At mirus, we learn what matters most to the individual, what they want to achieve, and reflect and review how they are supported to achieve their goals most effectively.

We see AT primarily as a tool to enhance choice, control and independence, This

is our driver!

It can also contribute to solutions that deal with budget pressures without

compromising on the quality of care BUT financial efficiency is a bi-product.

For most people we support independence, progression and being in control are usually at the top of their list.

At mirus Technology for the person we support needs to be centered around promoting their independence and safety. It’s not a one approach but an individual assessment of need.

Financial climate – hours contracted covering basic care.

Contraction in the number of hours with increased focus on their core care needs,

peoples expectation and their families expectations - they expect to live the life they

choose!

Less income less hours of support – how do you deliver against that expectation?

To set the scene I would like to introduce you to Nathan. Nathan is a 46 year old

gentleman with limited verbal communication skills. It was recognised through

his person centre plan that Nathan would benefit from the use of an Electronic

communication aid such as the iPad, with a specific communication package

that will enable Nathan to be able to communicate through the use of pictures,

symbols, images and sounds. It was hard for Nathan to express needs and

feelings, much less his true personality.

To help Nathan to decide whether he would like an iPad he had input from Ria

(Speech and language therapist) and Emma (Case manager). The mirus team did

extensive work with Nathan to aid his ability to decide whether he would want to

purchase this iPad. A member of staff brought in his own iPad so that Nathan was

able to have an actual demonstration, he also viewed iPads online.

My Talk Tools is a breakthrough in augmentative, alternative communications App

that enables people with communication difficulties to express their needs and

desires to those around them.

So this is Tom’s storyBefore I had my new fridge freezer, I was unable to just get up and get myself a drink. I didn’t like to drink much although I needed too, so staff would help me prepare my drinks.

But since the purchase of a new fridge freezer for my home, I can now use the drinks dispenser on the new fridge which gives me a greater amount of independence to get drinks for myself without having to rely on anyone.

It makes me very happy that I am able to do this for myself and when I want a drink, I just get up and help myself.

Staff have noticed that I am now drinking a lot more liquid than I did previously, which is having a positive effect on my health and well being.

When Sophie first moved into her own home in 2017 supported by mirus, she was

very shy and reserved. She didn’t have much confidence and was fearful to go out

by herself. Through skills teaching and confidence building Sophie started off

small by going to the shop by herself using the maps facility on her smartphone.

Sophie then decides to take herself to Class, Sophie got a little lost but Got out her

phone and found her way using Google maps!

Sophie is now going into town with friends to the cinema but they decide on route

to change their plans and go out for food instead without support.

Its about enhancing choice, control and independence - efficiency and savings in the current climate by a reduction in paid support is a great bi-product for commissioners but not our driver.

Mirus internally built a online portal called Supported Living System. This enables people to have quick access to documents.

- Local Authority Care Plan

- Service Delivery Plan / One Page Profile

- Individual Person Centred Plans

- Individual Decision Making Agreements

- Individual Communication Profiles

- Individual relationship circles

- Health passport

- Medication guidelines

We also use this for data gathering to inform internal and external performance

reports as it records data about staff training, vacancy levels and on-call

interventions.

Systems like ‘Just Checking’ uses discrete movement and door sensors to monitor

activity and can be used in both single and multi-occupancy homes. It provides

additional options to sleep-in shift workers by helping to form an assessment of an

individual’s night-time activity and the level of interaction with staff.

With this ability to identify risks and understand when interventions are required, in

some instances a single roaming support worker can cover multiple residences in

the same area and provide care at the required intervals, taking away the need for

a sleep-in worker at each residence.

Other areas where you can consider reducing paid support through technology in the social care sector.

Electronic Medication dispensersSmart assistance e.g. lights, open doors, blinds – ALEXA. Voice prompts reminders for

example medication.Finger and facial recognition door entry systems for people with memory loss issues

e.g. forget keysWrist watches with GPS trackersVideo door bells for safety

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