As a care provider, you have a unique opportunity to access funding and strategic support through your local NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB). While much attention has been placed on digital care records or care planning which is now over. However additional funding avenues specifically aimed at supporting resident monitoring systems, infrastructure improvements, and technology innovations that drive safer, more responsive care.
This funding can help you invest in smart sensors, fall detection systems, acoustic monitoring, and other technology that directly improves health outcomes and reduces emergency interventions.
Why Focus on Monitoring and Sensor Technologies?
Modern care delivery increasingly depends on real-time data and early-warning systems. With the right monitoring technologies, care providers can:
- Detect health deterioration earlier
- Reduce falls and night-time incidents
- Avoid unnecessary ambulance callouts
- Enable safer staff-to-resident ratios
- Improve operational efficiency
These outcomes align directly with the priorities of the NHS and local ICBs, who are actively funding projects that support preventative care and digital transformation in social care.
What Kind of Funding Is Available?
1. Resident Monitoring and Nurse Call Systems
Local ICBs have been supporting funding for:
- Motion and fall sensors
- Acoustic and sound-level monitoring
- Wearables and vitals tracking
- Next-generation nurse call systems
These technologies can often be integrated into care dashboards or planning systems to alert staff proactively and track trends over time.
✅ Example: One care home used acoustic monitoring to reduce night-time falls by over 50% within six months.
2. Technology Innovation Projects
Funding is available for bespoke or innovative projects that enhance care delivery. Past funded innovations include:
- Voice-activated resident assistants (Alexa-style devices) that integrate with care platforms
- Smart hydration and nutrition reminders
- Automated visitor and resident communication tools
- In-room environmental monitoring (temperature, humidity, light)
3. Connectivity and Wi-Fi Infrastructure
Reliable internet is essential for digital tools and care continuity. Some ICBs and regional authorities provide funding for:
- Upgrading to fibre or leased line connections
- Installing new Wi-Fi Access Points
- Enhancing network security with modern switches and routers
💡 TIP: Some providers reduced telecom costs by switching to Wi-Fi-based calling using staff tablets and handhelds, saving thousands annually.
4. Alternative Public Grants for Internet Improvements
In areas where ICBs don’t fund internet upgrades, alternative sources are available:
- Rural connectivity grants
- Business innovation funding
- Local enterprise or regional digital transformation schemes
These can be used for:
- Satellite internet installations
- Network cabling and infrastructure
- Internet failover systems to ensure resilience
How to Access Funding
Here’s a streamlined approach to securing non-DSCR related funding:
Step 1: Engage Your Local ICB
Each ICB oversees health and care priorities in its region. Start by contacting their digital or transformation lead to understand:
- What they’re currently funding (monitoring, Wi-Fi, innovation)
- Which projects align with NHS priorities (patient safety, fall reduction, emergency care prevention)
Step 2: Conduct a Tech Needs Audit
Assess where sensor or infrastructure improvements could make a clinical or operational impact. Look for:
- Gaps in 24/7 resident oversight
- Unreliable Wi-Fi affecting care continuity
- Manual or high-risk workflows that could be automated
Step 3: Build a Strong Proposal
Work with your IT provider or innovation consultant to:
- Gather clear supplier quotes
- Provide a clinical justification (e.g., fewer falls, faster response times)
- Highlight cost savings and improved outcomes
Step 4: Submit and Follow Through
Ensure your proposal aligns with:
- NHS DSP Toolkit standards
- Cyber Essentials requirements
- Measurable outcome tracking
Stay engaged with your ICB, and provide updates during implementation to maintain trust and unlock future support.
Why This Matters
Investing in resident monitoring and smart care technology isn’t just about compliance—it’s about delivering safer, more personalised care while reducing avoidable strain on the NHS.
Whether through NHS ICBs, regional innovation grants, or infrastructure support schemes, funding is available now to help care providers make practical, cost-effective upgrades that yield real results.
Adam James Abrahami MCP, MA, BA (Hons) works with Care Providers such as the Bondcare Group and Care Worldwide for the last 25 years to directly ensure grants have the effect of improving care homes tech and making a real difference for residents and support staff. www.itforcarehomes.co.ukadam@itforcarehomes.co.uk
