Welfare technology in daily care

Welfare technology is not something that should replace you as a social and health assistant – it is tools that can relieve your body, create more time for those citizens who need you most, and give the citizen more independence in everyday life. Municipalities are increasingly investing in technology in health and elderly care, and you will encounter it in your daily work.

§Why welfare technology?

KL points to several technologies that are already available and in use in many municipalities: sensors, apps, hygiene robots, social technologies, telemedicine, training videos, video visits and self-service screens. What they have in common is that they either protect employees' work environment, support citizens' independence, or free up time so resources can be used where the need is greatest (source: KL, technology radar in the health and elderly field).

§Examples you will encounter

• 01Ceiling lift – supports your working environment and helps reduce transfer accidents.
• 02Screen visit – virtual visits to selected tasks where it makes sense to deliver help digitally rather than in person.
• 03Sensors – can for example detect falls or unusual activity at night.
• 04Medicine dispensers – support the user in taking medicine at the right time, by arrangement with a nurse.
• 05Telemedicine and apps – support contact and follow-up between citizen and health professionals.

§Screen visits in practice

Screen visits are used as an alternative to physical visits to citizens who can receive support and guidance digitally – for example to follow up on a course or remind about a task. This frees up time for physical visits to citizens with greater and more complex needs. Several municipalities have found that success depends on both staff and citizens feeling comfortable with the technology, and that it is only used where it really makes sense – not as a general saving (source: KL, guide to implementing screen visits).

§Your role in meeting technology

You don't need to be a technical expert to use welfare technology well. Your task is to know the purpose of each tool, help the citizen feel safe with it, and react professionally if the technology shows something concerning – for example, an alarm from a sensor. Technology is a tool in your toolkit, not an end in itself.

Welfare technology will take up more space in the profession in the coming years. The more you understand the purpose behind the tools, the better you can use them for what they are designed for: more time, less wear and tear and a safer everyday life for the citizen.