More adults with social care needs across the West Midlands will be able to live independent lives following the extension of a groundbreaking programme that uses digital technologies to help citizens live safely in their own homes for longer.
The 5G Innovation Regions (5GIR) Health and Care programme is funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and delivered in the West Midlands by WM5G, in partnership with the adult social care teams at Wolverhampton, Birmingham and Coventry city councils.
The extension, which was announced by the Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, at TechUK yesterday evening, will see the programme scaled regionally and nationally, expanding TEC to more local authorities and strengthening collaboration with NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). It will also enable the development of a comprehensive business case, procurement framework and culture change programme to support and drive long-term transformation.
Robert Franks, MD of WM5G, said: “The 5GIR programme is transforming the way we deliver adult social care across the region, making the most of technologies – such as sensors, wearable monitors and computer tablets – to create personalised care plans for vulnerable residents.
“Whether we are helping younger adults to live more active, independent lives or supporting our elderly and frail citizens to remain safely in their own homes for longer, the positive impacts of this ‘digital-first’ approach are significant: Helping vulnerable residents live more fulfilling lives; reducing preventable hospital admissions, and supporting local councils to balance rising demand for services with ever-tighter social care budgets.
Diane, a Wolverhampton resident with lived experience, said: “Having this technology installed in my home has been a true blessing. It makes me feel so much safer, knowing that help is just a button press away if I ever need it. I feel more independent than ever because I can go about my day without constantly worrying and also knowing my family feel so assured by this support really empowers me. It gives me peace of mind, and that is truly priceless.”
Andrew Wolverson, director of Adult Social Care at City of Wolverhampton Council, added: “It is an exciting time for Social Care in the region. We are just getting started with technology enabled care solutions and are already seeing positive impacts on culture change and our residents’ well-being. We’re looking forward to what is next.”
Local authorities across England spent more than £28.4 billion on adult social care in 2022/3, with around half this figure going towards services for people aged over 65. In Birmingham alone, over 22,500 new adult social care requests for this age group were received during the period, with a further 14,410 support requests for younger adults, highlighting the scale of the challenge local authorities face up and down the country.
For further information, visit http://www.wm5g.org.uk
