7th October 2025
People First: Technology Enabled Prevention and Care in Lincolnshire
A Technology Enabled Prevention and Care (TEPaC) update from Amy Pitts, Social Care Digital Technology Ambassador (Associate Lead Professional), Adult Care & Community Wellbeing, Lincolnshire County Council.
In November 2021, we set out on a journey to explore how technology could help people across Lincolnshire live the lives they want, for as long as possible, in the place they call home.
This led to the Technology Enabled Prevention and Care (TEPaC) Pilot, which launched in February 2024.
Working closely with a technology provider, we offered a range of devices and digital tools for people to try. But this wasn’t just about gadgets or innovation for its own sake — it was about understanding what really makes a difference for real people in everyday life.
The aim was simple:
· To help people to stay independent.
· To support family, and family and friend carers.
· To reduce the need for more formal care or residential placements.
The University of Lincoln independently evaluated the pilot, listening to people’s stories and measuring the impact on their lives.
PLEASE NOTE: The people's stories included below are real, but the names of individuals have been changed to protect confidentiality.
What Did We Learn?
Technology helps to build confidence and independence
Many people told us that technology became a bridge to confidence and freedom. GPS pendants, watches, room sensors, and apps helped them to feel safer, less anxious, and more independent at home.
- Fiona’s story: After an illness, Fiona lost confidence in going out alone. Her GPS pendant changed that, giving her the confidence to go out by herself and making it possible to visit her children.
For many, these tools are providing reassurance not just for themselves, but for their families too.
Technology supports family and friend carers
Technology works best when it fits into existing networks of care - families, friends, neighbours, and communities. For family and friend carers, having digital tools in place has meant peace of mind and the freedom to continue caring, knowing there is a safety net if something goes wrong.
- Pieter’s story: Pieter’s daughter was able to keep supporting her Dad to walk to her house independently, knowing she could quickly find him if he got lost. The technology reduced her worry and helped Pieter stay at home for longer, while also supporting homecare workers to keep him safe.
In this way, technology doesn’t take away the human connection; it helps it flourish.
Technology delays or reduces the need for formal care
For some, technology has been key to maintaining daily routines, such as remembering medication or monitoring wellbeing, without needing additional visits from paid carers.
- John’s story: John’s daughter, Meryl, used home monitoring tools to keep an eye on his wellbeing and medication. This meant John could stay safely at home, surrounded by the things, and people, he loved.
Technology worked here because it began with understanding John’s needs, preferences, and his family’s role in his care.
Technology can help to enhance wellbeing and quality of life
Technology isn’t just practical - it isn't just about safety or independence. It’s also about comfort, companionship, and emotional wellbeing - helping people stay connected and feel part of something bigger.
- Alice’s story: Alice, who lives with chronic pain and anxiety, described the Brain in Hand app as “life-saving”, helping her manage her feelings and build new routines.
- Libby’s story: Libby, who has learning disabilities, found comfort and routine in a robotic companion cat, which helped her settle into her new home.
- Irene’s story: Irene, who spends most of her time in bed, said her smart speaker “transformed” her life by letting her control her environment and see her son’s face on video calls.
Technology - what matters most
The TEPaC pilot reminds us that technology only works when it starts with people.
Technology is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It works best when it’s personal, flexible, and part of a wider web of support: family, friends, neighbours, and community.
The pilot also highlighted the importance of choice, clear information, and respecting people’s privacy and preferences.
Technology-Enabled Prevention and Care - looking ahead
As we look to the future, the TEPaC pilot is a reminder that people must always come first.
By listening, learning, and working together, we can use technology not as the answer, but as an enabler - one that helps everyone in Lincolnshire live their best life, in their own way, for as long as possible.
