Press Releases

Care Show London promotes excellence in care through communications with loved ones

For families with loved ones living in residential care homes, it is vital to keep communications as accessible as possible for all parties concerned. Furthermore, within the care system, these communications must be tailored to suit residents with a range of skills and ability levels. This is particularly pertinent in a time where families who are spread geographically around the world begin to rely increasingly on internet-based communications such as email, Facebook and Skype.  It is therefore a valuable and growing business opportunity for the technology industry to develop products which support elderly users in these activities.

  In 2010, the BBC published a piece entitled New technology to improve old age[1] which quoted Prof Mark Hawley of the Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Research Group at the University of Sheffield saying that the UK is already a market leader in this type of technology adding,

"The UK is in a good position from an economic point of view for this to be one of the things we specialise in. I think it's going to be very big in the next 10 years… 

"With the growth of the older population and the increase in the number of people with long-term conditions, increases in people with disabilities, this type of technology is going to very big. It could make a big impact on the quality of life of older people if we get it right."

 Quality of care is a key topic which stems from technological advances and habits is set to be discussed at Care Show London this October, UBM Live’s free trade exhibition aimed at owners and managers of care homes. The significant rise in internet use by elderly citizens for contact with loved ones, and the benefits this can bring to wellbeing, will be a key focus of the show’s educational content.  An ICM poll conducted for Age UK found that more than a third of people aged over 65 would have kept in touch with friends and family more if they had learnt how to use the internet sooner[2]. So, in a move towards highlighting new and innovative areas in the operational management of care homes in the UK, Care Show London welcomes exhibitor, SimplyUnite – a company which specialises in easy and accessible internet access  for older people, regardless of capability and living circumstances.

 Toby Hart, MD of SimplyUnite, will present a session in the Best Practice & Dementia Care Theatre entitled: ‘Essential or Excellent?  How can technology help you go beyond the essential standards’. This presentation will outline the way in which forward-thinking care organisations can embrace internet technology to experience the benefits of improved wellbeing of residents and provide added value for friends and family.

 In April 2012 the new CQC Excellence Award will help to identify and acknowledge the top tier care providers. Toby’s seminar session will provide an overview of what the Excellence Award is and how it will work, in addition to providing practical advice on how technology can help care home providers, managers and owners to improve their standards of service.  Toby comments:

"The benchmark for excellence in care is evolving fast. Care home owners, managers and activity coordinators who embrace the internet and latest technology, are benefiting from engaged and stimulated residents, new inspiration for activities, family and friends playing a greater role and all round added value for their homes, including the likely result of improved staff retention in an industry where recruitment is a challenge."

 Over 1500 professionals from across the care sector are set to join forces this October to collaborate and share best practice at the Care Show 2011 (www.careshow.co.uk/london). Taking place at London’s Olympia from 11-12 October 2011, Care Show London is a leading event for the care sector, combining an important mix of industry expertise, CPD opportunities, and showcases of the latest products and services from over 100 suppliers.

-Ends-

Notes to editors:

Essential or Excellent?  How can technology help you go beyond the essential standards, presented by SimplyUnite, takes place on Tuesday 11^th October 14.45 – 15.15 at Care Show London, London Olympia. www.careshow.co.uk/london

The Care Shows take place three times a year in London, Bournemouth and Birmingham and are designed to provide free education and information on products and services for those owning, or running any organisation responsible for the care of older people. This includes proprietors, directors and managers of care homes, nursing homes, domiciliary care agencies, sheltered accommodation, learning disability homes, local authorities, specialist care units and private hospitals.

-----

- For further information on SimplyUnite including case studies and imagery, please contact Helen King on 0845 388 4461 helen@simplyunite.com  www.simplyunite.com.

---

[1] BBC News New technology to improve old age 10 Nov 2010 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-11642525

[2]The Telegraph Elderly living alone use internet to keep in touch with family 22 Sep 2010 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/internet/8018203/Elderly-living-alone-use-internet-to-keep-in-touch-with-family.html