“Investment in using the latest technology in social care could be transformative for the sector, whether that is for system efficiency, data analytics for prevention or customer service.
Responding to the Government’s announcement on training care leaders to use cutting-edge technology to improve care and help people live independently, Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:
“Investment in using the latest technology in social care could be transformative for the sector, whether that is for system efficiency, data analytics for prevention or customer service. Therefore, it is good the Government has announced staff will be trained to use this to help provide the care and support people rely on.
“To go bigger on the use of tech and AI, funding will be needed for scalability, as well as standards and safeguards to reassure and engage social care practice, testbeds, implementation and expertise.
“But latest technology alone will not provide all the changes the sector needs, nor can it be a substitute for human contact. The Spending Review must provide much-needed funding to tackle immediate challenges, lay the ground for the Casey Commission’s work, and support the care workforce, including for the fair pay agreement government is prioritising. Without immediate government action, care services will remain at risk, with devastating consequences for people and families who have cause to draw on them.”