Nursing home finds smart solutions to manage residents’ health

Priory Court Nursing Care Home, in Lytham Saint Annes, has introduced technology to improve the health and wellbeing of its residents, who are benefiting from using a variety of new digital tools such as smartwatches, the Amazon Alexa and Samsung tablets.

Some residents are taking medication for health conditions including atrial fibrillation, heart flutters and murmurs. Due to these heart conditions, it’s essential for staff to monitor the pulses of the residents. This can be difficult when those who are living with dementia become unsettled and confused during the examination. Wearing a smartwatch allows the observations to be carried out quickly and with ease. A smartwatch can also measure the residents’ movements during chair exercises. 

Staff and residents alike are also using the Amazon Alexa. Residents can listen to music from any era, bringing back fond memories of different times in their lives and lifting the mood across the building. 

The Activities Coordinator at the home uses Alexa to create fun quizzes for the residents, showing them how to use the device as well as how to ask questions and set reminders, giving them back independence. 

Samsung tablet devices are used as a teaching and training tool. Residents can play memory games, which they find challenging and stimulating. They can also video call with family and friends via Skype to help reduce feelings of loneliness. 

Thanks to technology, staff have access to a wealth of information to help provide the best care possible. They download NHS approved health apps onto the tablet, tailored to the long-term health conditions that are being treated. 

Digital skills and technology are having a huge impact on the wellbeing of residents living with long-term health conditions and staff are able to build an even higher quality of care Priory Court Nursing Home.