Jayne Connery and Almas: Security in the Care Sector
In July 2019 we sat down with Care Campaign for the Vulnerable (CCFTV) founder Jayne Connery and spoke about the work she was doing to draw attention to the safety issues with care homes after witnessing her own mother’s negative personal experience.
We met Jayne earlier this year in Birmingham at the UK Care Week Expo and saw that great work she has continued to do in the Care sector. So, we decided to sit down with her and see how her work over the last 5 years has impacted the care industry.
Since 2019 how has the CCFTV campaign improved safety in care homes?
Since 2017, the CCFTV campaign has now progressed into a lead national, safety in dementia care organisation significantly enhancing safety in care homes through various initiatives.
By advocating for the implementation of independent safety monitoring systems, we have helped increase transparency, deter potential abuse, supported carers in their sometimes complex role and ensure timely responses to incidents.
How has CCFTV’s advocacy impacted the implementation of safety monitoring in care homes? Have you seen a significant increase in the number of homes equipped or a change in attitude in the last 5 years?
Our efforts have also led to the development of comprehensive safety protocols that care homes can adopt to improve overall resident care and this has been shown by CCFTV successfully collaborating with leading providers Signature Senior Living and Maria Mallaband Care Group.
Our advocacy has indeed had a substantial impact. Over the past five years, there has been a marked increase in the number of care homes inquiring to implement safety monitoring systems.
We have observed a positive shift in attitudes towards the use of safety monitoring also with more care providers recognising its benefits in enhancing resident safety and care quality. This change is reflected through our work and seeing the growing number of care homes that have adopted this crucial technology as a standard practice particularly within dementia care communities .
Could you share some examples of successful collaborations between CCFTV and care providers in piloting safety monitoring initiatives, and how these have benefitted both the residents and the businesses.
We have had several successful collaborations with care providers. For instance, in our pilot project with Signature Care homes on the introduction of consent led independently monitored safety systems led to a reduction in reported incidents and improved staff accountability.
Residents’ families reported feeling more secure, and the care home experienced enhanced reputation and trust from the community. These initiatives have shown that effective safety monitoring not only protects residents but also promotes a positive and secure environment, ultimately benefiting the business by attracting more families and skilled staff.
Given your expertise in addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals, how does CCFTV navigate the balance between security measures and maintaining the dignity and privacy of residents in care homes?
At CCFTV, we prioritise residents’ dignity and privacy while implementing security measures. We advocate for an opt-in approach, where residents and their families provide consent before installation.
Unobtrusive care monitoring solutions are strategically placed in with consent. Additionally, we ensure that all monitoring practices comply with data protection regulations and are transparent to all stakeholders.
How does CCFTV collaborate with agencies and participate in thought leadership to advocate for the rights of vulnerable individuals, particularly those living with dementia?
CCFTV actively collaborates with regulatory bodies, healthcare agencies, and advocacy groups to promote the rights of vulnerable individuals. We attend and host conferences, and policy-making discussions to share insights and drive change.
Our thought leadership efforts include publishing safety in care articles, conducting Roundtables and providing care providers information on best practices for safety monitoring and resident care, especially for those living with dementia.
What role does technology play in enhancing security and safety measures within care homes, and how does CCFTV advise care providers on selecting and implementing appropriate monitoring systems while considering residents’ privacy?
Technology is crucial in modernising security and safety measures in care homes. CCFTV advises care providers to select systems that offer complete transparency and third-party overview.
We recommend solutions that are customisable to meet the specific needs of each facility. Our guidance emphasises the importance of integrating these systems in a way that respects residents’ privacy, such as using encrypted data and providing regular audits.
What is the next stage for CCFTV and how does the rest of 2024 look like for Jayne Connery?
The next stage for CCFTV involves expanding our reach to more care providers across the country and continuing to support families and care staff. In 2024, we continue to enhance care provider engagement through CCFTV safety in dementia care awareness, including headline sponsors at the Leaders in Care Conference.
For myself, I will be focusing on forging new partnerships, driving policy advocacy regarding safety monitoring in care homes, and continuing to champion the cause of vulnerable individuals and those dedicated staff who care for them.
It was great to catch up with Jayne, you can see how dedicated she is to improving elderly care and her relentless efforts have garnered widespread recognition, influencing policy changes and raising public awareness about the critical issues facing vulnerable adults in care. Her work continues to inspire and drive positive change, ensuring that the elderly receive the respect, dignity, and protection they deserve.
Through her unwavering commitment, Jayne Connery remains a beacon of hope and a powerful advocate for the elderly, striving to create a safer and more compassionate care environment for all.
Since 2019 the implementation of CCTV in elderly care homes in the UK has been on the rise. According to recent data, approximately 14% of care homes in England have installed CCTV systems, that figure was around 10% in 2019.
According to carehome.co.uk, as of 2024, there are approximately 16,700 care homes in the UK. These establishments provide a range of services, with around 70% being residential care homes and the remaining 30% offering nursing care.
To find out how Almas Industries can help you and your care business with Safety Monitoring and security solutions, complete the form below and we will contact you.
