Adult Social Care Providers Are Not Using Care Technologies

Why It Matters

The gap in technology use hampers efficiency and quality of care, while the identified barriers signal urgent policy and investment needs to fully digitise the sector.

Key Takeaways

• 27% providers lack any care technology.
• Monitoring sensors used by 43% of providers.
• Digital records adoption rose to 73% since 2021.
• Cost and licensing are top adoption barriers.
• Connectivity and training needs hinder technology uptake.

Pulse Analysis

The latest DHSC survey underscores a mixed picture for digital transformation in England’s adult social care. While three‑quarters of providers have embraced at least one technology, a persistent quarter remain entirely offline, limiting their ability to deliver data‑driven, proactive services. Sensors for falls prevention dominate the landscape, reflecting a focus on safety, whereas cutting‑edge tools such as virtual reality and smartwatches have yet to gain traction. This uneven adoption mirrors broader sectoral challenges, including fragmented funding streams and varying organisational capacities.

Cost pressures sit at the forefront of the adoption dilemma. Over 70% of respondents cite technology licensing fees and upfront expenses as prohibitive, while staff training and cybersecurity concerns further dampen enthusiasm. Connectivity gaps compound these issues; although most residential providers have basic broadband, a sizable minority anticipate needing faster internet within three years. These infrastructure constraints not only stall innovation but also risk widening the quality gap between larger, better‑funded organisations and smaller providers that serve vulnerable populations.

Looking ahead, the survey’s call for sustained financial support and upskilling initiatives presents a clear roadmap for policymakers and investors. Targeted subsidies for hardware, cloud services, and staff development could accelerate uptake, especially for emerging solutions that promise richer user experiences. Moreover, standardising digital records and integrating them with health systems can unlock efficiencies and improve outcomes. As the sector moves toward annual monitoring, the data will likely shape a more coordinated digital strategy, positioning England’s adult social care to meet rising demand with smarter, more resilient technology ecosystems.