
