Care Home Digital Support Project
Using digital technology to improve wellbeing for care home residents
This project supported care homes and their residents to use smart interactive technology to reduce social isolation and improve physical, mental and cognitive wellbeing.
Jointly funded by Public Health Torbay and the Enhanced Health in Care Homes Ageing Well programme, the project focused on providing both the technology and the practical support needed to make a real difference to residents’ daily lives.
What the project has done
- Engaged 40 care homes across Torbay and South Devon, exceeding the original target of 37 homes (25% of all homes)
- Provided smart devices, including voice-activated technology, to support communication and independence
- Delivered training and ongoing support to care home staff
- Introduced digital tools to help residents connect with family and access enrichment activities
- Developed additional online resources, including a dedicated project YouTube channel
- Worked in partnership with initiatives such as the HIVE training platform and the Hydration Projec
Impact and outcomes
- 100% of participating care homes reported positive feedback on the project
- All homes said the technology improved residents’ physical, mental or cognitive wellbeing in some way
- 100% of survey respondents (residents, families and staff) reported an improvement in quality of life
- 75% of family and friends said the devices helped them communicate more regularly, at least once a week
- Increased opportunities for residents to stay connected, particularly those restricted to their rooms
- Improved staff confidence in using digital tools to support care
Key Reports
