City of Kingston is the first council in Victoria to introduce an innovative handheld personal computer system developed by Fujitsu. The technology replaces an outdated paperwork procedure previously used by their home carers. The software enables carers to access and print rosters while in the field and retrieve job details as they visit each client. The client signs on the screen of the device when the job is completed.
At the end of each week the details of the completed works are uploaded to the main computer and the roster details for the following week sent to pocket PCs in a matter of seconds. A file is then transferred to Council’s payroll system to pay carers and to Council’s debtors system to raise invoices.
Kingston’s 160 home carers provide services including domestic assistance, personal care and respite care to 3,000 regular clients who are older residents or people with a disability. Home care enables them to maintain their independence in their own home.
Last year ten home carers participated in a pilot project using the pocket PCs during August. Feedback from these carers and their clients was used to refine the system and expand it so that 70 carers were using it. Council now has all 160 carers online.
“This is a leap forward for Kingston and our home carers as the system increases efficiency saving paperwork and administrative time, maintains client privacy and provides Carers with basic computer experience,” said Council’s Manager Corporate Systems, Cheryl Alexander.
The easy to operate handheld PCs require minimal training, even for people with no computer experience. Eight Home and Community Care Assessment Officers, who visit potential clients in their homes, are also replacing paperwork with an automated system. They are using a mini PC and printer to type in the details of assessment at the time of the interview and provide a copy for the client instantly.
Information is uploaded to Council’s database in seconds saving time and effort. Previously staff members would write the report in longhand then type in the information on return to the office. For further information contact Cheryl Alexander on (03) 9581 4687.
