Technology
providers with decreasing surplus said they expected to be in deficit in two to three years, with three per cent saying they expected to be in deficit in three to four years. Those numbers have increased to 30 and 14 per cent respectively in 2024. And I mimic the report; it is clear that
previous short-term ‘fixes’ have failed to even scratch the surface of these sector- wide issues, and that long-term investments and digital transformation are critical for care providers to meet the needs of our ageing and increasingly care complex population going forward. But I get it, investing in technology may
feel like a risky step in these conditions. What I will say is when done wisely, digital transformation can provide a much-needed financial lifeline for short, medium, and long-term stability for short, medium, and long-term stability.
For instance, replacing manual processes
with software designed specifically for the sector does not just free up your back-office team’s time, but it reduces the chance of things like costly invoicing errors. Plus, tools that take the complicated out of the complex, such as simplifying your staff rostering even across multiple locations or ensuring accurate payroll first time, can help to boost efficiency across the board, leading to noticeable savings in the long run. But of course, it is not just about cutting costs. The right software solutions can improve the quality of care your organisation can provide, leading to happier residents, satisfied families and a boost in your services’ reputation. The Plan for Change also emphasised a
renewed focus on empowering care workers throughout the sector, which again can be complimented by the right tech. Being able to identify and provide training and development opportunities is vital for
things like compliance, but also for building the picture that there are many career paths in care and in your organisation. Autonomy for your employees is another great example of tech supporting their empowerment. Easy, self-service access to pay, schedules and even being able to update resident care plans at the point of care does not just improve your teams’ job satisfaction by making their lives easier; it translates into better care for your residents because your care employees can focus on them rather than the necessary (although time-consuming) admin.
The push towards digital transformation in social care As I have mentioned, technology plays a vital role in these government plans, being key to alleviating some of the deepest challenges care home providers face. And part of why purpose-built software can bring such strength to social care is the ability to imbed efficiency and accuracy from the roots of back-office business operations, right through to face-to-face care delivery. It is exciting, yes – but may also be daunting for many. Choosing and implementing the right tech can be both time-consuming and expensive, so digital transformation cannot be taken lightly, particularly so for such a bustling and demanding sector like social care. For care home providers, this means that
any decisions about software investments cannot just focus on solving short-term challenges. They must also factor in the organisation’s long-term stability because
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com March 2025
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