Associate feature: Supporting Independent Living through Technology-Enabled Care

The Scottish Government’s updated digital health and care strategy highlights the urgent need for digital services to alleviate pressure on healthcare systems and enable individuals to take greater control of their care. At Holyrood’s Digital Health and Care Scotland conference, the Remote Monitoring and Self-Management panel explored how technology can enhance patient pathways and support independent living.

Technology Transforming Digital Pathways

Technology is transforming healthcare by enabling personalised care, reducing costs, and supporting early interventions. Digital platforms facilitate data sharing across providers, improving coordination and patient experiences.

Overall, technology is creating more efficient, accessible, and personalised services and ultimately leading to better health outcomes and patient experiences.

Supporting Daily Living With Smart Solutions

Independence relies on the ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and mobility. Remote monitoring and self-management solutions, including fall detection systems and health tracking devices, ensure that help is readily available when needed.

Advanced technologies like ADL monitoring and predictive analytics detect subtle changes in an individual’s routine, allowing caregivers to intervene before minor issues escalate into critical health concerns. By integrating smart home sensors with fall detection devices, real-time data can predict risks, enabling proactive responses that enhance safety and quality of life.

Data Driven Care for a Preventative Future

The Scottish Government’s digital strategy focuses on empowering citizens with greater control over their health data, ensuring healthcare services are built on ethical digital foundations, and enabling planners and researchers to harness data to improve care efficiency.

Platforms like Legrand Care’s Pulse Digital Device Manager provide real-time insights into user health and activity patterns. By integrating data from wearable health trackers and home sensors, care becomes more personalised, responsive, and preventative. ADL monitoring, for example, enables early intervention by identifying trends that indicate declining mobility or increased fall risk, allowing tailored support before critical incidents occur.

Mobile TECs

Community engagement plays a vital role in supporting ADLs by encouraging physical activity, social interaction, and cognitive stimulation.

Community participation plays a vital role in maintaining independence by supporting both physical and mental well-being. Activities like walking, gardening, and sports help preserve strength, balance, and coordination, essential for daily tasks. Social engagement reduces loneliness and depression, fostering motivation to stay active. Learning new skills through cooking or art classes enhances capabilities like meal preparation and fine motor coordination. A structured routine helps individuals stay organised, while access to community resources - such as healthcare and transportation - makes managing daily tasks easier. Mental stimulation from educational or volunteer activities supports cognitive function, aiding problem-solving and overall well-being.

Overall, community participation enhances both physical and mental well-being, supporting independence and quality of life.

Innovative GPS-enabled telecare solutions, such as NOVO Go, extend independent mobility beyond the home while maintaining professional support services. This shift towards data-driven care aligns with the Scottish Government’s preventative care model, reducing hospital admissions and promoting long-term well-being.

The Future of Technology-Enabled Care

Looking ahead, TEC solutions will expand beyond elderly care to support other services such as children’s services and individuals with cognitive impairments. Collaboration between local authorities, healthcare providers, and technology innovators will be crucial in the creation of TECs pathways and consequent scaling solutions effectively.

Proactive, preventative care will continue to be a driving force, necessitating common data dashboards and dedicated data champions who translate insights into meaningful service improvements. The integration of digital ecosystems will enhance person-centred care, ensuring that TEC solutions meet the evolving needs of Scotland’s healthcare landscape.

With 16 years in the TEC industry, my work at Legrand Care has focused on developing connected solutions that empower individuals to maintain independence. By leveraging digital innovation, we can transform care delivery, reduce healthcare burdens, and improve lives.

About Maureen

With over 20 years of experience in Account Management, customer satisfaction and quality service are at the heart of my work. During the past 12 years, I have had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of Telecare into the advanced TECs (Technology-Enabled Care) systems we see today. Throughout my career, I've gained extensive knowledge across various solutions, including quality standards, analogue and digital technologies, call handling software, and the cutting-edge Digital Eco Systems that define the modern TECs market. I am incredibly proud to be part of Legrand Care, a global brand, and to contribute to the ongoing advancements in digitally connected care.

This article is sponsored by Legrand Care. 

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