A team of social care professionals in Suffolk is making strides in digital transformation by achieving a milestone in referrals for its digital care service.
Suffolk County Council, in partnership with Alcove and Rethink Partners, is pleased to have achieved a landmark number of 1,000 referrals for care technology in under nine months since the ground-breaking Cassius service went live on 19 July 2021.
The service has seen over 1,600 devices installed in people’s homes to enable Suffolk residents to stay at home and live independently and delay the need to access additional care or move to supported accommodation.
Devices such as movement sensors, smart watches, wearables, falls prevention devices and other technology are allowing people to stay independently at home for longer and better manage risk when previously they may have needed additional help, such as home care or moving to a residential care home. Pioneering care technology such as this has also helped prevent the need for urgent care, thanks to its smart technology.
Suffolk County Council believes it has saved up to £2.2 million by enabling people to live well at home for longer, rather than having to access formal care and support before they were ready.
Councillor Rebecca Hopfensperger, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said:
“This is a significant milestone in our work to support Suffolk’s most vulnerable residents to access the care and services they need.
"We’re really proud of the work carried out by Cassius and the council’s digital care team to improve and enhance our existing social care provision and look forward to seeing the continued benefits for the population of Suffolk. It’s promising to see a steady rise in referrals for digital care to help improve the lives of our residents.”
Hellen Bowey, CEO at Alcove, said:
“Digital transformation continues to shape and influence every part of our lives, and digital care is no exception. This milestone is an indication of the progressive approach to providing outstanding digital care to Suffolk’s most vulnerable residents and we’re proud to work in partnership with Suffolk County Council.”
Case study
Liz, 74, did not want to go into residential care but her daughter, Kate, was worried about her mum’s wellbeing as she lived alone and has dementia.
Senior social worker, Karen, was asked to do an assessment and to discuss Liz’s options for her ongoing care. Kate and Liz agreed to try care technology as a compromise, to allay Kate’s fears and to avoid a residential care placement.
Liz’s house was fitted with Cassius sensor kit, bed sensor mats, connected fire alarms and she was provided with a Cassius smartwatch to raise the alarm should she need to.
Liz is now living happily at home and Kate has peace of mind.
