St Helens Borough Council has received national recognition for its approach to technology-enabled care (TEC) that is supporting people to live independently in their own homes for longer.

A collaborative programme between the local authority’s adult social care, ICT, and digital services has resulted in the creation of a hub at the council’s Brookfield Support Centre facility.

The hub contains a range of AI technology that is having a positive effect, helping improve mobility, and supporting people with dementia, as well as reducing falls and social isolation.

The equipment, available for purchase, varies from assistive lighting and automatic medication dispensers to one-pot kettles and self-draining sinks to help those with mobility issues. Pillow shakers and sensors help alert to danger and prevent falls.

In addition, smart water bottles help to increase fluid intake, and one-button computers offer a simple and safe way to communicate with loved ones to reduce social isolation.

Robotic cat and dog therapy pets that respond to petting, without the need for special care or feeding, and provide comfort for people living with dementia and anxiety, are also available.

The council says feedback on the technology from a recent focus group, including Brookfield staff, service users, and family members, has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants have praised the calming effects of the robotic therapy pets on dementia patients and reducing stress for residents who might be anxious about being away from home.

In addition to the technology at Brookfield, the council has developed an AI-powered TEC Care Assessment Digital Catalogue. This tool suggests the most suitable technology solutions for an individual to maintain their Independence, following an assessment.

Forming part of a new practice model that aims to put people at the centre of their care and use new and innovative ways to help people live independently at home for longer, the council’s approach to TEC came out on top in the Transforming and Innovating Public Services Award at the iNetwork Awards recently. The council’s TEC initiative has been shortlisted as a finalist at this year’s prestigious MJ Awards which honours outstanding achievements in local government.

Councillor Keith Laird, Cabinet Member for People, Performance and IT, comments: “AI and assistive technology, like that on display at Brookfield, has the potential to improve lives and ease pressures on public services like adult social care, for which demand is ever growing. For every 20 patients, we could save up to £145,000 a year by reducing domiciliary care costs.

“Research shows that people live well for longer when they can maintain independence by living in their own home. That’s why it’s important that we explore innovative ways like the latest digital technology available to us to enable our residents to continue living independently for longer, safe in the knowledge that support is available to them when they require it

A digital brochure is available on the council website to signpost people to equipment which they can purchase independently, with advice and support also offered to residents and families during interactions with adult social care and Integrated staff.

A vital council service in South Lanarkshire is to be bolstered to help keep vulnerable people safe and independent at homes.

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