Digitisation
Digital transformation: a necessary step, not a luxury
David Knowles, managing director of Porters Care, explains why, at a time when rising costs and staff shortages are putting care providers under increasing pressure, there has never been a better time to look at digital solutions
The care home sector is in the midst of one of its most challenging decades. Providers are being squeezed by rising operational costs, persistent staffing shortages, and an ongoing wave of closures. At the same time, residents and their families are expecting higher standards of safety, transparency, and personalised care. Regulators are under pressure, inspections have slowed, and trust in ratings has been called into question. In this climate, care home leaders are
asking themselves the same question: how can we continue to deliver safe, dignified, and high-quality care in an environment where resources are shrinking and pressures are multiplying? For many, the answer increasingly lies
in digital transformation. Technology, once seen as a luxury or an ‘add-on’ is now becoming central to resilience, sustainability, and long-term survival in the care sector.
Closures, shortages, and other pressures Since 2011, more than 800 care homes in England have been shut down by the CQC due to safety concerns. These closures have resulted in the loss of nearly 20,000 beds – equivalent to over 10 per cent of available capacity. Industry analysts warn that this trend is unlikely to slow, with many providers citing financial instability as a
Residents benefit from a safer, more responsive
primary risk factor. For families, this has created a narrowing
choice of options, often pushing loved ones further from home in search of suitable accommodation. For providers, it has created a climate of vulnerability – reputational damage or compliance failings can quickly tip an already struggling operation over the edge. Alongside closures, staffing remains
environment a lifeline for the UK’s care workforce, has
one of the greatest threats to care home sustainability. As of 2024, nearly 15 per cent of care homes reported significant staffing shortfalls and almost a quarter said they were at risk of closure due to financial strain. Recruitment remains a nationwide challenge, driven by low pay, limited career pathways and more competitive employment in other sectors. International recruitment, historically
November 2025
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