22nd February 2022
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Strategic intervention needed for care technology
A new report is urging the government and care sector to invest and advance technology for the care sector and makes a range of recommendations to facilitate growth in solution provision and higher quality outcomes.
Press release
22nd February 2021
Strategic intervention needed for care technology
A new report is urging the government and care sector to invest and advance technology for the care sector and makes a range of recommendations to facilitate growth in solution provision and higher quality outcomes.
The Care Tech Sector Analysis, released today by Future Care Capital (FCC), is the final report in a series designed to map out start-ups and SME technology providers in England. It is the culmination of our 2021 tech landscape reviews which covered home care, mental health care, learning disability care, and residential care. It finds significant difference between these subsectors of care in the types of technology deployed and the function the solutions are performing.
The Analysis finds that the human aspect of care is highly valued and relationships with carers should remain prominent. The delivery of care is made more difficult with a worsening workforce crisis and we need to ensure the skills and essential care provided by people remains valued. The infrastructure for digital solutions needs to be in place to help optimise provision of care and reduce burdens that do not require human input.
The future of health and care is still in a state of flux due to the ongoing pandemic and subsequent recovery. Although the sector is advancing in several ways, there are still some impactful gains to be made. Using technology to provide less invasive monitoring, facilitate better communication and promote safety in both formal and informal settings is a huge opportunity. The formality of care is changing through technologies focused on independence and exploring ways to enable self-care. People can manage their own care as part of an active independent life.
“This research has shown us how much value technology can add in a diverse range of care settings. It is exciting to see several advanced technologies emerging. The sector needs to come together now to ensure progress is maintained, growing the number of solutions, and maximising the benefits felt by people providing and engaged with care.” Report author and FCC Head of Policy and Research, Dr Peter Bloomfield
“The modern generation of people with care-needs, and indeed the care-givers, are more digitally-savvy, more technology-confident than ever before. In our world of smart-phones and Alexa, we are all becoming accustomed to AI and digital assistance as part of our homes and our lives. Today’s aging population are experienced and demanding consumers, they want to live long independent lives – with an emphasis on quality as much as longevity. They are discerning customers, with money behind them. The ‘silver-pound’ has never been more important. Putting innovation and R&D into practice, bridging the gap to sector adoption and transformation is a key next step. Linking this with carers and people using services is critical to achieving continual improvements. Development of a defined ecosystem, regularly surfacing new challenges and lowering barriers to investment will rapidly advance the sector. This analysis shows real opportunities for technology in care and importantly highlights where it can be used to improve lives and outcomes.” Dame Caroline Dinenage DBE, MP - Former Care Minister (2018-20)
This publication alongside the rest of the series is available for download at futurecarecapital.org.uk/research. They will be discussed at greater length and in much more detail at the upcoming webinar this Thursday afternoon – register for free now.
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