Could assistive tech transform the social care sector?

Learning disability charity Hft has partnered with Tunstall Healthcare, a specialist in connected healthcare solutions, to release a new report on how assistive technology can support and transform the social care sector.

The report looks at the untapped potential of assistive technology and how it can support disabled people, increase independence and free up carers to focus on more meaningful support. It also highlights how assistive technology could help bridge the disability employment gap and get more disabled people into work.

Hft says that with social care funding in crisis and with care needs and demands growing, the realisation of the potential of assistive technology could revolutionise the way care is delivered, bringing about helpful changes for healthcare professionals and users alike.

Gavin Bashar, Managing Director UK & Ireland of Tunstall Healthcare, said: “Assistive technology can make a positive difference to people with all kinds of learning disabilities, and in a variety of living environments. From managing risks such as fires or falling, to aiding communication and helping to deliver greater privacy or dignity, technology can enable people to have more control over the way they live their lives.

“Not only can technology enhance more traditional care solutions by managing risk in the home environment, it can also connect people with their wider community, with mobile devices which enable users to travel to work and leisure activities, and can increase social inclusion.

“Realising the potential of technology solutions to change the lives of people with learning disabilities is vital, enabling new models of care which are more personcentred, preventative and sustainable.”

To read the full report – ‘Improving outcomes, enhancing care: Assistive technologies and the case for a Sector Deal for the learning disability sector’ – click here