CASE STUDY

New technology combined with independent monitors raised standards and confidence in care home

Care Protect utilise sound and motion sensitive camera equipment and the latest cloud technology which triggers live alerts of any unusual activity to experienced professional monitors. The service operates independently of a provider home with the experienced trained monitors reporting incidents to the relevant home, but if they are not addressed then potentially escalating them to the appropriate authority or safeguarding body.

Key findings from the six-month trial, which took place in a care home in Birmingham, are:

·  95% of relatives agreed to participate

·  Local health commissioners were satisfied with the privacy and dignity safeguards

·  Staff and unions were comfortable with the way the service operated

·  Two incidents that occurred during the trial were investigated and resolved quickly as a result of the service

·  Staff care delivery improved as a result of targeted training after images review

·  The occupancy of the home has risen continuously since the concept was introduced

Commenting on the Care Protect system, the manager of the care home in the trial, Ann Willey said:

“We introduced the system as a step to further improve the security and reassurance for our residents,their families and our staff. Although there was a little uncertainty about the idea originally,the positive outcomes from the trial have been well received by everyone."

Care Protect and its advisers, in developing this concept, took account of the various legislation surrounding data protection and filming. This includes the Data Protection Act 1998, the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice pursuant to the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, issued by the Home Office, and CQC’s February 2015 guidelines.

The organisation understands that, despite the above, the security of access and storage of footage and privacy zones available on the cameras, some people and/or their relatives may not want filming of them to take place. Should a resident not want their room to be filmed, the technology exists to switch off the service in that location.

For further information please contact Care Protect on 0800 133 7777 or

Care Protect Ltd, Tirrem House, 16 High Street, Yarm, Cleveland TS15 9AE