Bield CEO calls for technology to be central to independent living

Speaking at the Digital Health and Social Care Scotland Conference in Edinburgh, Debbie explained that by prioritising a preventative health and social care model which is supported by meaningful digital support and interventions, people can be supported to live well for longer.

With close to half a million people aged 75 and over in Scotland, which is expected to rise to around 800,000 by the late 2030s, the country will see a huge increase in demand for housing, health services and care provision.

Debbie Collins, chief executive of Bield, said: “At present, Scotland does not have a national strategy for independent living and if we are serious about prevention, sustainability and enabling people to live well for longer, then a national strategy is no longer optional, it is essential. Instead of looking at housing as background infrastructure, it is vital that we prioritise it as the place where independence, health and daily life intersect.

“Bield believes that prioritising digital support and solutions into our housing is central to how we develop homes for older people. By implementing innovative approaches to digital care and incorporating technology into people’s homes that is discreet and fits around the person and the household, we can keep people connected and independent.”

Bield’s independent living approach is focused on how housing, technology and services can work together to support choice, autonomy and wellbeing. The organisation is investing in assistive technology, modern alarm receiving services and digital platforms to improve responsiveness and insight.

Debbie Collins added: “To support our ageing population, we must design for the future rather than react to it. By harnessing data and using artificial intelligence we can support people to stay in their own homes through systems designed around how they choose to live their lives. At Bield, digital technology isn’t just a safety net, it’s the foundation for people to live in their homes longer, more safely and independently.”

To support people to live well for longer, Bield believes all homes must be designed to support this aspiration, with digital technology playing a central role rather than being an afterthought.

Contributors and partners for the Digital Health and Social Care Scotland Conference included the Scottish Government, the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Health Inequalities, NHS Education for Scotland, SCVO and the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland.

Read Bield’s report, ‘A Roadmap for Independent Living: Reimagining Housing, Health, and Ageing in Scotland’ here.