New home care provider embraces latest technology

Being an exceptional home care provider requires the meticulous management of information, which can mean reams of paper and piles of folders. But Stamford-based Radfield Home Care, registered by the Care Quality Commission in October 2019, wanted to do things differently. Determined to start the business properly, they chose to adopt the latest in-app technology to reduce their paper consumption, give greater transparency to clients and their families and even do their bit to help the environment.

The decision to go paperless for client records was all part of the home care provider’s mission to provide excellent care to older people in their own homes. The ‘Access’ software chosen by Radfield allows all carers to download an app on their phone, where they can record their visit notes.

James Beech, owner of Radfield Home Care Stamford, Peterborough and Rutland, explains, “Something that comes up often when we talk to clients is the worry experienced by their family members, and their wish to be kept up to date with their loved one’s progress. The ‘Access’ app is brilliant for this. It allows family members to use the app and view our visit notes from anywhere in the world. This gives them reassurance that their family members are being well cared for.”

Another frequent worry that clients face is “what happens if the carer doesn’t turn up?” The software adopted by Radfield Home Care allows the management team to ensure that every visit is going ahead as it should. According to Karen Nash, Registered Care Manager:

“We can monitor the carers’ progress and receive alerts if they haven’t logged into a call or if they haven’t completed a task. This allows us to check that they are okay and, if there is a problem, we can support them and the client to arrange a solution”

Going paperless has also helped the company reduce the time spent on admin, giving carers more time to care. Carers can view the calls they are scheduled to make and the details of the care they are expected to provide, all within the app. It’s quick and easy to leave notes on the app for the office and colleagues to see.

Karen comments, “This allows us to be both efficient and flexible, as changes can be managed and communicated quickly without masses of paperwork.”

James concludes, “We have been getting great feedback from our clients since starting the business in October. That’s mostly down to our fantastic staff, who are incredibly caring and always go the extra mile. However, efficiency and reliability are also important for our clients and for the business, both of which have benefitted massively from the new technology.”