In this video, we're going to be talking about an evidence briefing we wrote that explores the question of how effective technology-enabled care, or tech, is in delaying the need for packages of care for people living with dementia.

There are many kinds of technology, so in answering our question, we specifically looked at tech that monitors, reminds, or prompts, as well as sensors designed to enhance safety. And we initially finished this briefing in 2023 but have recently updated it. 

So, what did the evidence say? Well, there is evidence that tech can improve safety with things like location trackers, giving carers valuable peace of mind. Also, when used alongside other interventions, it can help reduce risks from falling or from behaviours such as purposeful walking. 

For example, one study showed how a care line and nightlight package significantly reduced falls risk for people who were taking part.

Our update in 2025 uncovered more about how tech can positively impact on people's quality of life through helping them take part in things that they enjoy and creating easier interactions between a person living with dementia and their caregiver. For example, around personal care.

However, we found no clear evidence that tech will delay the entry of people living with dementia to long-term residential care or reduce the demand for social care services over time for those who remain at home, and also no clear evidence that it will necessarily improve the quality of life for people living with dementia or help their carers to feel better able to provide care and support.

And also, the evidence isn't clear around the use of environmental sensors on their own to reduce falls or risk of falling. This may feel disappointing, especially given current heavy investment in tech in many adult social care organisations, and so it's worth thinking about why there may be this lack of evidence of effectiveness, and to stress that no clear evidence is not the same as saying that tech is ineffective.

Firstly, the studies we looked at suggested that the tech that's provided is not always appropriate. It may be unwanted, not tailored enough to someone's needs, or simply too complicated for people to use. It can be installed too early before people feel they need it, or too late when there is less chance it will make a difference.

And finally, much technology isn't currently well evaluated.

In summary, therefore, it's worth reflecting that this kind of tech for people with dementia may not always be as beneficial as we might hope or as is sometimes claimed, and so we definitely do need more good-quality research and evaluation to explore this and to make sure that technology services are improved in practice in future. 

The evidence highlighted several issues in relation to the provision and use of tech.

It is important to ensure that people are happy and to understand the implications around privacy and consent.

Also, some tech relies on carers being involved in supporting and managing it on an ongoing basis, so this can limit its use.

Tech may also increase rather than decrease isolation and loneliness if it's used to replace contact with a caregiver. 

Some people with dementia may not be reassured by the tech but instead experience increased anxiety, confusion, or agitation when things such as alarms or reminders go off and they don't remember what these are for or if the alarms go off at the wrong time. 

So, what are the implications of this for practitioners working in adult social care?

As you already know, it's important to involve the person and take the time to understand their individual circumstances and needs and how they live their life both in their home and their social environment. 

It is important to have strong and well-thought-through assessment processes to ensure the technology recommended will meet the person's need.

Any review should be built in to ensure that the tech is installed correctly and that people have access to ongoing support.

This provision of tech should be seen as a dynamic process, changing in line with the person's needs as their dementia progresses. 

So, for example, in the early stages, practitioners should consider using tech to support a person's autonomy, to enable them to continue taking part in meaningful social activities or to connect with family and friends, for example. 

In the later stages, the focus could change to the use of technology that supports a person's dignity. Reminders about medication use, hydration, or continence, for example.

Practitioners and researchers should explore how technology can be used to support people's quality of life as well as to address safety concerns. 

People living with dementia may be more likely to incorporate tech into their lives if it means that they can continue to carry out activities that are meaningful for them. Maintaining social relationships is key. 

Amanda Threlfall is a member of our lived experience advisory group and was a carer for her husband with dementia for many years. She's also really interested in how tech can be used not just for safety but to support a person and their carer to maintain their quality of life. We'll leave the last word to Amanda, and we'll leave her words on the screen.