Gabriela Zackova, director of dementia and wellbeing at senior and specialist memory care operator Loveday & Co, discusses pioneering care home technology and the importance of investing in cutting edge research to raise standards of care. 

Loveday’s first home, Chelsea Court Place has been used to trial the latest technology and research, developing the very best solutions to enhance the delivery of care and outcomes. From sleep and medicine to care planning and pain, every aspect of care has been analysed and evaluated.

Loveday is a champion of research and innovation. It combines carefully thought-out specialist design, ground-breaking technology and sensitively-tailored features into every aspect of its care homes. Only the best and most effective technology has been discreetly implemented within the homes. 

Technology Innovations in Loveday Homes

Loveday works with several partners and leading universities and affiliates such as the University of West London, University of Stirling Dementia Services Development Centre, and the University of Roehampton to enable technologies that discreetly, yet dynamically enhance members’ wellbeing.

Electronic care-planning records interactions in real-time, reducing administration and ensuring staff time can be spent focused on providing quality care. Paincheck technology is another revolutionary App that uses facial analysis and AI to accurately assess and score levels of pain, particularly important for individuals living with dementia.

Medicine management is an important priority which has been addressed. Rather than using the institutional and antiquated medication trolley, Loveday has designed a secure storage unit in each Member’s suite where their medication can be kept. Using the original packaging reduces cost for the pharmacy and has enabled the implementation of medication management software. This achieves fewer medication errors and enables members to take medication at a time suitable to them.

The innovative and discreet CLB nurse call and acoustic monitoring system is installed to help prevent falls, reduce sleep disturbance and improve care. It provides more efficient monitoring and analysis on an individual basis, which is monitored by carers via an app on handsets carried by staff. This enables them to efficiently answer calls on the move and means residents are not disturbed by loud, audible call bells or alarms, especially at night.

Lighting and maximising exposure to natural sunlight have been incorporated in all the Loveday designs, in conjunction with specialist lighting engineers and designers Lutron. Circadian lighting systems are installed in all areas including suites, communal areas and corridors. This lighting automatically adjusts the colour temperature to mimic the natural environment and provides relief from Circadian dysfunction, relatively common in those living with dementia.

Ground floor lighting sensors are also used to activate bathroom lighting at night with a gradual increase, ensuring the bathroom can be found easily. 

Suites are equipped with beds and mattresses jointly developed by Loveday and Opera Care, meaning members benefit from stylish, high-quality sleeping products that never compromise on the medical functionality featured by care beds. 

Every Loveday home features a highly versatile air-spa bathing system with sound and vision to enhance relaxation and many properties will also feature a Nordic Wellness Relax chair, combining music, tactile stimulation and a rocking motion to offer a calming, multi-sensory experience.

Anti-bacterial technologies include shadowless UV-C cleaners, air purification systems and bipolar ionization units on recirculating air ventilation systems, in conjunction with anti-microbial paint on walls and ceilings, to ensure superior indoor air quality levels are achieved and maintained. PCR testing is conducted on-site, with Abbots machines installed in each home to provide rapid test results. 

As a result of restricted visits during Covid-19 lockdowns, The Loveday Life App (like a two-way secure Instagram) was developed to allow a unique connection with families for reminiscence therapy, engagement and stimulation; as well as regular updates on a Member’s daily life with photography and commentary.