Carers Association
The National Carers IT Centre is a 'hi-tech' facility for Carers and staff of the Carers Association. Situated in the heart of Kilkenny City, the Centre offers the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) to Carers. It is planned to deliver this course to family Carers in their own homes, using the Internet. The facility in James Street, Kilkenny, includes Internet access, ISDN and Interactive Learning.
The Carers Association is conscious of the emerging opportunities for the use of new technologies in easing the burden of care at home. The National Carers IT Centre has a range of supports, including:
Advice on 'Smart Homes', which include such items as alarm system, and other devices for
carers of persons with dementia tending to wander
Training programmes for Carers - from the complete beginner to more advanced computer courses ECDL programme.
Helping you to use email to write letters to friends and relations at home, within the EU and Internationally, at high speed and low cost.
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The Carers Web Site - The Internet allows you to keep up to date and find out what developments and supports are available for Carers nationally and around the world.
The wider vision of the National Carers IT Centre is to raise awareness of the potential for IT for Carers, and to empower Carers to benefit from the 'Information Age'.
Assistive Technologies
This is a term used to describe the many different technological systems and devices that can assist people who have difficulties, due to age or disability, in carrying out everyday activities. Assistive technologies need not be restricted to those that are used directly by the person with a disability or the older person themselves, but also include those that are used by Carers, such as lifting aids, or that are used to deliver services by a care service provider such as tele-alarms. These Technologies range from simple low-tech items like automatic clock-calendars to the most sophisticated in sensor technology. For example, units like tele-care systems can help manage the care process in a way that is both non-intrusive and an aid to maintaining independence. Such systems enable specific risk factors to be managed, which can reduce the worry on Carers. For example, The Carers Association, the WRC and the Northern Area Health Board of ERHA are collaborating on a local pilot project - 'Technology and Dementia'. This project is researching how technology can help persons with dementia and their Carers and ultimately make life easier for both.
Access to information and advice, using the Internet, access to entertainment and education, maintaining independence, security, safety and better social communication, emergency management can all be improved by these technologies. Such technologies include:Fall alarms Wandering' alarms, Pendants worn around the neck of a Cared-for person, which can be used to raise an alarm.
Electronic calendars for people with dementia or those who find it difficult to keep count of the days.
