The Scrutiny Review Panel - Technology-enabled care met to discuss the current position and future opportunities for technology-enabled care (TEC) in Stockport. The panel heard presentations on the definition and benefits of TEC, and discussed how it can support residents to live independently and prevent the need for long-term care. The panel discussed next steps for the review, including future meetings and a visit to the Live Well Independently Stockport suite.

Understanding Technology-Enabled Care

The panel received a presentation outlining the scope of the scrutiny review into technology-enabled care (TEC). Sam Powell, Head of Strategy, Performance, Quality, and Digital Enablement in Adult Social Care at Stockport Council, explained that TEC involves using technology to support people's health, well-being, safety, and independence. Emma Battersby, Lead Commissioner in Adult Social Care for the Ageing Well portfolio, elaborated that TEC is not a single product but a flexible toolkit that can be tailored to individual needs. Examples of TEC include personal alarms and fall detectors for safety, remote monitoring and medication reminders for health and well-being, smart home technology for daily tasks, and communication platforms to reduce social isolation. The key message was that the starting point for considering TEC should always be the individual's goals and desired outcomes, with technology being a tool to achieve them.

The discussion highlighted the potential of TEC to support hospital discharge. Sam Powell explained that while immediate care is needed upon discharge, TEC can facilitate longer-term assessment and support, potentially reducing the need for intensive and costly care packages. For instance, a package of four care calls a day with two carers could be reduced to one carer per visit and two calls a day, significantly lowering costs. Michelle Bennett, Senior Service Manager for Prevention, Wellbeing, and Independence in Adult Social Care, added that a designated TEC officer within hospital social work teams can support discharge planning by sharing expertise on how technology can be integrated.

Councillor Warren raised concerns about the cost of advanced TEC options, such as wearables and AI, and how to ensure accessibility for residents who may not be able to afford them. Sam Powell responded by explaining that in one case, a £4,000 piece of technology with a 10-year guarantee was provided through a direct payment, which was significantly cheaper than ongoing care costs. He stressed that each case is assessed individually and that the council is exploring affordable app-based solutions for neurodiverse communities. The importance of ensuring accessibility and preventing digital and financial exclusion was emphasized.

Next Steps and Future Meetings

The panel discussed the next steps for the scrutiny review. This will include face-to-face meetings with individuals who are already using TEC and with staff who conduct assessments. A visit to the Live Well Independently Stockport suite is also planned to provide a practical understanding of the local TEC offer. The panel discussed potential dates for these future engagements, with a tentative date of November 17th, from 9 am to 11 am, being proposed for the visit and meetings. Further arrangements will be confirmed by Democratic Services.

The panel also noted the importance of learning from other local authorities. Sam Powell mentioned that Stockport is linked to TSA, an organisation that focuses on TEC across the sector, and has access to CQC assessment reports for other local authorities. He highlighted Wigan Council as an example of a local authority with an outstanding prevention offer where TEC is deeply embedded. Stockport is also part of a regional TEC and digital enablement group, co-chaired by Stockport's Assistant Director for Adult Social Care and an individual from Wigan Council.