Just Checking technology saves council up to £350,000
A CARE monitoring system developed by a Warwickshire company has helped a local authority make savings of £200,000 to its budget.
The savings were identified by Dorset County Council, which has just completed a year-long review into the activity monitoring system developed by Just Checking.
The system was developed to be an integral part of the council’s service for the care of people with learning disabilities and in addition to the £200,000 already identified, the system has shown the potential for further savings of £150,000 with no compromise on the quality of care.
Just Checking uses small wireless sensors around a property which generate a chart of activity online, which is accessed via a secure login. Coupled with staff recordings and care plans, this information gives a greater understanding of an individual’s routine, and shows the effect of staff activity, encouraging them to focus on enablement.
The objective of the study was to see if value for money was being achieved in Learning Disability Services.
The review findings showed that suitable technology could help target resources more effectively and meet individual needs while retaining their independence, managing risk and ensuring personal safety.
Jessica Dunne, the Occupational Therapist who led the pilot, said: “Just Checking made it clear where and when support is required. As a result we now have a more creative, collaborative relationship with the care providers, working together to adapt the service around the needs of the individual concerned.”
Celia Price, director of Just Checking, said: “Activity monitoring is a proven tool in the care for those with dementia and it’s good news that it is now being integrated into care packages for those with learning difficulties.
“In light of the efficiency targets being placed on councils, it is important that finite care resources can be targeted efficiently, and Just Checking can help those planning care to understand when and where it is most effective. We are encouraged by Dorset’s results, as they show the value that this technology can have in helping people to live independently, whilst keeping care quality firmly in mind.”
