The Role of Digital Health in Care Homes – Supporting Social Carers
As digital transformation accelerates across the UK’s health and care system, one group is often overlooked — the social carers working tirelessly in our care homes.
As the UK population ages, care homes are playing an increasingly important role in supporting people with complex needs. At the heart of these settings are social carers – the people delivering daily personal care, emotional support, and companionship. Yet despite their vital role, they’re often left out of the conversations about digital innovation in healthcare.
Empowering an undervalued workforce
Social carers are not always clinically trained, but they have a deep knowledge of residents’ routines, behaviours, and preferences. However, they often work with limited access to information, time, or training.
Digital health tools can support them by providing easy access to up-to-date care plans, symptom guides, and real-time alerts. These tools empower carers to respond confidently and effectively, improving outcomes for residents and reducing reliance on clinical teams.
Better information, better care
In many care homes, records are still paper based, making it hard for carers to get the information they need quickly. Digital platforms can bridge this gap, providing centralised access to key details like dietary requirements, medication routines, and behavioural changes – especially useful for residents with conditions like dementia or stroke.
Supporting communication and confidence Digital health solutions also make it easier for carers to share updates with families and communicate with NHS teams. This not only improves continuity of care but helps families stay informed and reassured.
For social carers themselves, in-platform resources - such as videos, short training modules, or read-aloud features - can boost confidence and support learning on the job.
Inclusion is key
To be effective, digital tools must be designed with the end user in mind. That means working on low-cost devices, being intuitive to navigate, and offering features like multilingual support or offline access. With high turnover and a diverse workforce, usability and accessibility are essential.
As integrated care systems evolve across the UK, care homes must not be left behind. Investing in digital tools that support local carers isn’t just about technology – it’s about valuing people who deliver frontline care every day. By empowering carers with the right digital support, we can improve care, reduce pressure on NHS services, and enhance the wellbeing of those living in care homes.