The UK Government's recently announced ten-year vision for adult social care has sparked discussions across the sector. As specialists in technology enabling vulnerable individuals to live independently, we at 2iC-Care are particularly interested in the plan's focus on digital solutions.
The recent adult social care reform white paper highlights its commitment over the next three years to provide at least £150M of additional funding to drive greater adoption of technology and achieve widespread digitisation across social care.
This paper sets out an ambitious 10-year vision to put people at its heart, and it revolves around 3 objectives:
- People have choice, control and support to live independent lives
- People can access outstanding quality and tailored care and support
- People find adult social care fair and accessible.
This reflects our mission, too, as our award winning IoT software enables complex interoperability between an unlimited range of device-types and provides personalised monitoring care solutions.
Quality of Care
Healthwatch's reaction to the Government's new social care plan highlighted seven crucial issues, with 'Quality of Care' being a standout topic.
This section reveals a significant commitment from the Government:
"The Government has committed funding to help local authorities offer a wider variety of supported housing options. There is also funding for digital solutions that aim to support people to live independently."
The Power of Digital Solutions in Social Care
Enabling Independent Living
The plan's emphasis on digital solutions aligns perfectly with what people truly want: "social care support that enables them to live independently in the place they call home." This recognition is a crucial step towards a more person-centered approach to care.
Technology as an Enabler
As pioneers in developing technology for vulnerable individuals, we wholeheartedly support this direction. Our experience shows that many vulnerable people would choose to live independently at home if they felt safe and well-supported.
The Human Side of Technology in Care
It's not just about business for us. Many of us have personal experiences with vulnerable loved ones who desire to maintain their independence. This personal connection drives our commitment to developing effective, user-friendly technologies.
Balancing Independence and Safety
Our solutions aim to strike the perfect balance between providing independence and ensuring safety. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, we can offer peace of mind to both care recipients and their families.
The Future of Social Care
While the Government's plan is a step in the right direction, there are still challenges to overcome. Issues such as digital literacy among older adults and the need for robust infrastructure must be addressed.
At 2iC-Care, we're committed to continually innovating and improving our technologies. We believe that by working closely with care providers, local authorities, and most importantly, the individuals receiving care, we can create solutions that truly make a difference.
We invite care providers, local authorities, and individuals interested in independent living solutions to reach out. Let's discuss how we can work together to implement these digital solutions and improve the quality of life for vulnerable individuals. To learn more please see our Meet Andi page or contact us here.
By embracing digital solutions in social care, we're not just following a government plan – we're paving the way for a future where more people can live independently, safely, and with dignity in their own homes.