Agenda item

Major Review - Assisted Living Technologies: Updates and Information for the Committee

Minutes:

The Head of Business Delivery & Support presented the results of the recent Assisted Living Technology (ALT) survey, provided an overview of case studies, summarised social care staff feedback and links to wider strategy development, such as Telecare and digitisation.

 

It was reported that the ALT survey was sent to residents, including people in receipt of the TeleCareLine service, people living within Extra Care, Supported Living, Sheltered Housing and Residential Care units, service users, parents and carers in receipt of Direct Payments. This included children, young people, adults and older people using a variety of services including supported living for people with learning disabilities, for those using mental health services and people with physical disabilities and extra care needs.

 

101 survey responses were received, and it was noted that a wide range of ALT was already in place. There was generally satisfaction with the equipment and reasons for not liking or using products were around not liking or using it or forgetting to wear it. 54% of survey respondents had used the equipment in an emergency and the outcomes were positive. The number of people wanting more equipment or technology to help them remain safe and independent at home was 21%. Some of the main types of equipment or technology that people wanted were Alexa or Echo device. Reasons for why people did not want more equipment were in relation to people not wanting to pay.

 

The Committee heard about different case studies from residents in The London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham who had used ALT technology. Stockton on Tees council also used ALT to enable people to remain at home and live independently whilst avoiding high cost residential care home placements. Other case studies were from The London Borough of Lewisham and Cardiff Council.

 

Members were provided with feedback from Hillingdon staff and residents. It was reported that digitalisation was being considered as a wider project across the Council and how it affected each service area, not just within social care. A strategy was to be developed and a final strategy would be in place by 31 March 2022 covering a 3-5year period. 

 

During Member questions, it was noted that the survey would have been helpful at the start of the review to help inform the questions asked to witnesses. 101 responses to the surveys were generally good but there was disappointment in the number of under the age of 40 responses. It was explained that although the survey respondent may not have been under 40, the survey could have been completed by a parent or carer on their behalf. The survey was sent to a range of social care service users not just those in direct care of Telecare. Information on the timeline of the survey would be provided.

 

Members considered that the survey was good and insightful and noted that carer and client needs were different. The Committee was pleased to see the geographical spread. There was disappointment that Brunel University had no live research but Members thanked all those involved in the review for their work.

 

RESOLVED: That the Committee noted the contents of the report.