Centrica : Getting carers connected

What does it mean when a company says it cares?

A lot say it. And call me naive, but I believe most mean it. Good companies do care about their customers, about their employees, about their role in wider society, as well as about their shareholders.

But Carers Week isn't focused on caring about. It's focused on the people who care for. And that is very different.

Caring for is about responsibility, as well as concern. About actions, as well as good intentions. And what carers need more than anything is practical support.

From employers, that support may mean adopting flexible working practices. These can make it easier for employees who are carers to fit their working hours around their caring responsibilities.

It might even mean offering - as Centrica does - additional paid leave for carers so that time off work spent caring doesn't come at the expense of a much-needed holiday.

Empowering carers

There are 6.5 million carers in the UK. That number is set to grow to 9 million within the next 20 years, as an ageing population means more of us experience long-term illness and disabilities. Through our ongoing partnership with Carers UK, we are working to empower not just carers, but the people they care for.

Our research with Carers UK clearly shows that elderly people want to live in their own homes and remain independent for as long as possible, but have someone on hand if needed.

Many of those 'on hand' may not even identify themselves as 'carers'. They're just looking after mum or dad, or doing what they can to help a friend in need. But just because something is a labour of love, it doesn't mean that there isn't a lot of labour involved.

The physical demands and emotional pressure can take a heavy toll. For those who live too far away from the person they care for to see them every day there can be the added stress of constantly wondering if they are OK. I know this from my own experience - my mother lives 250 miles away and has Parkinson's disease. I worry about her a lot.

That's why I'm so proud of Hive Link, which we developed with Carers UK.

Peace of mind

In developing Hive Link, we used the invaluable first-hand experience of our own employees who are carers. They helped us to understand how smart technology can support those who want to live independently, and provide peace of mind to their families and loved ones.

Using discreet connected devices in the home, a smart Hive algorithm builds up a picture of a loved one's routine. It can then alert a member of the family if that routine changes suddenly - for example, if a door is left open for too long, or if the toaster and kettle haven't been switched on for breakfast like they usually are.

It also allows the primary carer to share their duties with others, by nominating other friends or family to get notifications on their smartphones. Everything is designed to be as unobtrusive and simple as possible - the test has always been 'is it something your granny could use?'

The reassurance that help will come if something goes wrong can make all the difference to whether somebody can stay in their own home. And I know as a carer how important it is for my own wellbeing to have a system in place that looks out for my mother when I can't.

Hive Link is one way of getting carers connected - the theme of this year's Carers Week. As the technology advances, we will be able to offer more to empower carers, and the people they care for. And we will continue to do what we can to help Carers UK increase awareness of the vital role that carers play, and the support they need from all of us.