Age Care Technology Pilot - Age Care Technology

Tender description

Bedford Borough has an aging population that is expected to grow significantly over the next 20 years. This will put an increasing demand on an already stretched health and social care system. The over 65 population is forecast to grow by 33% from 2023 to 2033 and by 48% from 2033 to 2043. In response to this there is an urgent need to offer early preventative intervention to enable older people to remain independent and in good health for longer, to have a good quality of life and to reduce or delay the need for health and social care services intervention. At the March EDG board members approved funding to pilot the ACT Assess and Connect tool to work with 1000 residents aged 65+ who live at home, in areas of deprivation and are not currently receiving social care support. The total funding allocated is £50,000 from Bedford Borough Council. ACT digital tools have been proven to help older people report their concerns, identify people at elevated risk and connect older people to sources of support, resulting in improvements to their wellbeing, independence, social connection and health. Independent evaluation by the International Longevity Centre UK suggests that annual assessment using ACT methods for older people living at home will add an average of one extra quality life year and compress morbidity by the same amount, significantly reducing the costs of long-term care (ILC, 2017). The project will demonstrate near term, medium term and long-term beneficial outcomes. • Near term (year 1). Reductions in injurious falls, loneliness, moderate to severe depression, urine incontinence, moderate to severe cognitive impairment, social care support for people with the highest level of need health inequalities. • Medium term (3-4 years). Accumulation of medium term benefits; supporting ageing in place; support asset based community development; improved independence and well-being; reduced inequalities of access and outcome for disadvantaged groups; increased integration and holistic approach from service providers. • Long-term (7-10 years). Adds on average one extra quality life year; removes one year of needing long-term current support prior to death; improves preventative care, leading to higher resilience of the older person and strengthened community asset; ROI of approximately x80.