Assistive Technology in Supported Living: Reducing Risk While Increasing Independence
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Assistive technology is transforming supported living. When embedded properly, it reduces risk, boosts independence and removes the need for intrusive or restrictive support. Today’s commissioning landscape expects providers to use technology creatively — not as a replacement for human connection, but as a tool for positive risk-taking, improved outcomes and smarter staffing models.
This guide explores the most effective technologies and how to integrate them into person-centred, proportionate risk plans. It links closely with positive risk-taking and Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP).
1. Start with the person’s goals
Technology should never be selected because it is “neat” or new — it must respond to a real need. Before choosing a device, teams should ask:
- What independence is the person aiming for?
- What risks are currently stopping this?
- Which technologies could reduce these risks while preserving dignity?
This ensures tech enhances autonomy instead of creating dependency or surveillance.
2. Technology that quietly reduces risk
Many risks in supported living relate to health, cooking, mobility or night-time safety. The following tools effectively manage these risks without requiring constant staff presence:
- Epilepsy monitoring systems that alert staff only when required, reducing unnecessary checks.
- Heat and hob sensors allowing individuals to cook safely with decreasing support.
- Flood detectors preventing accidents in bathrooms or kitchens.
- Motion sensors supporting people who may fall overnight, without needing 1:1 staff supervision.
- Smart fire alarms that actively shut off heat sources if needed.
This type of tech makes independence safer — not riskier.
3. Technology that builds skills and confidence
For people with learning disabilities or autism, technology can support executive functioning, organisation and memory. Examples include:
- Medication reminder devices that prompt dosing without staff oversight.
- Visual scheduling apps that help structure routines.
- Smart speakers offering step-by-step cooking instructions or reminders.
- Accessible doorbell cameras that allow safe decision-making about visitors.
These tools empower individuals to practice independence without feeling monitored.
4. Technology as an enabler of least-restrictive practice
Commissioners increasingly expect technology to be explored before increasing staffing levels. Examples of least-restrictive alternatives include:
- Reducing 2:1 staffing through discreet location prompts or door sensors
- Replacing waking nights with epilepsy monitors where clinically appropriate
- Supporting travel independence with GPS-based reassurance
This reduces cost, enhances autonomy and aligns with modern commissioning priorities.
5. Co-producing technology decisions
Technology must always be chosen with the person — not for them. Good practice includes:
- demonstrating devices before use
- trial periods to test comfort and sensory tolerance
- checking whether alerts cause anxiety or reassurance
- avoiding any device that feels like surveillance
This approach increases acceptance and supports long-term use.
6. Safeguarding and data considerations
Technology introduces new safeguarding dimensions, particularly around privacy and consent. Providers should ensure:
- data is handled securely
- people understand who receives alerts and why
- monitoring is proportionate and time-limited
- technology is never used as a blanket approach
These points align closely with MSP and human-rights-based practice.
7. Technology + skilled staff = best outcomes
Assistive technology works best when combined with relational, empathetic support. Devices can reduce risk — but staff provide encouragement, emotional support and human connection. The most successful deployments are those where:
- technology enables new independence
- staff confidence increases
- risks are reduced without increasing restrictions
Used properly, technology helps people live more freely, safely and confidently in their own home.
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