In an article published by The Guardian on 25 November, it alleged more than 1,000 care home patients have died suffering from malnutrition, dehydration or bedsores.

The figures originate from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) which completed an analysis of death certificates at The Guardian’s request.

The ONS acknowledged that ‘it is possible that poor care may have been a factor in some of the deaths.’

Person Centred Software, the developer of Mobile Care Monitoring, an intelligent mobile solution for evidencing care interactions, electronic care planning and reporting, is already working with the University College of London (UCL) to conduct a study into the impact of good care on life expectancy.

Professor Laurence Lovat, study leader, said: “The report by the Office of National Statistics may well underestimate the magnitude of the issue. There are many clues that a problem may be developing.

“Our research is looking at using big data analysis of routinely collected information by care home workers to identify patterns which predict development of malnutrition and dehydration. This will lead to simple early interventions to prevent this entirely avoidable cause of death in vulnerable care home residents.”

Care England said in a press release one solution to this issue is to give residential social care providers the tools they need to provide the best quality of care possible.

Mobile Care Monitoring enables staff to record care at the point of delivery using its icon-driven app and allows carers to analyse and adjust care as necessary to ensure a responsive and person-centred approach.

One care home group found that by monitoring fluids using Mobile Care Monitoring, they were able to reduce falls by 33%.

Alison Redhead, registered manager at Minster Grange Care Home, said: “A member of the care team requested that a resident was put on fluid watch as they were concerned they weren’t drinking enough.

“The fact that this member of staff, rather than feel frustrated, knew that the system could support us shows just how invaluable the Mobile Care Monitoring system is.”

Five per cent of care homes currently using Mobile Care Monitoring are rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), compared to 3% of care homes nationally, as stated the original article.

Mobile Care Monitoring can be used by carers and care home managers that want and need confirmation that residents are cared for.

Relatives can now use the secure Relatives Gateway portal, part of the Mobile Care Monitoring service, which enables friends and family to stay in touch and informed as well as share messages and photos.