The talk about digital inclusion is important. It’s often even a heated debate, as a lot of people feel left out and often done to, as opposed to done with. Being a passive recipient with little agency or preference comes at a cost. We feel marginalised or misinterpreted from the onset, and quite quickly the feeling of enablement vanishes, and we no longer consider ourselves the real authority of our own lives.
With the ongoing digital transformation in social care, it’s important that we remember this aspect, and include it in our product and service development. Never forgetting that data about me, is my own. So, if the systems in place and in support of me, are hidden away, not accessible, or just not reflective of my wishes, interests and needs, I’m being done to. Which is the opposite of what most care provision aims to achieve.
Few service providers will actively say they’re not in support of a person-centred practice. However, for quite a lot of people, being person-led is still a real and more suitable option.
The definition of “input” is where we can do some work. In some cases, it’s enough to continuously carry on a dialogue with the people we support; about their preferences. But for others they want (and need!) more agency in their daily lives.
“There’s an app for that”
Since the inception of smartphones people have been saying “there is an app for that”. Quite frankly there is an app for a lot of things. This is also true in this case! Having focused entirely on the professional side of planning, delivering and evidencing care, Sekoia has now built an app for people that draw on social care services too. Supporting their ability to take charge and engage with their daily activities.
With the app, it becomes easier to visualise and monitor daily activities with videos and images, provided in a structured and predictable format. To encourage a more active role in daily life.
“Using something like Sekoia on a tablet means that the people we are supporting can participate in their own person-centred care. I have a gentleman who has grown his own vegetables, so he had great fun the other day taking photos of the produce on the tablet. And being able to show his family and friends what he’s doing. It’s real information, not just a photograph.”
- Clair Davies, Operations Director and Registered Manager at Nexus Programme
The same system for the care team and the people they support
This new app is fully integrated with the professional app used by care teams. This means that any updates a person makes will be instantly visible to the provider and its care professionals. Matching their agreements and putting someone like John back in charge. So that when he cleans his room or takes a walk, he can update Sekoia with pictures and multiple choice answers supporting him and providing evidence of what’s being done. The care teams can see this without having to ask or enter John’s room. Aiding independence and agency in John’s daily life.
It also means that there is no need for training in yet another system. The app also includes a messaging system so the people you support can message their contact person in the care team in a secure and dedicated way. Pictures can also be uploaded to be shared with families and friends. Link: https://sekoia.co.uk/sekoia-for/residents-service-users/
