Using assistive technology to support personalisation in social care

A report published jointly by the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group and the National Care Forum shows how technological solutions can enhance personalisation, choice and control and reveals how the lives of people of all abilities and ages and their families have improved as a result of assistive technology.

The report stresses that technology cannot be used in isolation or always be relied upon as a substitute for traditional human support, but it can:

• increase choice, control and independence for individuals
• help stretch personal, health and social care budgets to provide more support
• support the role of carers and staff, encouraging their enabling role
• help commissioners and providers in running cost effective services