Technology-enabled care should be central to good care – and the Social Care White Paper

The use of technology-enabled care (TEC) has increased rapidly during the coronavirus pandemic. However, not all care providers feel able to take advantage of technology. The Hubble Project – developed by the National Care Forum (NCF) with funding from NHS Digital’s Digital Pathfinders Programme - enables care providers to learn from others who have introduced technology.

Based on a series of virtual visits to three innovative care providers, NCF and Digital Social Care have published a series of films, information packs, templates and guides.  For example, unobtrusive monitoring systems and circadian rhythm lighting, aligned to our natural body clock, are enabling residents at Parkhaven Trust’s specialist dementia care home, The Beeches, to get a better night’s sleep – improving their quality of life, and helping them to be more active during the day. And it is freeing up night staff to focus on those in most need of support.

NCF is encouraging everyone in the care sector to play their part in supporting the effective use of technology – including commissioners in terms of ambitions and funding, and policy makers in terms of ensuring TEC-enabled care is a core element of the Social Care White Paper. The Housing LIN also looks forward inviting Digital Social Care to give evidence to the TAPPI Inquiry.