Blueprint for technology enabled care approved
A ground-breaking blueprint for using technology and AI to support people in Lancashire has been approved this week.
Lancashire County Council's cabinet has approved its 'technology enabled care policy' today, setting out exactly how technology will support and enable adults and children to prevent and delay the need for formal care.
The new blueprint sets out the legal framework for how the council will deliver technology-enabled care.
This is thanks to the county council's vision to have digital technology enabled care at the heart of its social care and health offer.
It will ensure people live safely in their own community and stay connected socially, improve lives by focusing on prevention, anticipation and supported self-management and help people to improve their wellbeing and maintain their independence for as long as possible.
The move supports national legislation, thanks to the Care Act 2014, which places duties and requirements on the county council. The Care Act 2014 also highlights the importance of preventative services within the community, enhancing people's control over their lives, helping them to live safely and reducing the need for care and support.
Technology-enabled care will also help the council meet its national public sector equality responsibilities especially in opportunity and improving participation in public life for people who require it, such as people of an advanced age and those with disabilities.
The move also comes after a three-tier, non-means tested charging system for telecare services was brought in earlier this year.
Lancashire County Councillor Graham Gooch, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: "Technology-enabled care is hugely important service, as it enables us to support people, usually in their own homes, in more innovative and less obtrusive ways, and to give residents and their families dignity and peace of mind.
"This will support and enable adults and children to prevent and delay the need for formal care, and also recognises the fact that there is, and is likely to be, a growing range of new technology. This includes devices that use Artificial Intelligence and machine learning to help predict and prevent harm, which we wish to harness for the benefit of all of Lancashire, when it's appropriate to do so.
"We are delighted that this will be available for all Lancashire residents, not just those with a registered care need, and we welcome the opportunity to continue to innovate to get the best possible service that our residents deserve."