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The shift to digital: Embracing technology in the care home sector

Published by Michael Mbanunu

The care home sector has undergone a significant transformation over the past few decades, embracing digital technologies that enhance the quality of life for residents, streamline operations, and improve overall care standards. While the road to digitalisation has not been without challenges, the benefits of incorporating digital tools into the sector are becoming increasingly evident. In this blog, our Senior Project Manager, Isabel Rodrigues de Abreu, shares how care homes are utilising digital solutions in their care homes.

Last week, we held our final Pioneer Alumni session of the series, which focused on how to implement digital innovations in care homes. We heard enthusiastically how all of our care home leaders were utilising a variety of digital solutions, which could be grouped into three broad categories: 

  • Electronic health records and digital care plans, which are digital versions of traditional paper-based care plans, allow multiple health and care professionals to quickly access crucial information about the person receiving care. In London, the Universal Care Plan (UCP) enables information to be shared in real-time across various health care settings in the region and connects with existing health and care IT systems. HIN South London has been supporting the roll-out of UCP. 
  • Remote monitoring and wearable devices are increasingly used in the care sector to enhance resident safety, enable early detection of deterioration and improve care quality. They often utilise sensors, cameras, and software to monitor various aspects of a resident’s health and behaviour. Examples of technologies include motion-activated lighting systems to prevent falls, remote monitoring tools to monitor people with long-term conditions and mobile handheld devices that use artificial intelligence (AI) to assess pain levels.  
  • Technology to support back-office functions is increasingly being used in care homes to improve how the care home is run, making operations more efficient, streamlined and cost-effective. Ultimately, this saves vital time for staff, enabling them to focus on delivering person-centred care to their residents. We heard from our care home leaders how they now have inventory management systems to track medical supplies and consumables, use online platforms to support staff training and CPD, as well as scheduling and workforce management software to help schedule staff shifts and track attendance. 

Marie Bannister, a care home manager in Sutton, explained how she has been working with South West London Integrated Care Board (ICB) to pilot the use of AI technology to improve the assessment of a resident’s pain level when they are unable to communicate this to staff. Marie told us how easy it has been for her staff to implement the tool within her care home adding “since we started the pilot, we have seen so many benefits, the staff find it very easy to use and it has improved how we manage pain, especially for our residents with dementia who find it hard to tell us how much pain they are in.”

Overcoming challenges and looking ahead 

Despite the clear advantages, the transition from analogue to digital in care homes has not been without challenges. Our care home pioneers talked to us about issues such as staff training, data security, and technology accessibility/interoperability. These factors must be addressed to ensure that digital systems are used effectively and securely. Additionally, the cost of implementing new technologies can be a barrier for some care homes, especially small care facilities.

However, as the sector continues to embrace digital solutions, innovations will likely continue to emerge that make technology more accessible, user-friendly, and cost-effective for care providers. With the rapid development of AI, the future of care homes will likely see even greater integration of this technology for clinical and non-clinical purposes. All this innovation will continue to provide new opportunities for care homes to provide better, more personalised care, ensuring a brighter future for both residents and care providers alike.

Congratulations to all our care home leaders who received CPD certification for attendance at HIN South London’s Pioneer Alumni 2023/24 series.

Recap: Pioneer Alumni Programme

The Pioneer Alumni programme is a graduate programme open to care home leaders who have completed the Pioneer Programme to maintain a connection with their peers and continue professional development in the care sector.

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Celebrating Cohort 6 of the South London Care Home Pioneers

Published and last updated by Michael Mbanunu

The South London Care Home Pioneer Programme is a nine-month initiative delivered by the Health Innovation Network South London (HIN SL) in partnership with My Home Life England. This year marked the sixth cohort of the programme, which concluded on 5 March 2025. In this blog, our Senior Project Manager, Isabel Rodrigues de Abreu, shares her reflections on this year's cohort, along with feedback gathered throughout the programme.

On 5 March 2025, we proudly marked the conclusion of the sixth cohort of South London Care Home Pioneers, a fantastic group of care home leaders and managers who have spent the past nine months developing their leadership skills and delivering meaningful Quality Improvement (QI) projects in their care settings.  The Pioneer Programme has been running since 2018. It is a unique programme designed to support care home managers to grow as leaders whilst making tangible improvements to the way care is provided. Participants leave the programme with more confidence and fresh perspectives that benefit both residents and staff alike.

Reflections on the journey

Being part of the team at the HIN SL, delivering the Pioneer Programme, has been an eye-opening experience. It’s been fulfilling to see how the programme can empower those who manage and provide care daily to some of the most vulnerable citizens. By being involved with the Pioneer Programme, I’ve seen first-hand the value the right support can have on helping care professionals thrive and make a real impact in their roles.

The Celebration event brought together the Pioneers, alumni from previous Pioneer cohorts, and leaders from the care sector. It provided a great opportunity to reflect on each Pioneer’s journey, share key learnings, and showcase the QI projects developed throughout the programme.

Feedback on the Action Learning Sets

One of the most valued aspects of the programme, as described by many Pioneers, are the Action Learning sessions led by My Home Life. Pioneers reported that the sessions created a safe, supportive space where they could openly explore challenges, share insights, and discover new approaches to leadership.

The sessions sparked all kinds of personal and professional reflections. Pioneers spoke about changes in how they lead, how their teams work together, and the wider impact on care culture.

One Pioneer reflected: “I can help my team, what can I do to boost their energy? I can talk with them about solutions and support them to achieve their best.” Another shared a particularly moving insight: “I’m not afraid to lead now, despite how others may view me.” These reflections are an important reminder of how meaningful this journey has been for Pioneers.

Celebrating Quality Improvement projects

A real highlight of the Celebration event was the presentation of the Pioneers’ QI projects. These were practical projects aimed at tackling everyday challenges in their care homes, from improving hydration to reducing recurrent falls.

As part of their project work, many Pioneers reflected on the value of the QI process and the insights they had gained along the way. One Pioneer shared about the importance of communication, recognising the “value of effective communication and the need to foster a supportive environment for both staff and residents.” Another reflected on the practical skills they had developed, noting that they had learned “how to analyse data, implement structured changes, and manage resistance effectively.”

But beyond the individual projects, it was clear how much the overall programme had impacted Pioneers. One Pioneer described how it had helped shift their mindset, sharing, “I believe this [programme] has given me the confidence to lead, and that my issues are not unique to me.” Another added, “The programme is excellent, it supports us not only to be good leaders but also teaches us how to look after ourselves and others.

Overall programme comments:

"It was a space where we could discuss challenges, take guidance from peers, and feel heard. This programme provided invaluable support."

"I am soaring high. I’m happy that I’ve completed the [programme]. I have gained a lot of knowledge, and I’m grateful for the support in becoming a better leader."

"I used to experience self-doubt, but through this programme, I began to believe in myself more. I’ve realised the importance of listening and asking questions to help me in making informed decisions."

"I used to be shy and hesitant to speak my mind, but now I have learned to be more confident and make changes. This programme has helped me become emotionally stronger as a leader."

Looking ahead

With over 160 care home leaders now part of the Pioneer family, the programme continues to build a strong and supportive network of leaders passionate about improving care. A core group remain actively involved through the Pioneer Alumni Network, offering support to new participants and sharing best practices across the sector.

As we celebrate the achievements of Cohort 6, we’re already looking ahead to welcoming the next group of Pioneers. With each new cohort, the impact of the programme grows, shaping care homes that are not only well led but also constantly evolving to meet the needs of residents, families, and staff.

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Developing the Social Care workforce in south London

Published and last updated by Michael Mbanunu
Group photo from South London Care Home Pioneer Programme 2023 Celebration event

In December 2023, the South London Care Home Pioneer Programme reached its conclusion with a joyful Celebration Day held at Governor’s Hall at St Thomas’ Hospital. This marked the end of a 9-month period of support for the Pioneers, who are care home leaders drawn from all types of care homes in south London.

The Pioneer programme is run by the Health Innovation Network South London (HIN) and My Home Life England. It leads Pioneers on a journey of personal and professional growth through face-to-face workshops, action learning sets, mentor support and service improvement projects, to enable them to make lasting improvements in care homes across South London. Now running for five years, the Programme has supported more than 120 Pioneers across all 12 south London boroughs.

The Celebration event gave the Pioneers the opportunity to feed back their experience of the programme to funders, and other invited guests. Their heartfelt testimonials described the impact the programme has had on their professional growth, working lives and wellbeing.

Group Photo of pioneers at the Celebration Day Event
“The programme has boosted my self-belief. I am so grateful to have been offered the opportunity, and the impact it will have for me and the home. It really made me feel valued.”Care Home Pioneer 2023
“Attending the programme is possibly the best thing I have ever done! It has built my confidence so much.”Care Home Pioneer 2023
“Being part of the programme has made me feel accepted, bold and seen.”Care Home Pioneer 2023

Pioneers emphasised the applicability of the programme in their day-to-day roles. They also spoke of achieving newfound confidence, making improvements in care via their service improvement projects, and gaining a deeper understanding of leadership dynamics.

Posters describing over 30 service improvement projects were unveiled at the event. These projects demonstrated the commitment and creativity of the Pioneers and showcased the positive impact of the projects on the lives of care home residents and staff.

For example:

  • Education sessions were introduced to help improve knowledge about good nutrition and hydration for people with learning disabilities and autism living in supported living settings
  • Improvements were made in documentation for residents nearing the end of their lives, enabling staff to provide the best possible care
  • Additional activities were introduced to improve the quality of life for residents
  • Electronic record keeping systems were introduced
  • Improvements were made to staff supervision meetings to build confidence and provide additional support

Please find the posters and booklet here.

Representatives from organisations who had funded the programme were also present. Their commitment to positive change in the care home sector was palpable, as they engaged with both Pioneers and alumni, demonstrating a shared commitment to enhancing the quality of care for residents.

“I’m in the really lucky position of visiting the older people care homes in our borough, to see first-hand the impact the course has on those attending, and also the effect of sharing these ideas with other staff, as well as often delivering better communication between the home and relatives and improving outcomes for residents. It is one of the best aspects of my job. A real joy.”A local authority Quality monitoring officer
“Listening to the other graduates and alumni, I was inspired by the benefits they described from attending the course and being part of the network and impressed by the ideas they had for improving the experience of residents and staff. Indeed, I have acted on the idea from one of [the] alumni.”A local authority Director of Commissioning

Pioneer Alumni, who completed the programme in 2022, spoke about the way they had been supported to develop further via the new Pioneer Alumni programme, and encouraged the 2023 Pioneers to join their Network, describing the value of being able to continue to have a space for peer support and discuss challenges in social care.

December’s Celebration event marked the end of the nine-month journey for the 2023 cohort. We feel confident that the programme has equipped our Pioneers to better manage the challenges in social care.

We've made a short video summarising the day. Watch it below.

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To learn more about the South London Care Home Pioneer Programme, and enquire about the 2024 Programme, please contact us.

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