Richmond upon Thames is set to enhance its adult social care services with a £2.9 million investment in care technology. The Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee approved the tendering of a contract for technology services, marking a significant step towards modernising care and supporting residents' independence. The investment will focus on supporting residents with complex disabilities or mental health needs.
The care technology service incorporates a range of equipment and digital technologies to support people's independence. The offer includes alarms, monitoring and falls devices to alert carers or responders to risks; modern consumer technology (e.g. specialist tablets or applications) to support independence and 'connected home' devices to support people with environmental controls in the home.
The approved contract spans an initial four-year period, with the option to extend for an additional year, bringing the total contract value to £2.9 million over five years. This decision underscores the council's commitment to leveraging technology to improve the quality of life for its residents.
The investment aims to support a wider range of residents, including those with complex needs. Claire Tew, Assistant Director, Assurance and Innovation, explained that the focus was shifting to supporting people with more complex needs, which would result in lower volumes but greater financial benefits.
Councillor Paulina Vassileva questioned whether the projected increase in the number of people receiving care technology was ambitious enough. In response, Ms. Tew clarified that the focus was shifting to supporting people with more complex needs, which would result in lower volumes but greater financial benefits.
Councillor Andy Hale sought clarity on some of the numbers in the report, and was told that there was a different starting point for the numbers in different paragraphs.
The committee also approved the procurement approach and timetable, delegating the award decision to the Executive Director of Adult Social Care and Public Health, in consultation with the committee chair. More information can be found in the Care Technology Procurement In Adult Social Care Report.
This investment in care technology aligns with the council's broader strategy to enable residents to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. By embracing innovative solutions, Richmond upon Thames is positioning itself as a leader in providing person-centred care that meets the evolving needs of its community.
