The impact that Technology Enabled Care (TEC) is having on people in Wolverhampton with care and support needs is demonstrated by one resident who says it has enabled her to get her life back.
The City of Wolverhampton Council launched its new TEC service earlier this autumn, following a highly successful pilot programme.
It will help residents access innovative technology tailored to their eligible care needs, such as sensor devices and voice activated wireless technologies including fall detectors, smart speakers, video doorbells, and remote monitoring sensors – enabling people to live the independent lives they want.
One of those benefiting is Kim Bradshaw. The 35 year old has a learning disability and faced a challenging situation when her supported living accommodation closed.
Temporarily moving to a residential home, she felt her independence slipping away and longed for a home of her own, where she could feel safe, yet be free to live independently.
Her social worker Hollie Taylor recognised the importance of restoring Kim’s independence and ensured her voice guided the solution. Together, they explored how the TEC service, which is delivered on behalf of the council by Alcove, could provide the right balance of support and freedom.
As a result, a tailored package of devices were introduced to meet Kim’s specific needs, including a GPS falls pendent empowering her to move around her home confidently, knowing any fall would trigger an immediate alert to her carers, and motion sensors which monitor Kim’s activity patterns, ensuring any unusual inactivity is promptly addressed to keep her safe.
There is also a smart display helping Kim to stay socially connected with family and friends through video calls, as well as managing daily tasks like setting medication reminders, and door and window alarms, offering her a sense of security by alerting her and her carers to any unauthorised access, particularly at night.
Hollie said: “Kim has thrived since moving into independent living, and she has complete control over her life.
“She’s really well supported by the staff, but she’s equally really well supported by the technology; she has that sense of security so she knows she can alert people for help, but it has also empowered her to live more independently.”
Kim said: “I’m so thankful to Hollie and Alcove for giving me my life back. I can now do what I want.”
Councillor Paula Brookfield, Cabinet Member for Adults, said: “Kim is a great example of the life changing impact that Technology Enabled Care is already having for over 200 people in Wolverhampton.
“The key focus here was on using the technology to create a supportive environment that not only aligned with Kim’s immediate needs but also provided long term benefits for her wellbeing and quality of life. By focusing on what truly mattered to Kim, the team not only restored her independence and dignity but also delivered meaningful change in a compassionate and cost- effective way.
“This wasn’t just about technology; it was about helping Kim rediscover her confidence and control over her own life.”
The TEC service builds on Wolverhampton’s pioneering work with West Midlands 5G (WM5G), which has already demonstrated how digital tools such as fall detectors, voice activated devices, and remote monitoring sensors can improve quality of life.
As the council continues to develop the TEC service within the Early Support offer, access to the TEC service will initially be limited to individuals who meet the Care Act eligibility criteria for care and support. People who do not meet the threshold will be supported to explore TEC independently or through a range of national providers and online marketplaces.