Interview

Key points and benefits of introducing and using Long-term Care Technology from the perspective of a care manager

Against the backdrop of the acceleration of the aging of the population and the decline of the working-age population, Long-term Care Technology has been introduced into nursing care sites to reduce the burden on caregivers and to support the independence of the elderly. Recently, we interviewed Ms. Yoshiko Ishihara, who works as a care manager at Social Welfare Corporation Yuai-Juji-kai Kinuta Home, into which Long-term Care Technology is being actively introduced in practice. In this interview, we ask her about Long-term Care Technology from the perspective of nursing care sites, including what she keeps in mind when introducing and using Long-term Care Technology at her nursing care site, and what effects the introduction of such technology have had on care.

- How are you involved with Long-term Care Technology as a care manager in your nursing care at Kinuta Home?

I came to Kinuta Home in 2021, so this year, I have been here for three years. At the time I joined Kinuta Home, Long-term Care Technology had already been introduced here, so I did not work on my own to introduce such technology. In my current duties, I am particularly involved in incorporating Long-term Care Technology into care plans. In order to use such technologies, especially monitoring technologies such as bed sensors and silhouette sensors, it is necessary to explain the use of such technologies in advance to the family members of those admitted and to obtain their consent, and I am in charge of such duties. Also, based on the idea that Long-term Care Technology is one aspect of welfare equipment, the entire facility, led by functional training instructors, works toward its utilization.

- How do you gather information on Long-term Care Technology?

We gather information by watching introductions on TV programs, visiting exhibitions of Long-term Care Technology to see actual products, and checking information from the Association for Technical Aids. I think these ways are the same as those of other facilities. We think from the perspective of finding technologies that can solve as many of the problems raised by the floor staff as possible. It is also important to make the work environment a place where staff can continue to work, so our basic premise is to choose technologies that both our users and staff can enjoy using.

- We heard from many nursing care sites that they introduced Long-term Care Technology but then stopped using it. At Kinuta Home, are there any particular things that you are careful of when introducing it?

When introducing a new technology, we use the manufacturer’s trial service or trial period. I think it is important to firmly establish a plan for how the technology is to be used in practice during this trial period. The decision to introduce a technology is basically made at this stage, so it is important to identify as many operational points and issues as possible during this time. We do not introduce a technology that we find is not suitable for our site during its trial use. Therefore, at Kinuta Home, we are able to avoid cases where a technology is introduced but then its use is subsequently stopped. We must determine whether something that happens during the trial period is a one off or something that will occur repeatedly, so we appreciate a longer trial period.

- I see. By making good use of trial periods, you are able to utilize the technology you have introduced. Are there any key points to continue to utilize the introduced Long-term Care Technology?

I think it is important to have an environment in which Long-term Care Technology is readily available to those who want to use it. For example, in the case of the “Muscle Suit” at Kinuta Home, rather than requiring that all staff members use it, we have decided on storage places within the facility and placed it in three locations so that staff members who want to use it can access it right away when they want it.

- What effects have you seen from the actual introduction of Long-term Care Technology?

By promoting the introduction of technology, the physical and mental burden on staff members has been reduced, and we are now able to provide flexible care for our users. The quality of care has improved as a result, and it has also led to Kinuta Home receiving the Prime Minister’s Award.
In the case of the “Muscle Suit”, it has actually reduced back pain among staff members. By reducing the physical burden, we are now able to provide care in a more comfortable way. Also, we now have fewer staff members taking leave due to physical injuries, so there is another significant effect that staff shortages are reduced and it is now easier for them to take vacations.
By introducing “Nemuri SCAN sensor” (product of Paramount Bed Holdings Co., Ltd.) to all beds, it is now possible to check the safety and to support our users during the nighttime without disturbing their sleep, and also to check the safety of our users in priority order rather than in order from the end room. As a result, we now have a few more minutes of free time compared to before its introduction, and we can use that free time for other duties or to take a break. As for communication robots, some are bemused by them and others love them. Unlike other technologies, I think communication robots play an important role in making our users smile.

- Your staff members seem to have a positive attitude toward the use of Long-term Care Technology. What is in the background to this?

At Kinuta Home, we have been implementing care without lifting since 2014. We presented this initiative externally at “Active Welfare in Tokyo ’15,” an elderly welfare research conference held in 2015. We believe that these external presentations have also led to our active utilization of technologies.

- Are there any opportunities for care managers to exchange information on Long-term Care Technology?

To begin with, there are very few opportunities for care managers to exchange opinions. I think there are even fewer opportunities to exchange opinions on Long-term Care Technology. As care managers incorporate external services into their care plans, I think there are very few facilities using Long-term Care Technology, even though some senior day-care facilities have training machines. I have also heard that some other residential care facilities have not yet introduced such technology.

- From your viewpoint in an actual care setting, you have the impression that the use of Long-term Care Technology is not yet widely available. On the other hand, I believe that a lot of care managers are interested in Long-term Care Technology from the perspective of solving problems at care facilities and improving the quality of care. So, could you give a message to other care managers?

I am in a position to support caregivers, and from my point of view, Long-term Care Technology as a support tool is evolving and becoming more and more popular in the world. There are still few opportunities to interact and exchange information with care managers, but I think it would be a good idea for them to start with a small technology that can be introduced easily into your facility and then to utilize it.