Adult services directors want more evidence on the benefits of telecare

The majority of adult services directors feel they need more evidence on the benefits of assistive living technologies, a survey by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (Adass) has found.

The survey, which gives a national picture of telecare services for the first time, was unveiled today at the National Children and Adults Services Conference (NCASC) in Manchester.

Most of directors who responded to the survey said that more evidence on the benefits of telecare was needed to help implement services, but councils were keen to share their examples of good practice with others.

The study also found that 70% of respondents saw older people as the group most likely to benefit from telecare, due to the ‘multi-faceted’ nature of their care needs.

A further 41% ranked people with learning disabilities either first or second in benefiting from telecare services, while 37% made the same claim for carers.

Adass president David Pearson said: “What is clear from the results is that we are a sector undergoing change, with a number of responses being qualified by comments relating to service reorganisation and the Better Care Fund implementation planning.

“We hope our investment in resources to support members with their telecare service development can now be focused in the areas that make the most difference.”

Linda Sanders, assistive technology lead at Adass, added: “These findings will help us to support directors to generate further momentum locally, to help understand needs, and decide what to focus on nationally.”

Other key findings from the survey include:

• 61% of English local authorities provide telecare services
• Personal budgets were being used to fund telecare in 32% of councils
• 26% of councils are considering using Skype
• 12% of local authorities are using social media for older people