Assistive technology, Norfolk
Background
Recent developments in assistive technology (equipment that helps people to live safely at home), has given many disabled and older people the independence and control to be able to continue to live in their own homes.
Assistive technology includes sensors, monitors, alarms and other devices that provide safety and security. For example, an alarm can be worn which triggers an alarm at a call centre if the wearer falls. Other devices include flood-prevention alarms and sensors that trigger recorded messages which are particularly useful for users with dementia or memory difficulties.
Through this project, Norfolk County Council created an infrastructure of specialist assistive technology support workers to help older people and other vulnerable adults to use assistive technology at home.
Aims/Objectives
The aims of the project were to develop a new type of worker - the assistive technology support worker (ATSW) and also to develop the existing workforce to provide assistive technology.
What happened?
A job description and person specification were developed and the ATSWs were recruited.
The new post holders took part in a detailed induction process to ensure that they had the skills and competencies to understand how assistive technologies work. This enabled them to explain and encourage take-up by people and their carers. They also developed knowledge and skills in energy efficiency, safety and accident prevention, crime prevention and strategies for preventing ill health and promoting wellbeing.
Outcomes
The role of ATSW has worked well and retention of the ATSWs has been good. They have been self-motivating and champions of the service developing their own learning and sharing this with others within the county, with neighbouring authorities and at regional events.
The overall project has been extremely successful in terms of service delivery; supporting both people and carers and enabling a number of people to remain living independently at home.
Impact on workforce development and how you can use the learning
Norfolk Social Services recognised that the project involved creating new posts and widening the skills within existing posts. The project aimed not only to develop a new service strategy but also involved workforce redesign with a number of new posts being created.
The new post holders had to develop particular skills and competencies to understand how assistive technologies work, explaining and encouraging take-up by people and their carers, demonstrating equipment to professionals, developing public communication skills, some technical knowledge, advice and information giving as well as maintaining their existing health and social care skills.
Additional material
NToW6 - An evaluation of a new assistive technology workforce
NToW6 - A quantative evaluation of the use of funding to develop the at role
NToW6 - How assistive technology helps to promote dignity, equality & respect
NToW6 - Norfolk adult social services strategy for assistive technology
NToW6 - Technology for independent living at home leaflet
For more information on job descriptions and person specifications for new types of worker roles, please contact lee.stribling@skillsforcare.org.uk
