Social Care in a Digital Age

The Government’s Mission: A Digitally Enabled, Preventative System

The plan envisions a digitally unified health and care system, where a single patient record is accessible across services, and care is designed around the individual, not the institution.

This includes:

AI-assisted diagnostics and care planning
Self-referral tools via the NHS App
Digitised therapies and remote monitoring
A digital “Red Book” for children’s health

For social care, this means real-time access to health data, enabling faster, more coordinated responses and reducing duplication and delays.

AI and Route Optimisation:
Smarter, Greener Care

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise how care is delivered. One practical example is route optimisation for domiciliary care workers. By using AI to plan the most efficient travel routes:

Travel time and fuel use are reduced, supporting the UK’s Net Zero goals
More visits can be completed per shift, improving productivity
Staff fatigue is reduced, enhancing wellbeing and retention

This kind of optimisation doesn’t just save time—it can reduce the number of staff required to deliver the same level of care, easing pressure on a stretched workforce.

Digital in the Age of Prevention

The shift from sickness to prevention is central to the 10-Year Plan. Social care plays a vital role in this by helping people stay well at home for longer. Digital tools can support this in several ways:

Remote monitoring of vital signs and wellbeing
Smart home technologies to detect falls or inactivity
Apps and wearables that promote healthy habits and medication adherence

With the right training and support, care staff can become digital enablers, helping individuals use these tools effectively and confidently.

Empowering the Workforce:
Digital Champions and Care Technologists

To make this vision a reality, the government is investing in Social Care Digital Champions and Care Technologists—new roles designed to embed digital skills and innovation into frontline care. These professionals will:

Train and support staff in using digital tools
Identify and implement new technologies
Act as a bridge between care providers and tech developers

This is a crucial step in ensuring that digital transformation is inclusive, practical, and sustainable.

What It Means for Local Authorities

Local authorities are at the heart of this transformation. They will be expected to:

Integrate digital planning into commissioning strategies
Collaborate with NHS partners on shared digital infrastructure
Support providers in adopting and scaling new technologies
Ensure equity, so that digital innovation doesn’t widen existing inequalities

Funding, leadership, and cross-sector collaboration will be essential to make this work.

A Digital Future That Works for Everyone

Digital innovation in social care isn’t about replacing people—it’s about empowering them. With the right tools, training, and support, care professionals can deliver more effective, personalised, and preventative care. The 10-Year Plan offers a roadmap, but it’s up to all of us—providers, local authorities, and communities—to bring it to life.

How Eladdis Consulting Can Help

Despite the promise of digital transformation, many social care providers and local authorities face significant challenges:

Limited funding and unclear investment pathways
Workforce digital literacy gaps
Fragmented systems and poor interoperability
Resistance to change and lack of strategic leadership

Whether you're just starting your digital journey or looking to scale innovation across your organisation, Eladdis Consulting is here to help. With strategic insight, practical experience, and a deep understanding of the social care landscape, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Strategic Planning & Governance

Build a strong foundation for digital transformation.
We help you develop tailored digital strategies aligned with national policy and local priorities. Our governance frameworks ensure your organisation remains compliant, accountable, and transparent—ready to lead with confidence.

People & Practice

Empower your workforce to drive change.

Through hands-on training and the development of digital champions, we build your team’s confidence and capability. Our real-world insight from frontline experience ensures practical, people-first solutions that work in the environments you operate in.

Technology & Impact

Turn innovation into measurable outcomes.

From AI and smart tech implementation to unlocking funding and demonstrating impact, we support you every step of the way. Our approach ensures technology is not just adopted—but embedded, scaled, and delivering real value.

Eladdis & Co Consulting