Council consultation launches that proposes using assistive tech for night support service

Scottish Borders Council has launched a consultation on proposals to reprovision the Night Support overnight care service in a person-centred approach through the use of assistive technology.

The proposals are the result of a recent review of the service, which included a month-long pathfinder pilot held with service users in Tweeddale.

As part of this, all service users in Tweeddale received a reassessment of their care package and were offered alternative support by way of differently timed visits, for example late evening and early morning. The use of technology-enabled care (TEC) solutions, such as alarms, movement sensors, bed sensors, and door activation monitors, was also made available.

The evaluation showed that service users experienced no adverse impact or increased risk as a result of the changes. They also reported benefitting from not being disturbed throughout the night. Families were supportive and raised no concerns, according to Scottish Borders Council.

In line with this positive feedback, the local authority has now launched a consultation for TEC solutions to be used across its entire Night Support Service.

As part of the proposed service, a Rapid Response Team would be on hand locally to respond to alarm activations, and the day service will be extended to run from 6am to 12pm (instead of 7am to 10pm).

The local authority says that it has “no plans” to lose any staff through this process.

Councillor David Parker, Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “As is explained as part of the consultation, the pressure on care services nationally is being felt across the Borders and this is likely to increase.

“More than ever we need to be thinking creatively about new approaches and service delivery models that will enable us to provide more efficient and effective care, whilst maintaining safe and good quality services.

“The proposals to reprovision the Night Support Service are ones we need to consider carefully, particularly with the outcome of the Tweeddale pilot having shown that the changes worked well for service users with the alternatives proving equally effective in providing them with the support and reassurance required. Families and carers were also supportive with no complaints or concerns raised.

“I would therefore encourage anyone with an interest in the proposals to take part in the consultation before the closing date. It is important that we get as much feedback as possible so we can make a well informed decision as to the next steps for this service.”

A report on the findings will be taken back to the council prior to any further reprovisioning work being undertaken.

Scottish Borders Council is sending a letter to all existing service users to ask for their feedback on the proposals and to explain what the changes could potentially mean for them.

The consultation is open now and closes on 12 February 2023.

Take part in the consultation here.