Digital Inclusion in Social Care: What Providers Can Actually Do
Digital inclusion is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ — it’s a key factor in quality of life, communication, and autonomy for people drawing on care and support. Whether you’re delivering supported living, domiciliary care, day services or residential care, the question is no longer if you should promote digital access, but how.
🌐 What Is Digital Inclusion?
Digital inclusion means ensuring that everyone — regardless of age, disability, or income — can access and benefit from digital technologies. This includes:
- Access to affordable internet and devices
- Skills and confidence to use technology safely
- Support for digital communication, learning, and health tools
In social care, it also means protecting people’s rights and safety while enabling independence.
✅ Why It Matters for Providers
- CQC expects it: Under the Well-Led and Responsive Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs), inspectors may ask how technology supports people’s autonomy, communication, and involvement in decision-making.
- It enhances wellbeing: Video calls, digital activities, and self-management tools can reduce isolation and build confidence.
- It supports independence: From online shopping to managing health appointments, digital access supports day-to-day control.
💡 Practical Things You Can Do
- Audit access: Start with a simple review. Who has a device? Internet access? Support with passwords and navigation?
- Offer digital skills training: One-to-one coaching, peer-led sessions, or supported use of training platforms can go a long way.
- Provide options: Some people may prefer not to use digital tools — and that’s fine. Ensure paper-based alternatives are still available.
- Embed it in care planning: Add digital goals and preferred tech into support plans and reviews.
- Work with families: Engage relatives and friends in helping people stay connected and build their digital confidence.
📣 Final Thought
Digital inclusion is about more than Wi-Fi. It’s about choice, access, and empowerment. And it can’t be solved by equipment alone — it needs care teams to take ownership.
Providers that take a thoughtful, inclusive approach will not only meet commissioning and inspection expectations — they’ll also help people live fuller, more connected lives.
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Updated for Procurement Act 2023 • CQC-aligned • BASE-aligned (where relevant)