Innovating for Independence: a win-win for health and social care

The adult social care system is in crisis. The population is ageing, with people living longer in poorer health, combined with a local government system at financial breaking point. Without innovation and reform, this crisis will only worsen.

The potential of technology in the delivery of social care is enormous. For instance, remote intelligent monitoring technology and wearable devices which track health vitals can enable people with social care needs to remain safely and independently in their own homes, connected to their families and friends, while simultaneously freeing up capacity in social care services.

By adopting and scaling proven technologies, there is an opportunity to achieve a double dividend of better outcomes for those needing care and better value for taxpayers.

This briefing paper sets out practical actions that can be taken on a local, regional and national scale so that emerging technologies can significantly improve the delivery of social care in the short-term.

Realising the benefits promised by new technologies would be a ‘win-win-win’ for those receiving care, local authorities and the NHS, and at a time when the need is urgent.

This paper was kindly supported by Lilli.