How Important Is Digital Inclusion In Domiciliary Care?

With so many parts of the modern world going digital and incorporating new technological solutions and online components, it was inevitable that home care would be part of this new change.

Whilst this trend was accelerated at the start of the 2020s due to world events transforming social care, a focus on what the NHS describe as “digital inclusion” had started years before this in response to the rise in smartphones and internet access amongst people in care.

Whilst 90 per cent of households have internet access, that leaves at least a tenth of people who are missing out on important services both in and out of health and social care.

This can be due to a lack of connectivity, an inability to use online services due to a lack of accessible hardware or software, or not having built up the digital skills to use online services confidently and comfortably.

These numbers are thankfully lowering, and care workers can help encourage people in care to get connected, with potential benefits to their mental and physical health.

According to an evaluation of the NHS’ Widening Digital Participation programme, of the nearly 220,000 people trained to use digital health resources, over half of them felt less isolated and 59 per cent felt more confident evaluating health information accessed online.

Having access to digital resources can help reduce social isolation and loneliness, both of which can have negative effects on both mental and physical health, and allow people to continue to remain in contact with friends and family even if geographical and health factors serve as barriers.

As well as this, a care worker can help someone gain access to trusted health information, book appointments, organise prescriptions, learn skills and maintain their independence, as well as learn about events in the community that they can take part in.

Ultimately, in an increasingly digital world, digital inclusion is an increasingly important part of social care.