In January 2026, we were excited to feature a powerful series of posts on LinkedIn, highlighting the findings of a PhD student we’ve been delighted to sponsor over the last few years.
We are proud to have supported Francesca Horne throughout her PhD journey, Cutting Edge Digital Transformation in Adult Social Care – Evidencing and Evaluating New Initiatives Improving Ageing in Place in the Older Population. From the outset, we recognised how vital her work would be in shaping a deeper understanding of the most effective, efficient, and dignified ways to help older adults live well at home—while also supporting the families and professionals who care for them. Below are the series of blogs authored by Francesca delving into technology-enabled care (TEC) and the role of carers.
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Day 1
“Why does this matter?”
There are over 10 million people aged 65 and over in the UK. That is about 18% of the population, and this number is still growing. But here is the challenge: around 1.6 million older adults have unmet social care needs. This isn’t just a social care issue; it is a major public health concern. When people don’t get the support they need, it can lead to an avoidable hospital admission, delayed discharges and extra pressure on the NHS.
What is the UK government doing to address this issue? One approach which is being adopted more by local authorities is TEC. TEC refers to any technology, device, or service designed to help people remain at home and “age in place” which means to live independently, comfortably, and safely within their own community as they grow older.
9% of the UK population provides unpaid care (ONS, 2023). Many of these carers don’t even see themselves as carers (Steils et al., 2021). And while TEC is set to play a bigger role in adult social care, the role of carers in making this work is still poorly understood. Research shows that caregivers are often treated as “resources” to help roll out TEC devices, rather than as people with their own needs and challenges.
Over three years ago, I began a journey to explore how TEC could make a real difference for older adults and the people who care for them. To get a true picture, I didn’t just read reports—I went out and visited four local authority sites across the UK. I wanted to see first-hand how TEC was being used, what was working, and where the challenges lay for staff members involved in the TEC prescription process, older adults and their carers.
Through interviews with caregivers, service users, and local authority staff, one thing became clear: caregivers are central to making TEC work for older adults. In fact, they take on five key roles—as gatekeepers, supporters, influencers, monitors, and protectors. Over the next few blogs, I’ll be diving into each of these roles in more detail. My aim? To spark a conversation about what these roles mean for the future of care and technology. Do they resonate with your experience? Do you see other roles emerging? I’d love to hear your thoughts as we explore this together…
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Day 2: Gatekeepers
“Opening (or Closing) the Door to Technology”
From my first blog, I explain how technology enabled care being put forward by the UK government as this magic pill that will support both older adults ageing in place and carers supporting them. However, this is not the case. It is easy to picture smart devices, sensors and apps quietly working in the background to help older adults live safely at home. But here is the reality for some: these devices don’t just appear in someone’s life. Often, there’s a person behind the scenes making decisions about whether technology is even considered – and that person is usually the caregiver.
In my research, carers can act as gatekeepers—sometimes consciously, sometimes unconsciously. This because they’re closely involved in day-to-day care and have a deep understanding of practical realities. If a carer believes a device, such as an Amazon Alexa, will be helpful, they’re likely to support its use. If they see it as intrusive, overly complex, or an added source of stress, it’s unlikely to be adopted.
Carers often weigh up questions like:
- Will this technology actually make like easier, or will it add stress?
- Is it affordable and reliable?
- Will my relative or friend accept it, or will they feel like it is too intrusive?
These decisions are shaped by trust, past experiences and sometimes does the carer themselves have time to learn and help support their loved one use this technology. For many carers, technology feels like an extra responsibility rather than a solution.
Let’s Talk about it.
Do you see yourself in this role? Have you ever had to decide whether to introduce technology into someone’s care? What influenced your decision?
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Day 3: Supporters
“Carers as Supporters: Walking Beside not Ahead”
Today we’re looking at carers in the role of supporters when older adults use technology.
We often assume that buying a device or downloading an app is simple, just plug it in and learn as you go. But for many older adults, it’s not that straightforward. Using technology isn’t just about learning a gadget; it’s about confidence, trust, and feeling supported. And that’s where carers come in.
Carers often play a vital role in helping their loved ones navigate the unfamiliar world of TEC. This support can take many forms. During my PhD research, people shared powerful stories about how they were supported to use technology. Here are some common ways carers step in:
- Practical Help: Setting up devices, troubleshooting problems, and explaining how things work.
- Emotional Reassurance: Encouraging older adults who feel anxious or overwhelmed by technology.
- Building Confidence: Reminding them that it’s okay to make mistakes and that learning takes time.
Without this support, TEC can feel intimidating or even alienating. A carer’s encouragement can turn a device from something that feels like surveillance into something that feels empowering. It’s not about doing everything for the older adult, it’s about walking beside them, making sure they feel in control.
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Day 4: Protectors
“Carers as Protectors: Keeping Older Adults Safe in a Digital World”
Today, we’re talking about carers as protectors—a role that’s becoming more important as technology becomes part of everyday life.
When we think about protection, we often picture physical safety—preventing falls or making sure medication is taken on time. But in a digital world, protection also means guarding against scams, fraud, and online risks. Older adults can be particularly vulnerable to these threats, and carers often step in to keep them safe.
One participant in my research shared a story that really stuck with me. She told me about a time her mum received a text from an unknown number saying:
“Hi Mum, I’ve lost my phone. Can you send me £200?”
It sounded urgent and convincing—but her family quickly stepped in. They told her:
“No, delete it. Don’t respond.”
That simple intervention protected her from what could have been a costly scam. It’s a reminder that carers aren’t just supporting technology use—they’re actively safeguarding older adults from harm.
As technology-enabled care grows, so do the risks. Carers need to be aware of common scams, privacy issues, and how to spot warning signs. Protection isn’t about restricting independence—it’s about creating a safe environment where older adults can use technology confidently.
What do you think?
Have you ever had to protect someone from a digital scam or security risk? How do you balance safety with independence?
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Day 5: Caregivers
“Influencers and Monitors of Technology use in Older Adults”
Let’s be honest…when we think of “influencers,” we picture someone on Instagram showing off the latest gadget. But as I’ve said throughout this blog series, caregivers of older adults can be the real influencers when it comes to technology adoption. They’re the ones quietly shaping how technology fits into the lives of older adults.
Caregivers often play a key role in technology adoption. Whether it’s setting up a smart speaker so a family member can enjoy music or introducing a health-monitoring app, they influence which tools are used. Their involvement goes beyond recommending technology—they may troubleshoot, explain, and sometimes encourage its use. That encouragement can take time and effort. This can sometimes feel like a full-time job.
Caregivers also act as monitors. They’re the ones checking if the fall-detection device is working, making sure medication reminders are set, and keeping an eye on privacy settings. It’s a balancing act: embracing innovation while protecting loved ones from scams.
What’s fascinating is how much trust older adults place in caregivers. If a caregiver says, “This app will make life easier,” chances are it’ll get a thumbs-up. That influence is powerful—and it’s shaping the future of ageing in a digital world.
So next time you hear “technology influencer,” don’t just think TikTok stars. Think of the daughter teaching her dad to video call, or the neighbour helping with a smartwatch. Caregivers aren’t just supporting, they’re leading the charge toward smarter, safer aging. However, support takes time and energy, and carers already juggle so much. If TEC is going to succeed, social care needs to recognise this role and make sure carers have the training and resources they need – not just assume they’ll figure it out.
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— Francesca Horne PhD (Research Associate at LOROS)
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