Using Digital Technology to Support Independence and Safety for Older People
Supporting independence while managing risk is a central challenge in ageing well services. Digital tools and telecare are now embedded within technology, telecare and digital support for ageing well and aligned with broader dementia service models and care pathways, particularly where cognitive, mobility or health needs fluctuate over time.
Effective use of technology requires careful design, clear governance and ongoing review to ensure that safety does not come at the expense of autonomy.
Balancing independence and risk through digital support
Digital tools are most effective when they enable people to do more for themselves, rather than restricting activity. This includes supporting safe mobility, medication management and timely support without increasing unnecessary supervision.
Providers must demonstrate how technology is used to enable choice and control, particularly where individuals wish to take informed risks as part of ageing well.
Operational example: location monitoring and community access
An ageing well service supporting individuals with early dementia introduced optional location monitoring to support continued community access. The context was increasing anxiety from families about people becoming lost, alongside individuals’ strong desire to remain independent.
The support approach involved consent-based tracking, agreed boundaries and clear response protocols. Staff monitored alerts during working hours, with telecare back-up overnight.
Day-to-day delivery included regular reviews of boundaries, documented consent discussions and incident debriefs where alerts were triggered. Effectiveness was evidenced through sustained community engagement and reduced safeguarding concerns.
Operational example: digital wellbeing checks
A rural ageing well service implemented digital wellbeing check-ins using tablet devices. The context was long travel times limiting face-to-face contact for low-risk individuals.
The support approach involved scheduled video check-ins combined with in-person visits. Staff used digital prompts to assess mood, hydration and nutrition.
Impact was evidenced through reduced missed visits, early identification of health changes and positive feedback from individuals who valued flexibility. Governance included clear criteria for escalation to in-person support.
Operational example: integrated telecare and reablement
Following hospital discharge, an ageing well service used short-term telecare to support reablement. The context was high readmission rates linked to early discharge and limited overnight support.
The support approach combined falls sensors, medication prompts and daily digital reviews by the reablement team. Telecare was reduced as independence increased.
Effectiveness was evidenced through reduced readmissions, documented step-down plans and outcome reviews with commissioners.
Commissioner expectation
Commissioners expect digital support to be outcome-focused, time-limited where appropriate and integrated into wider care pathways. Technology should support prevention, reablement and admission avoidance rather than becoming a permanent default.
Providers are expected to demonstrate cost-effectiveness alongside quality, using data to evidence impact at both individual and service level.
Regulator expectation (CQC)
The CQC expects providers to evidence that technology supports safe, person-centred care. Inspectors will look for clear consent processes, capacity assessments where relevant and evidence that people understand how technology is used.
Failure to respond to alerts, poor equipment maintenance or lack of staff competence are likely to be viewed as risks to safety.
Quality, safeguarding and assurance
Digital systems should feed into safeguarding and quality assurance processes. This includes reviewing alert patterns, investigating missed responses and learning from near misses.
Providers should also evidence how restrictive practices are avoided and how digital monitoring remains proportionate.
Sustaining effective digital practice
Technology in ageing well services must evolve alongside people’s needs. Regular reviews, staff training and governance oversight are essential to ensure digital tools continue to support independence rather than limit it.
When used well, digital technology becomes an enabler of dignity, choice and safety, supporting older people to live well on their own terms.