One of Scotland’s top rated care home groups, Elder Homes Ltd, has adopted PainChek’s technology across its two care homes in Edinburgh to assist staff in assessing pain levels for its residents.
PainChek uses AI facial recognition to analyse facial expressions from a smart device's camera. It detects pain indicators like grimaces and winces and guides caregivers through observing other pain behaviours like vocalisations and movements resulting in an overall pain score to help monitor the effectiveness of pain management over time.
The app aims to improve the quality of life for those with cognitive difficulties who may struggle to communicate their discomfort, such as people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Residents and staff at Elder Homes have been using the app since July 2022, which has resulted in better pain detection and treatment, reduced reliance on pain medication as well as more accurate treatment plans.
Cheryl Henderson, education and dementia co-ordinator at Elder Homes, said: “Treating our residents with dignity is one of our key aims. We want to ensure all residents feel at home, whilst receiving the highest standard of care.
“Using this technology, and other technologies across our homes has been extremely rewarding. We’re excited to see how the use of technology continues to develop and the benefits it can bring to care home residents across Scotland.”
PainChek’s head of business development UK&I Tandeep Gill said: “We’re delighted to see staff at Elder Homes leading the way in adopting PainChek and embracing innovation to improve pain assessment and deliver person-centred care.”
