Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Strategy 2026 to 2031
The Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Strategy sets out how West Northamptonshire Council will use technology to help people live independently, safely and well in their own homes.
The strategy supports a proactive and preventative approach to adult social care. It focuses on helping people stay independent for longer, preventing avoidable crises and reducing the need for more intensive care and support.
Technology will not replace people, it will enhance the support available to residents, carers and professionals.
About Technology Enabled Care
Technology Enabled Care (TEC) is technology that helps people manage their health, wellbeing and independence.
Examples include:
- personal alarms and falls detectors
- smoke detectors linked to monitoring services
- GPS trackers
- medication reminders
- smart home devices
- remote health monitoring equipment
- digital apps that support wellbeing and independence
TEC can help people stay safe, connected and in control of their daily lives.
We will:
- support more people to remain independent at home
- provide support earlier to prevent needs escalating
- reduce avoidable hospital admissions and care home placements
- help unpaid carers continue in their caring role
- improve access to information and support
- work more closely with health and community partners
- use technology responsibly to improve outcomes
Why this matters
People are living longer and often have more complex health and care needs.
Technology can help people:
- maintain their independence
- manage risks safely
- feel more confident at home
- stay connected with family and support networks
- access information and support earlier
A preventative approach benefits residents, carers and services by reducing the likelihood of crisis situations developing.
Technology Enabled Care will be considered wherever it can help maintain or improve outcomes, promote independence and provide a cost-effective way of meeting a person's needs.
Improving our technology offer
We will continue to review and develop our technology offer.
Including:
- wearable technology
- digital self-assessment tools
- assistive technology
- predictive analytics and artificial intelligence (AI)
Supporting independence
We will use technology to help people:
- remain safe at home
- retain choice and control
- manage everyday activities
- maintain connections with family and communities
Preventing crisis
We will use data, technology and professional expertise to identify risks early and provide support before problems escalate.
Tackling digital exclusion
We want everyone to benefit from digital services.
We will help people access:
- devices
- connectivity
- digital skills support
- accessible online services
Working with partners
We will work with health services, housing providers, the voluntary sector and community organisations to deliver joined-up support.
Using data and AI responsibly
We will explore how data and AI can help identify risks earlier and improve services.
Making sure that:
- privacy is protected
- data is used ethically
- people remain at the centre of decision-making
Raising awareness
We will improve awareness of Technology Enabled Care.
This includes:
- residents
- carers
- health professionals
- social care professionals
- community organisations
Digital tools that are available now
Technology Enabled Care includes a range of digital tools and services that can help people stay safe, independent and connected.
These tools provide practical support in everyday life and can help people access information, manage their wellbeing and find the right support at the right time.
Ask Rose
Ask Rose is West Northamptonshire Council's digital assistant for Adult Social Care.
It helps residents find information, understand available support and identify next steps.
Bridgit Care
Bridgit Care provides online support for unpaid carers.
This includes:
- advice and guidance
- wellbeing support
- emergency planning tools
- information about available services
Online self-assessment
We are developing an online self-assessment tool that will help people identify technology and equipment that may support their independence.
Real life examples
Technology Enabled Care is already helping people across West Northamptonshire to live more independently and safely by:
- helping people remain safely at home following a dementia diagnosis
- supporting people to manage falls risks and long-term health conditions
- increasing independence for autistic adults
- improving safety for people with sensory impairments
- providing reassurance and support for unpaid carers
Case studies demonstrating these outcomes can be found in the full strategy document.
Read the full strategy
You can read the full strategy below to learn more about our vision.
Last updated 08 September 2026