Key messages
Our priorities are to:
- Help people find information, advice and guidance about equipment and technology early, so they can make informed choices about the support available.
- Meet our legal duties for people with eligible care and support needs through our equipment and adaptations services.
We also want to encourage providers of assistive technology, community equipment and telecare services to develop and promote products for the wider retail market.
Information and advice
People, families, carers and care providers can find information about equipment and technology through Staffordshire Connects.
Providers can register to advertise their services on the website.
Staffordshire Connects includes:
- Information on equipment and technology.
- A catalogue of equipment and daily living aids.
- Access to the AskSARA online self-assessment tool.
- Opportunities for suppliers and retailers to promote their products.
We also:
- Work with care providers, retailers and voluntary organisations to raise awareness of available equipment.
- Provide advice through Staffordshire's Contact Centre.
- Signpost people who are not eligible for care and support services to sources of information and self-help.
Providers can also promote their products at Staffordshire's twice-yearly Managers Quality Network Forum, which is attended by around 200 people from the adult care sector.
We encourage care providers to use assistive technology and technology-enabled care as part of their services to:
- Improve independence and wellbeing.
- Support workforce planning.
- Improve service quality.
- Increase business sustainability.
- Reduce reliance on health and care services.
About the services
Adaptations, community equipment and assistive technology help people live safely and independently in their own homes for longer.
Staffordshire County Council works with six district and borough councils to deliver the Supporting Independent Living in Staffordshire service through the Disabled Facilities Grant programme.
We also work with NHS partners and Stoke-on-Trent City Council to provide an Integrated Community Equipment Service (ICES).
Demand for services
Demand for equipment and adaptations is expected to increase as the population ages and more people live with frailty and long-term conditions.
The number of people aged over 65 in Staffordshire is expected to increase by up to 30% by 2030.
National research also suggests:
- Around 1.9 million households include someone who feels they need home adaptations because of a health condition or disability.
- Most people buy equipment and assistive technology directly from retailers or online providers.
- In Staffordshire, only around 8% to 10% of people are expected to use equipment supplied through the Integrated Community Equipment Service, meaning most equipment is purchased outside the contracted service.
Services we commission
Supporting Independent Living in Staffordshire
This service is delivered in partnership with councils in:
- Lichfield
- Newcastle-under-Lyme
- South Staffordshire
- Stafford
- Staffordshire Moorlands
- Tamworth
The service provides:
- Information and advice.
- Home assessments.
- Home adaptations.
- Support to access grants, funding and loans.
- Design and project management for adaptation works.
- Support with selecting contractors.
The service supports both self-funders and people eligible for local authority funding.
Minor adaptations costing less than £1,000 are usually provided free of charge to people with eligible care and support needs.
For larger adaptations:
- People may need to contribute towards costs following a financial assessment.
- Disabled Facilities Grants can help fund essential adaptations.
Examples include:
- Access ramps.
- Wider doorways.
- Stairlifts.
- Downstairs bathrooms.
- Improved heating systems and controls.
The service receives around 175 enquiries each month. Around 40% of enquiries do not progress, often because people are not eligible or decide not to continue.
Integrated Community Equipment Service (ICES)
The service is currently provided by Medequip on behalf of Staffordshire County Council, NHS partners and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
ICES provides equipment to people with eligible health or social care needs following an assessment by a health or care professional, such as:
- Occupational therapists.
- Physiotherapists.
- Community nurses.
Equipment available includes:
- Hoists.
- Commodes.
- Raised toilet seats.
- Shower chairs.
- Grab rails and other minor adaptations.
Basic equipment may be provided free of charge, depending on eligibility and financial assessment. People can choose additional equipment by contributing towards the cost.
Telecare and assistive technology
Staffordshire County Council does not directly commission telecare monitoring services.
People with eligible social care needs who could benefit from telecare may receive a Direct Payment to arrange a monitoring service.
Our approach is to:
- Make assistive technology a normal part of care and support.
- Increase public awareness.
- Support people to buy suitable products themselves where appropriate.
- Encourage a wider retail market for technology-enabled care.
We are also linking assistive technology to wider work on:
- Prevention.
- Frailty.
- Falls prevention.
- Community support.
Information on equipment and technology is available online, including information about products, suppliers and self-assessment tools.
We work with NHS partners, the voluntary sector and care providers to improve awareness of available technology and encourage earlier intervention.
The council also funds a range of alarms, sensors and aids through the Integrated Community Equipment Service for people with eligible needs.
Digital and technology-enabled care
Staffordshire County Council is exploring digital solutions to help meet growing demand for care and support at home.
Technology can help people remain independent, improve outcomes and reduce pressure on health and social care services.
Commissioning intentions
Staffordshire County Council is working with health and social care partners to introduce digital solutions, including:
- Digital social care record systems.
- Technology-enabled care pilots.
- New approaches to supporting independence.
We are interested in working with providers that:
- Have experience of technology and innovation.
- Can demonstrate successful delivery.
- Have the skills needed to support digital transformation in care and support services.