A New Report Highlights Potential to Fund 10,000 Additional Full-Time Carers by 2035
A groundbreaking report by health-tech company Lilli reveals that adopting lifestyle monitoring technology in social care could free up to two million bed days across the UK, providing much-needed relief for the NHS and social care systems. The report, titled “From Passive to Proactive: How Monitoring Technology Can Help to Solve the Health and Social Care Crisis,” estimates that this innovation could save the NHS a staggering £1.2 billion.
Lilli’s research draws on data from various local authorities already implementing AI-driven monitoring technology to address the increasing care demands and ongoing social care crisis. This technology, which monitors daily behaviours such as movement, eating habits, and bathroom use, offers a new approach to care—alerting professionals to significant changes in health before they escalate to the point of requiring hospitalisation.
Reducing Hospital Admissions and Preventing Crises
One of the critical areas highlighted in the report is the potential to reduce hospital admissions related to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Early detection through lifestyle monitoring can help prevent UTIs from advancing to more serious stages, which often result in emergency hospital care.
The report also underscores the importance of improving hospital discharge processes. With earlier discharges enabled by the technology, Lilli estimates the NHS could free up 2.3 million additional bed days, generating savings sufficient to fund the salaries of 2,000 nurses over the next decade.
A Vision for 2035: Freeing Up Carer Time and Improving Care Capacity
Looking ahead to 2035, Lilli’s analysis indicates that widespread adoption of this technology could free up to 94 million hours of carer time, creating the capacity to provide care for an additional 18,000 people. By enabling longer periods of independent living at home, councils could save up to £3 billion—enough to fund 10,000 additional care workers.
Moreover, the report highlights the significant health benefits for individuals facing delayed discharges. Prolonged hospital stays often lead to an increased risk of infections, adverse drug reactions, and readmissions. By reducing these delays, the technology would not only alleviate pressure on the NHS but also improve health outcomes for thousands of patients.
A Call to Embrace Technology in Social Care
Kelly Hudson, CEO of Lilli, emphasised the urgency of embracing technology in the sector:
"Right now, the people who need care are not getting the help that they should, and the problem will only get worse as the population ages. The numbers in this report speak for themselves. The savings and productivity figures highlight the profound difference that an investment in technology now would have, not just on the system, but on the lives of people up and down the country."
Real-Time Impact on Local Authorities
Local councils in Islington, Nottingham, and Reading are already using Lilli’s lifestyle monitoring technology, demonstrating the practical benefits of this approach. Rebecca Andrew, Service Improvement Manager from Nottinghamshire County Council, shared her experience:
"The rollout of remote monitoring technology across Nottinghamshire allows our social care staff access to real-time data, providing insights into a person’s behaviour over time. This helps us build a clear picture of their needs and allows us to act quickly, preventing crises and reducing ambulance call outs and hospital admissions."
As the report indicates, the integration of this technology into social care systems could be transformative, offering a sustainable solution to the growing pressures on care services. By acting now, councils and health providers can future-proof their services, ensuring better care for vulnerable populations while easing the financial burden on the NHS and local authorities.
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