Unit 20:

Supporting Independent Living

Unit code:

A/601/1642

QCF level:

Credit
value:

15

Aim
The aim of this unit is to develop learners understanding of how technology can support independent
living and the implications of developments in assistive and communication technology.

Unit abstract
Technology is used by most people to help them with their everyday lives. Mobile phones and email
aid communication; the internet is a source of information; remote control devices open our car as we
press a button. This same technology can help individuals to access health and social care services
and live independently. As more people access Independent Living Funds and become employers of
their own personal assistants, the balance is shifting from dependency towards independence. This
unit fits into this important agenda.
The unit allows the learner to investigate the uses of current technology which can help individuals
lead a more independent life. Health and social care workers and their employers need to understand
the technologies currently available and how independence can be supported using such technology.
They also need to be aware of barriers to using technology, and the implications when such
technology is introduced.
There is also an opportunity for learners to examine the implications of development in technology
and its impact on health and social care services and their users.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit a learner will:
1 Understand the use of technology to support independent living
2 Understand the implications of developments in technologies for use in health and social care
3 Be able to suggest technologies to support independent living for users of health and social care
services.

Unit content

1 Understand the use of technology to support independent living

Technological devices and systems: eg those for security, health and safety, mobility aids, aids for
activities of daily living, visual, audio aids, administration of medication
Communications technologies: hardware and software; information and data collection systems, web
and email delivery systems; electronic forums, counselling and monitoring services; telephone and
video conferencing services; electronic distribution of data via CD ROM or DVD; innovative use of
standard technologies eg mobile phones, speed dial, voice activation, diary appointment systems and
others as they evolve; electronic booking and recording networks
Barriers: cost, technological access difficulties, training; maintenance systems, implications of
technical breakdown
Benefits: for users eg autonomy and independence, reducing risk, access to information, precision or
accuracy

Understand the implications of developments in technologies for use in health and social care
Health and safety: associated with operation of the technology systems, consequences of technical
breakdown
Ethics: considerations eg autonomy, changes in level of privacy, changes to interactions
Impact: on services, organisations and workers eg remote diagnostic and operative processes,
interactions with others, relationships, confidentiality, cost benefit analysis, training
Roles of workers: workload, work scheduling, data exchange, staff development needs

Be able to suggest technologies to support independent living for users of health and social
care services
Identification of needs: physical, intellectual, social, emotional, health
Independent living: networking in support groups, medication, access to information, automation of
activities
Use of technologies: to support independent living eg individuals in residential care, supported living,
individuals employing personal assistants

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria

Learning outcomes

Assessment criteria for pass

On successful completion of
this unit a learner will:

The learner can:

LO1 Understand the use of

technology to support
independent living

1.1explain how technology can be used to support users of

health and social care services in living independently
1.2analyse barriers to the use of technology to support
users of health and social care services in living
independently
1.3explain the benefits of these technologies to health and
social care organisations and their users

LO2 Understand the implications

of developments in
technologies for use in
health and social care

2.1explain health and safety considerations in the use of

technologies in health and social care
2.2discuss ethical considerations in the use of technologies
in health and social care
2.3explain the impact of recent and emerging technological
developments on health and social care services,
organisations and care workers

LO3 Be able to recommend

technologies to support
independent living for users
of health and social care
services.

3.1identify the specific needs of an individual requiring

support to live independently
3.2make recommendations for how technologies might
support the independent living arrangements
3.3evaluate the usefulness of technology for users of health
and social care services.

Guidance

Links
This unit links with most of the other units in the programme, as there are implications for almost all
health and social care environments in the development of technology. There are particular
opportunities for cross-referencing and integrating work between the following units:

Unit 3: Health and Safety in the Health and Social Care Workplace
Unit 9: Empowering Users of Health and Social Care Services
Unit 16: Understanding Specific Needs in Health and Social Care.
This unit also has links with the National Occupational Standards in Health and Social Care.
See Annexe B for mapping.
This unit may also have links with the National Occupational Standards in Leadership and
Management for Care Services. See Annexe C for mapping.

Essential requirements
Learners will require access to communication and assistive technologies so they can investigate how
they are used to support independent living. Some communication technologies may already be used
to support learners in the educational institution where this qualification is delivered. It would also be
useful for learners to meet with technical specialists in order to explore issues associated with the use
and development of assistive and communication technologies.

Employer engagement and vocational contexts

A guest speaker from the department that provides student support may be able to demonstratevoiceactivated computer programs or Braille keyboards. Demonstrations from visiting specialists are
strongly recommended for the unit to be effective.
Visits to specialist workplaces and resources may be useful for learners to see the technology being
applied.
Scope, the national organisation for people with cerebral palsy, has an excellent website
(www.scope.org.uk) and may, for a donation, be able to provide local information or possibly guest
speakers