Digital independence offering wins national award

Bolton Clarke has been named the inaugural Future of Ageing Awards winner in the Technology – Health and Wellbeing category for its digital independence offering.

The win comes as the organisation rolls out a new suite of smart technology including wearables and in-home monitoring supporting clients to age in place and stay connected with their families.

CEO Stephen Muggleton said the new offering aligned strongly with the organisation’s strategies to keep customers living confidently wherever they call home, enable increased engagement and support the delivery of new service models.

“Carers and families are experiencing growing pressure which can lead to high levels of stress and affect health, wellbeing and family relationships,” he said. “This technology gives reassurance and visibility for families and their loved ones so they can take preventative action where required.”

The products can be combined and customised to suit individual care needs, taking into consideration dementia, falls risk and general safety issues.

The offering was trialled with Bolton Clarke at home support clients and retirement living residents, with 90 per cent indicating they planned to keep using the system.  Clients involved in the trial said they felt more secure, confident and safer knowing there was help if needed.

For families it provides peace of mind with the ability to check in at any time through an online platform and the knowledge they will be alerted of any potential issues.

“The system has enabled me to change the daily conversation with my mother away from care-related matters to a more social conversation,” one family member said.

“Instead of asking if she slept well or had her breakfast yet, I can talk to her about what she has planned for the day. The program is simple to use, and I can easily see at a glance when is a good time to have a chat with mum.”

The new technology is now being rolled out to Bolton Clarke clients nationally.