1. What do we want from digital care?

A study examining what people really want from digital care services and devices has identified the nine things we value most, but don’t always get.

There is obviously going to be an increased reliance on technology-enabled care to help manage the growing demand for care services from an ageing population.

The TEC Action Alliance is calling for social care commissioners to make sure users' hopes and expectations are recognised when specifying tech-enabled services.

Discover the nine most-valued things here

2. Workforce strategy for OTs

Just last week, I wrote here about how a shortage of OTs was contributing to long waiting times for mobility equipment and home adaptations.

So it is timely that the Royal College of Occupational Therapists has just launched its first-ever workforce strategy for occupational therapists. 

One of the main aims is to have fewer OTs in hospitals, and more in the community – including schools, social services, housing associations, care homes and places of work.

Find more details here

3. New benefit rates

April is the month when benefits are increased, generally in line with inflation - that is inflation as measured last September.

This year, most are going up by 6.7%, but a few will rise by 8.5%. The latter are the state pension and related benefits which are subject to the so-called triple lock whereby they increase in line with the highest out of inflation, earnings growth or 2.5%.

Sadly, there is no increase in carers allowance, although the earnings threshold is going up from £139 to £151.

We have more information in our benefits section

4. Latest from Innova Care Concepts

Independent Living site subscriber Innova Care Concepts has just added two new products to their showcase.

The TR Comfortline bath, shown here, is a freestanding height adjustable bathtub which is ideally suited to adapted home bathrooms. It has a range of sensory options available,  including LED lighting systems, music sound wave system with Bluetooth and a 12 jet air-spa system.

Their thoughtfully designed TR 1000 shower chair is also showcased on Independent Living.

See these and other products in their range here

5. New mobility scooter from TGA

For 35 years, TGA has been committed to providing mobility products of the highest standard to help their customers not just get by, but thrive. Aiming to empower users with even more innovative mobility options, TGA has just launched their new WHILL R mobility scooter.

WHILL R has the same design, performance and technology that WHILL powerchairs are known for, in a smart scooter package available in 3 or 4 wheel versions. 

See more here

6. Do not attempt CPR?

Compassion in Dying has launched a new report, What people need from a DNACPR decision and discussion.

Do Not Attempt Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions are a vital part of end-of-life care, but their research (based on focus groups with older people) suggests that communication failures need urgent attention.

Find out more about the report here