Analysis of Support and Care Services

The provided document is a collection of research papers and articles on various topics related to support and care services. The papers discuss the importance of technology in supporting independent living, the challenges faced by social workers in supporting parents with learning disabilities, and the use of mobile health applications for self-management. Additionally, the papers explore the regulation and governance of systemic MaaS innovations, as well as the care and support for older adults in the Netherlands.

SUPPORTING
INDIVIDUAL LIVING

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1: Usage of technology to support life of Sally in leading independent life.......................1
1.2: Obstacles to usage of technology to support Sally independently..................................2
1.3: Benefit of technologies to HSC entities and users..........................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
2.1: Health and safety considerations in HSC........................................................................4
2.2: Ethical considerations in usage of assistive technologies...............................................5
2.3: Impact of technological developments on HSC service, organisation and care staff.....5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................6
3.1 Identification of specific needs of James so as to support him for living independently.6
3.2 Own recommendations on how technology support her independent living arrangement6
3.3 Evaluation of utility of technology for James and other users of HSC............................7
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
Independent living can be referred to as the practices that are aimed at ensuring
independence for disabled people. This means that this concept of health and social care is
concerned with enabling disabled people to become self sufficient in order to effectively meet
their requirements and sustain a quality living (White and et. al, 2018). This includes designing
and development of optimum solutions for making them capable of organising themselves in an
orderly manner. Disabled people also possess the right to have freedom, right of participation
and the equal opportunities as other individuals to gain acceptance from society and operate in an
effective manner. The present assignment is based upon two case studies of disabled individuals.
The first part of report consists of usage of technology as well as the associated barriers. Also, it
constitutes benefits of technologies for HSC sector, health and safety intellect, ethical
considerations and the impact of such considerations upon technology. The second part is
inclusive of specific needs for supporting independent life, recommendations upon devices to
ensure surviving independently and utility of technology for users of HSC.
TASK 1
1.1: Usage of technology to support life of Sally in leading independent life
With the progression of time, advancements take place in technology. With the rapid
emergence of innovations and unique technologies, the lives of people have been made easy.
With the introduction of multifunctional devices, it is ensured that disabled people can carry out
their life in an effective manner. There is ample number of digital gadgets that can be taken into
use by such persons in order to sustain their living independents and self sufficiently. With
reference to Sally, internet can be taken into use as she is found to be a victim of a number of
diseases which can be cured with the help of technologies (Surakka and et. al, 2018). Through
the usage of these, she can be made to live her life in a desirable manner. The advices associated
with counselling can be taken on the basis of such technologies. Within the modern and rapidly
evolving era, even therapies can be taken via therapists over online channels. This has turned the
lives of people easier and convenient for them. Just on one click, a large number of health and
social care services as well as assistance can be obtained by individuals with the usage of unique
technologies. Thus, some of the benefits associated with the usage of technology are given in
brief below:-
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 Owing to constant advancements in the field of medicine as well as rapid innovations
surrounding HSC, the livelihood of disabled personnel such as Sally has significantly
improved (Verver and et. al, 2018).
 Looking upon the convenience and easy usage of technology, patients are now willing to
stay at home instead of visiting and residing within hospital for receipt of medical
treatment. Further, the progression of remote monitoring and diagnosis owing to
innovation has reduced the quantum of patients that visit the medical units on a daily
basis.
 There are a number of software such as speech recognition, working in personal
computer along with digital assistance that play a crucial role in making the life of
disabled people easier and independent (Vandevelde and et. al, 2018).
Thus, technology has an important part to play in the lives of disable personnel so that
they can ensure independent livelihood. In this regard, Sally has not taken break from corporate
world as a result of her health conditions and disability. Instead of that, she continues her job role
by taking into usage, digital assistance. Furthermore, owing to her double vision, she made use
of customised big keyword which could enable her to deal with her disability and not letting it
dampen the productivity.
1.2: Obstacles to usage of technology to support Sally independently
It is known that nowadays various technologies are available all over the world. These
innovations help in solving various issues. But there are limitations to everything so, technology
itself has some disadvantages which is stopping Sally to recover. Some of these hurdles are
explained in the context of health and social care as follows:-
Budgetary Constraints- When it comes to simple devices like walker, it is cost effective
and people can easily and conveniently afford it. But there are other devices that everyone can
not afford and because of this, it becomes very difficult for disabled persons such as Sally to lead
her life self sufficiently (Park, 2019).
Lack of internal resources- It is seen that large organisations have the resources as well
as funds to make use of assistive technologies in order to provide hi-tech care to patients
inclusive of disabled people. However, small and medium size healthcare unit lack the adequate
quantum of resources, dedicated IT workforce and funds to implement such technologies and
innovations within the organisational premises.
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Lack of adequate knowledge and skill deficit- There are various devices available which
have complicated design and function. People find it difficult to operate such sophisticated
devices and hence they are used in a limited constraint. In this regard, the lack of adequate
knowledge base and skills lead to the inefficiency of disabled people like Sally to utilise such
devices for the betterment of their health.
Operated Through Battery- Many assistance devices are needed to be charged through
battery. In such cases, disabled person such as Sally have to recharge its battery in order to make
it function for a sufficient time period. This prohibits their independence and self sufficiency
(Qureshi, 2018).
Hence, because of these hurdles, Sally's independent life is getting hampered as she is
dependent on these technologies which are expensive. She also suffers from multiple sclerosis
which is making it tough to diagnose. She has her dependence on these technologies and proper
treatment of doctors in the initial stage to become independent while doing home chores like
cooking, bathing, driving and so on.
1.3: Benefit of technologies to HSC entities and users
Technology is designed by specialist in a way such that the needs and requirements of
disabled personnel are duly taken into account. Such kinds of technologies as well as innovation
not only provide assistance to disabled people but also to the entities pertaining to health and
social care sector. The assistive devices which have emerged as a result of the advancements in
technology offer a number of benefits to the organisations operating within medical care sector
and the service users seeking for diagnosis. Such benefits are briefly laid down below:-
Accessibility of devices: It is impossible and unfeasible for entities operating within
health and social care sector to accomplish the needs and requirements of each and every patient
in the form of provision of nurse or personal aid. The easy access of assistive technologies
(devices) has made it easier for medical organisations to deal with the issues such as shortage of
manpower. Further, walker, a type of assistive device is available at relatively lower pricing. So,
assistive technologies serve as electronic machinery that have significantly dealt with the needs
and demands of disabled people are even promoted and facilitated by local authorities (Mitchell
and et. al, 2018). They provide subsidy for the development of such kind of devices that provide
aid to people such as Sally who require help to become self sufficient.
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Aids in recovery of patients: This is not necessary that each and every person is
diagnosed with permanent disability. In such instances, assistive technologies or devices provide
aid to patients through which they can lessen the impact of injuries. Such kinds of devices render
assistance to disabled people in quickly gaining recovery from injuries.
Lead self sufficient life: For disabled people, it is not easy to lead their lives in the same
way as other people in society. Often, they face issues in their livelihood due to which they are
unable to perform their job role effectively. To deal with this, assistive technologies are taken
into use that aids such personnel in leading a life that is independent. For instance: In case of
Sally, customised large keyboard was taken into use by her in order to carry out the activities of
job in an effective manner and not letting the output get refrained as an outcome of the disability.
TASK 2
2.1: Health and safety considerations in HSC
The Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974 is to be duly considered in the provision of
HSC services (Kantaris, 2018). This law covers occupational health and safety within the
confines of Great Britain. In this regard, it can be said that employers of entities operating within
the field of medicine hold certain kinds of responsibilities in relation to the health and safety of
workforce. Further, they are even responsible for the personnel who visit the HSC entity like
suppliers, customers and general audience. There is a separate post for this purpose namely
Health and Safety Executive. There are certain specific health and safety considerations that are
necessary to be taken into account, these are:-
Risk assessment: Each and every employer working in the field of HSC possess ‘duty of
care’ which ensures satisfactory levels of health and safety at workplace at all times. In this
regard, risk assessment serves as an effective way through which health and safety hazards can
be easily found out (Kao and et. al, 2018).
Organisations employing 5 or more persons: In such kind of entities whereby 5 or more
persons are appointed and employed, it is required that these entities maintain official records of
the results of risk assessment. Further, an effective health and safety policy can also serve as an
effective measure through which this can be ensured as this is inclusive of arrangement for
preservation of H&S within the organisational premises.
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During introduction of assistive technologies: While introducing new types of assistive
technologies within the organisational premises, it is required by HSC service providers to take
into due consideration certain essential aspects such as stage as well as level of cognitive
impairment, the ability of individuals to conduct activities of livelihood, accessibility of facility,
capacity of developing structures, emotional aspects such as depression or anxiety, development
of new services, training facilities to workforce, understanding of merits of assistive technologies
by family members etc. (MacIntyre, G., 2018).
Maintenance of health and safety at workplace: It is essential that workforce as well as
equipment is kept clean. Further, the floors, stairs and hall should also be clean and hygienic. All
of these are to be kept adequately ventilated in order to ensure high extent of health and safety
within the premises.
2.2: Ethical considerations in usage of assistive technologies
Prevalence of ethical issues tend to generate a scenario of crisis leading to certain
unlikely results. Ethical concerns need to be taken into consideration while making use of
assistive technologies. In this regard, disabled people face a number of difficulties such as
Multiple Sclerosis in the case of Sally. This generates the need for taking into account the ethical
concerns. For this, it is important to gain knowledge of the 4 ethical principles prevailing in the
context of health and social care, explained as follows:-
Autonomy – The capability of a person associated with HSC sector to make their own
choice is referred to as the principle of autonomy.
Beneficence – This ethical principle underlying within the confines of health and social
care sector works for the welfare of individuals.
Non-maleficence – This is an ethical principle that works to ensure that no harm is
caused to any individual (Franzosa, Tsui and Baron, 2018).
Justice – This refers to the ethical principle which involves moral obligation to act upon
a fair adjudication amidst conflicting claims.
Hence, Sally can make use of assistive devices but has to make sure that they do not act
against the ethics.
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2.3: Impact of technological developments on HSC service, organisation and care staff
In the modern era, technologies are constantly growing with the passage of time that
helps in improving the health and livelihood of disable people. They have impact on health and
social care services, organisations and care workers.
Health And Social Care Services- Innovations taking place within the HSC sector are
helping in betterment of the health and living standards of diseased people such as Sally. In this
regard, medical technologies such as X-ray, PET/MRI scanning, robotic surgery, chemo therapy
play a vital role in provision of high quality HSC facilities to service users (Gilfillan, 2019).
Organisation- Technology plays an important role in performance and productivity,
usability, manpower size in the organisation. The information technology is making it easy to
work for employees in an organisation.
Care Workers- information technology will increase the knowledge of care workers
which will make them more efficient. They can use their knowledge further for the betterment of
society and health and social care services.
TASK 3
3.1 Identification of specific needs of James so as to support him for living independently
Person with disabilities have been accepted with specific requirements, learning and
some other handicaps which being accepted. James is a person with learning disabilities and
other kinds of issues that restrain him from carrying out an effective livelihood without any sort
of dependency. Some of the technologies that can be used by disabled people such as James to
cope up with disabilities are given below:
Reminder assistance: This device assist James by reminding the time as well as place. It
consist of sound system that beeps after regular interval of time especially at the time of entry
into new place. This ensure that James remains safe and during the time of memory loss she gets
back to her normal state as soon as possible (Corbettand Barton, 2018).
Computer: Computer has made its place in everyone's life like it has helped the James to
remain connected with their loved ones such as family member. Moreover, some of the
consultation with the doctor can take place with the help of such devices. Thus, it act as
supporting device that has made her life more simpler.
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Sensor: In order to avoid the harmful implication or negative consequences of things
alarm or sensor are used. This helps the patient in realising that James she needs to handle some
harmful event. Hence, these devices helps the patient to solve any issue as well as they can fight
with the diseases by overcoming them effectively.
3.2 Own recommendations on how technology support her independent living arrangement
Assistive devices are the external devices which are mainly designed, developed or
adapted to assist an individual to perform specific task. Several people with the disabilities are
based on the assistive devices and also able to carry them daily basis activities and then
participate actively in community life. In this, Assistive technology will be better instrument for
development of area related to assistive technology. This technology is helpful in sustaining his
independence and handle daily basis routine. Some of the assistive technology for James in
dementia disease mention below:-
 The patient should have the availability of fire extinguisher, along with that sensor must
be placed at the residence of patient. This kind of technology is necessary for handle the
daily routine. It is helpful for James to keep remind her about various activities. The
sensors are helpful in sensing harmful or unwanted alarms and events to provide the
solution of sensor activity. On the other hand alarms aids her to handle any harmful event
that sensed through sensors (Angell and et. al, 2019).
 The disable person must ensure that they should keep the first aid box handy so that they
can self treat themselves at the time of emergency without depending on any healthcare
centre.
3.3 Evaluation of utility of technology for James and other users of HSC
Technology is ascertained to be having a number of advantages for the health care sector
as well as patients. The HSC services are compatible to serve a large number of people at one
point of time. In this regard, assistance devices assist individuals such as James to make use of
them in order to carry out their livelihood and job roles in the desirable manner. Through this, he
can recover from learning disabilities and other kind of issues that he is suffering from. Hereby,
it is noticed that every disable person requires a certain device as some injuries are for temporary
period which gets recovered sooner than permanent ones. This provides aid to a disabled person
in performing all the tasks without taking support from any other individual, thereby minimising
their dependency upon their family or society.
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CONCLUSION
On the basis of above mentioned report, it can be said that it becomes imperative for a
disabled person to make use of advanced technologies in the form of assistive devices. This helps
them to ensure that they are effectively to do their home chores and job duties. This reflects that
with the assistance of tech devices, patients can become self sufficient and independent, thereby
being able to sustain live in an optimum manner. Also, it has been analysed that although such
technology has a number of opportunities to offer, ethical and legal considerations have to be
taken into account while dealing with them. Technological advancements are further found to
have a massive impact upon the care workers, HSC company and social care services. There are
4 ethical principles, namely, Autonomy, Beneficence, Non-maleficence and Justice that persist
within the medical sector.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Angell and et. al, 2019. Understanding self-determination as a crucial component in promoting
the distinct value of occupational therapy in post-secondary transition
planning. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention. 12(1).
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Corbett, J. and Barton, L., 2018. A struggle for choice: Students with special needs in transition
to adulthood. Routledge.
Franzosa, E., Tsui, E. K. and Baron, S., 2018. Home Health Aides' Perceptions of Quality Care:
Goals, Challenges, and Implications for a Rapidly Changing Industry. New Solutions: A
journal of environmental and occupational health policy. 27(4). pp.629-647.
Gilfillan, E., 2019. Supporting purposeful and active ageing. Australian Ageing Agenda, (Jan/Feb
2019), p.36.
Kantaris, X., 2018. Supporting the Mental Health of University Students: The Views and
Experiences of an Academic. Psychology Teaching Review. 24(1). pp.77-78.
Kao, H. Y. and et. al, 2018. Integrating a mobile health applications for self-management to
enhance Telecare system. Telematics and Informatics. 35(4). pp.815-825.
MacIntyre, G., 2018, April. From individual problem to family centred practice: the challenges
for social workers in supporting parents with learning disabilities. In European Social
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Mitchell, L. L., and et. al, 2018. “It’s Like a Cyber-Security Blanket”: The Utility of Remote
Activity Monitoring in Family Dementia Care. Journal of Applied Gerontology,
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Nguyen, H. and et. al, 2018. Falls management framework for supporting an independent
lifestyle for older adults: a systematic review. Aging clinical and experimental research.
30(11). pp. 1275-1286.
Park, J., 2019. Supporting Maintenance in Mathematics Using the Virtual-Representational-
Abstract Instructional Sequence Intervention Package (Doctoral dissertation, Michigan
State University).
Qureshi, A., 2018. Next step: Online information supporting students in choosing their university
and program. Education Technology Solutions. (82). p.40.
Surakka, T. and et. al, 2018. Regulation and governance supporting systemic MaaS
innovations. Research in Transportation Business & Management. 27. pp.56-66.
Vandevelde, S. and et. al, 2018. Reflections on a Service User Perspective in Supporting Persons
with Dual Diagnosis: the Case of Villa Voortman. International Journal of Mental
Health and Addiction. 16(5). pp.1189-1192.
Verver, D. and et. al, 2018. Care and support for older adults in The Netherlands living
independently. Health & social care in the community. 26(3). pp.e404-e414.
White, P. and et. al, 2018. Supporting the health care transition from adolescence to adulthood in
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