The London Boroughs of Wandsworth and Richmond upon Thames have claimed financial savings and other achievements from a project to increase the use of joint care technology.
Named Gloria, the project has been run as a demonstrator with consultancy Rethink Partners and technology partner Alcove under the councils’ shared staffing arrangement.
It has involved offering a range of digital devices – including smartwatches, carephones and smart sensors – to vulnerable people to help them live independently.
Following an evaluation, the boroughs have reported that the initiative has produce £1.2 million savings for 2023-34, realising a return of £3 for every £1 invested.
They have also claimed a surge in referrals for the use of care technology, a cultural shift in favour of its use, and signs of an improvement in the wellbeing of residents taking part.
Plans to expand
The councils have now committed to an expansion of the initiative, with plans to increase the use of the technology and provide more relevant staff training.
Nadine Hassler, head of transformation and digital for adult social care at Wandsworth and Richmond, said: "The success of Gloria is a testament to our collective commitment to innovation and empathetic service delivery. It exemplifies a new era in how we approach health and social care."
Irene Carson, managing director at Rethink Partners, said: "The Gloria evaluation is a step change in having evidence of the efficacy of digital care technology and what adult social care needs to make culture change happen. We know so much more about benefits tracking and realisation than we previously did, and I hope other councils can benefit from this learning to help people live happier, safer and more independent lives."
