Each month we meet key stakeholders and business leaders in the social care sector. This month we meet Jess Ellis, Programme Director 5G Innovation Region at WM5G
How do you see the collaboration between Coventry, Birmingham, and Wolverhampton Local Authorities shaping the future of adult social care in the West Midlands?
The collaboration between Coventry, Birmingham, and Wolverhampton Local Authorities will revolutionise adult social care in the West Midlands. By pooling resources, expertise, and technology, the project aims to create a more efficient care system. This initiative isn’t just about improving social care; it’s about creating a sustainable and supportive environment that enhances the quality of life for all. The focus will be on how care technology can:
- Help people live independently for as long as possible with positive outcomes.
- Ensure care is delivered efficiently and unobtrusively, optimising limited funds.
- Demonstrate how technology can help manage demand for long-term care, maximising future resources.
This project sets a precedent for other regions, showcasing how technology can be scaled to meet diverse needs, potentially leading to broader adoption of TEC (Technology-Enabled Care) across the UK.
Can you elaborate on how TEC solutions, such as senior devices and voice-activated systems, are transforming traditional social care practices?
Technology has advanced far beyond simple fall buttons and door sensors. Today, a variety of solutions are available, including smartwatches, sensors, video care phones, smart plugs, reader pens, and translation tools. These innovations allow care professionals to tailor solutions to individual needs—whether it’s reminding someone to eat, enabling them to call for help, or detecting changes in behaviour that signal a need for a face-to-face visit.
What are the anticipated cost savings and operational efficiencies that local authorities expect from implementing TEC in adult social care?
With rising demand and increasingly complex needs, social care budgets are under pressure, often representing a third of local authority budgets. TEC in adult social care offers an invest-to-save opportunity. By reducing the frequency of care visits (e.g., from four to two calls a day), TEC can lower costs and improve efficiency. Early intervention, remote monitoring, and reduced hospital admissions all contribute to saving resources. TEC also helps shift care from crisis-management to a more proactive, preventative approach, sustaining social care resources over time.
Reflecting on Kelly’s case, what lessons can be drawn about tailoring technology solutions to meet individual needs in a way that promotes independence and reduces care costs?
Kelly’s case demonstrates the importance of tailoring technology solutions to an individual’s needs. After her supported accommodation closed, we created a package that balanced support with independence: A falls-sensor watch gave her confidence to move around, motion sensors detected inactivity and prompted check-in calls, and a tablet helped her stay socially connected and manage daily tasks like medication reminders.
How does the 5GIR Health & Care programme plan to build an evidence base and develop blueprints for scaling these innovative TEC solutions nationwide?
The 5GIR Health & Care programme is a proof-of-concept that will eventually be scaled. We’ve identified the infrastructure and technology needed and demonstrated the potential for service transformation, improved care quality, and financial benefits. To scale this project, we now need additional funding to develop a whole-system approach, including effective partnership working, culture change, skills training, and access routes.
How do you address concerns or resistance from stakeholders, such as care providers and families, regarding the integration of advanced technology into social care environments?
The pace of change can be difficult for families and care professionals. However, the goal isn’t to replace jobs or face-to-face care but to empower individuals to live independent, fulfilling lives while easing pressures on services and budgets. Many care professionals are unfamiliar with available technology, so the programme includes independent digital navigators who offer advice and 1-to-1 training.
For families, understanding and reassurance are key. All technology is designed to be as unobtrusive as possible—using motion sensors instead of video and securely storing data. Involving stakeholders in the design and installation of care packages is crucial to building trust and ensuring the programme’s success.
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