Unit 20 Supporting Independent Living Assignment

Task 1

Case study 1

1.1 Explain how technology can be used to support users of health and social care services in living independently.     

To answer this question:

• Define independent living (reference properly)
• Explain who the users of  health and social care  services are
• Explain the meaning of assistive technology in health and social care
• Describe the assistive technologies provided to Sally to live independently (Case study 1) and the support they provided

1.2 Analyse barriers to the use of technology to support users of  health and social care  services in living independently.

To answer this question:

• Mention and explain barriers of assistive technologies in supporting independent living in Health and Social Care practice
• Explain the challenges Sally (Case study 1) is likely to face in using the assistive technology she was provided with
• Explain how barriers to the use of assistive technology in supporting independent living can be limited

1.3 Explain the benefits of these technologies to health and social care organisations and their users.

To answer this question:

• Explain the benefits of assistive technology to users of health and social care and their carers (family, friends)
• Explain how Sally (case study 1) benefited from the assistive technology she was provided with
• Explain the advantages of assistive technologies to health and social care organisations (example, care homes, hospital, schools)

Task 2

Case study 1

2.1 Explain health and safety considerations in the use of technologies in health and social care.

To answer this question:

• Explain Health and Safety legislation 1974
• Explain what should be considered when using assistive technologies in health and social care practice (example hospitals, care homes, client’s homes, schools) according to the Health and safety legislation
• Describe the  health and safety  considerations in supporting Sally (case study 1) with assistive technology

2.2 Discuss ethical considerations in the use of assistive technologies

To answer this question:

• Define ethics
• Explain ethical considerations in the use of assistive technologies in health and social care
• Explain the benefits of following ethical guidelines in supporting users of health and social care with assistive technologies
• Explain the implications (disadvantages) of not following ethical guidelines in using assistive technologies in health and social care practice
• Recommend ways compliance to ethics in the use of assistive technologies can be promoted

2.3 Explain the impact of recent and emerging technological developments on health and social care services, organisations and care workers

To answer this question:

• Describe emerging assistive technologies used to support users of health and social care
• Explain the benefits/effect of emerging assistive technologies to:

1. Health and social care users (e.g. elderly, disabled) and their carers (family and friends)
2. Care workers 
3.  Organisations (hospitals, care homes, schools)

Task 3

Case study 1

3.1 Identify Maggie’s specific needs and

To answer this question:

• Explain/define specific needs
• Briefly explain the needs of people with dementia
• Explain Maggie’s specific needs

Case study 2

3.2 Recommend assistive devices to support Maggie to  continue living independently

3.3 Evaluate the usefulness of technology for users of health and social care services

To answer this question:

• Briefly explain the benefits of assistive technology to health and social care organisations (hospitals, care homes, supported housing) and clients (elderly, disabled)
• Give example (2 or more) of assistive technology explaining the positives and negatives
• Explain how certain types of assistive technology will be useful to Maggie, also explain the type of AT that may not be useful to Maggie due to Dementia
• Considering Maggie’s health problem (Dementia), explain how technology may not promote her independence as her illness advances (deteriorates)    
• Summarise and conclude your report