Technology-Enabled Prevention and Care 

Technology is advancing and becoming more available and easier to use, meaning that more people are using it in their everyday lives.

There is significant potential for the transformation of health and social care through better and widespread use of digital technologies. This includes a growing role for technology in supporting people to monitor and manage their health and wellbeing, and also enhancing people’s experience of accessing services. 

The following people's stories are drawn from Lincolnshire County Council's (LCC) Technology Enabled Prevention and Care (TEPaC) Pilot, which launched in February 2024.

LCC's Adult Care and Community Wellbeing 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. 

Working closely with a technology provider, the team 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.

Alice’s story: regaining control

Alice, who is neurodiverse and lives with a long-term physical condition, faced significant challenges including chronic pain, poor mental health, and isolation.

She was offered the 'Brain in Hand' app, which she used daily to manage anxiety and track her emotional wellbeing. The app included a traffic light system and personalised strategies developed with a coach.

Alice found the app to be a consistent and reliable support, unlike previous experiences with carers.

Alice set herself further goals such as only pressing red when she really needed to and try to manage her anxiety with the support from the app instead.

The app helped her to identify triggers, prepare for appointments, and make positive lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking.

Her story exemplifies how digital tools can empower individuals to take control of their health and wellbeing.

Challenges faced

Alice experienced chronic pain, poor mental health, and isolation stemming from neurodiversity and a long-term health condition.

Digital support tools

Using the Brain in Hand app with a traffic light system helped Alice manage anxiety and track her emotional wellbeing daily.

Positive lifestyle changes

The app empowered Alice to identify triggers, prepare for appointments, and adopt healthier habits like quitting smoking.

Empowerment and hope

Alice described the app as a “life-saver” that gave her hope and meant she could improve her wellbeing and develop her strengths.

Pieter’s story: independence with dementia

Pieter, who lives with dementia and no longer speaks English, maintains a daily routine of walking to his daughter’s home. However, his unpredictable routes caused concern for his daughter and carers.

Through the TEPaC pilot, Pieter received a James GPS watch, which he wears daily. The watch allows his daughter and carers to track his location, reducing stress and time spent searching for him.

Pieter enjoys wearing the watch, and it has become a part of his routine. The technology has enabled Pieter to retain his independence while providing peace of mind to his family. His daughter expressed relief and calmness, stating that the watch has helped her significantly.

This case highlights how simple technological interventions can support autonomy and safety for individuals with cognitive impairments.

Daily routine and concerns

Pieter maintains a daily walk to his daughter’s home, but his unpredictable routes caused concern.

GPS watch intervention

The GPS watch allows Pieter’s family to track his location, reducing stress and search time.

Supporting independence

The watch helps Pieter retain independence while providing peace of mind to his family.

Joined up support

Pieter has visits from a care provider and often they would arrive and Pieter wouldn’t be at home. With the GPS watch it makes it easier for Pieter’s daughter to find him when the care provider called her.

Family relief and impact

Pieter’s daughter feels relief and calmness knowing her father’s safety is monitored effectively.

Irene’s story: staying connected

Irene, diagnosed with a neurological condition, spends most of her time in bed and lives alone.

She was referred to the TEPaC pilot and received a Vocala Flo installed on an Amazon Echo speaker. This enabled her to control lights, listen to high-quality music, and make audiovisual calls with family and friends.

Irene found the technology transformative, especially the ability to see her son during weekly calls, which enhanced their emotional connection. She also appreciated the improved sound quality and access to information through Alexa.

Irene described the experience as life-changing, noting that it made her feel cared for and more independent.

Her story demonstrates how digital tools can combat isolation and improve quality of life for individuals with limited mobility.

Assistive smart technology

Using a smart speaker, Irene was able to control her home environment and communicate easily, improving independence. Irene no longer had to rely on the carers to turn on and off lights or heating.

Enhanced emotional connection

Irene felt video calling her son was a much more significant activity for her than a phone call, and she makes sure her hair is done and feels a deeper sense of emotional connection.

Improved quality of life

Access to music, information, and improved sound quality contributed to Irene’s sense of care and wellbeing. Irene loved to know what piece of music she was listening to as well as who composed it.

Combating isolation

Irene said that it has ‘transformed her life’ and she feels less lonely and isolated with it.

Fiona’s story: confidence to go out

Fiona, who has a heart condition and mobility difficulties, experienced a loss of confidence after collapsing in the street.

Fiona was offered a GPS pendant through the TEPaC pilot to support her independence and provide emergency assistance. Fiona wears the pendant daily and credits it with restoring her confidence to go out and resume activities she had stopped. She now feels safe and reassured, which has enabled her to travel and visit her children.

Fiona described the pendant as a psychological support, helping her overcome the fear associated with her previous health incident.

Her story illustrates how wearable technology can empower individuals to reclaim their independence and engage more fully with life.

Loss of confidence

Fiona lost her confidence to go out after a health incident, causing fear and anxiety about her safety.

GPS Pendant support

The GPS pendant has an SOS button as well as automatic falls detection, which gives her peace of mind and allows her to be more independent.

Restored confidence

Wearing the pendant has restored Fiona’s confidence, enabling her to resume activities and visit her children safely.

Empowerment through technology

Fiona’s story highlights how wearable technology empowers individuals to reclaim independence and engage fully with life.

Libby’s story: comfort and settling in

Libby, who has learning disabilities, struggled to settle into a new supported housing environment.

Libby was offered a Robotic Companion Cat, which she quickly adopted and used daily. The cat provided sensory and emotional comfort, helping Libby feel more at home and reducing anxiety-related behaviours.

Libby's support worker, Becky, observed a significant positive change in Libby’s mood and behaviour after receiving the cat. Libby enjoyed caring for the cat, which reflected her strengths and interests in animals. The robotic pet became a source of routine and comfort, contributing to Libby’s emotional wellbeing.

This case highlights the importance of personalised, comforting care solutions in supporting individuals through transitions and uncertainty.

Emotional comfort and anxiety relief

The robotic companion cat provided sensory and emotional comfort, reducing anxiety and helping Libby settle in her new home.

Positive behavioural changes

Libby's support worker observed significant improvements in mood and behaviour following the introduction of the robotic companion cat.

Personalised comfort care

Personalised care solutions like robotic pets support emotional wellbeing through transitions and reflect individual strengths and interests.

Meryl and John’s Story: Staying at home for longer

The Howz lifestyle monitoring system helped John (living with dementia) stay safe at home by tracking his daily routines and activity.

Although when Meryl was interviewed, John was moving into a care home, this technology had helped John to stay at home for much longer.

Caregiver reassurance

Meryl used Howz to check her father’s movements, confirm he was up and about, and clarify events—providing peace of mind without being intrusive.

Adaptability and independence

The system allowed the family to monitor John’s safety and routines without cameras, respecting his privacy and dignity.

Supporting complex health needs

This technology enabled John to remain at home longer, showing how Technology Enabled Care can support families managing dementia and changing health needs.