Member Article

Care group invests in new technology for staff and residents

A Hull and East Riding based care group has invested in new technology to support resident activity programmes.

The Hica Group, a not for profit organisation, has invested in tablet computers for each of its activity staff across 14 of its care homes, further supporting best practice across its operations. The donation was made by Hica Group’s fundraising arm of the SHINE forum.

This receives revenues from the fundraising efforts of all staff, residents and family members across the group. Funds are then distributed to support good ideas and projects that aid and promote the quality of life for residents.

The tablets are also being used to help residents stay in touch with relatives across the world, by using apps such as skype to video chat with loved ones.

Penni Brown, chief executive of Hica Group said: “The tablet computers will allow Hica Group activity coordinators to communicate, access reminiscence activities with residents, further supporting our priority to do all we can to ensure the best environment and care for the people who live in our homes.

“The tablets also allow our residents to stay in touch with their loved ones across the globe through skype. It is wonderful to see the residents in our homes able to chat with their friends and family who they might not have seen for a long time.

“The new technology has been very successful so far, and all of the coordinators have been very responsive, learning how to use their new tablets to the fullest potential.

“We couldn’t have made this investment without the efforts of our staff, residents and their families, as well as the local communities who take part in fundraising events for the Shine Fund.

The funds raised are all carefully invested into projects, activities and technology which is ultimately used to ensure the best care for our residents.“

The donation followed the success of Hica Group’s investment into tablet computers for all five of its learning disability homes last year.

The recent purchases now mean all homes within the group now have access to tablet computer technology.

The Hica Group’s Shine Fund is topped up regularly through fundraising efforts of those involved in the organisation. Staff, residents and the local community often take part in sponsored walks, bake sales and fayres, as well as a company-wide lottery. The money goes towards items to support residents including tablet computers, reminiscence pods to support residents with dementia and activities.

The Hica Group is a not for profit organisation, which operates a portfolio of 19 residential care homes, five of which are for people with a learning disability, along with two retirement villages. The Hull-based company also runs a home care service providing approximately 11,500 hours of support and care from four regional offices in the North of England.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The Hica Group .