What is ARF?

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) of the United Kingdom has initiated the Accelerating Reform Fund (ARF), allocating £42.6 million over two years to advance innovation in adult social care. This initiative is part of a broader 10-year vision to transform adult social care to be more person-centred, supportive of unpaid carers, and adaptive to increasing demands and diverse local needs. The ARF encourages collaborative partnerships across local areas to embed and sustain innovative practices.

Key Points:

• The ARF aims to eliminate barriers to innovative practices and enhance the capacity and skill set in adult social care.
• A total of 12 priorities for innovation and scaling have been identified, with a particular emphasis on community-based care models, greater control over care through digital tools, support networks for prevention and wellbeing, and support for unpaid carers.
• Local authorities are asked to form consortia within their Integrated Care System (ICS) geography and choose at least two projects for scaling, one of which must support unpaid carers.
• The funding model includes a fixed base and additional top-up funding determined by the Adult Social Care Relative Needs Formula (RNF).
• Consortia are required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to be eligible for funding.
• The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) provides support with project selection, EOI development, and facilitates peer learning.

Benefits to Technology-Enabled Care Organisations:

• Opportunity to receive funding for innovative projects, particularly those leveraging technology to improve care services.
• Chance to enhance digital tools for self-directed care and workforce development.
• A structured platform for sharing best practices and learning from peers nationwide.
• Support for projects focusing on the integration of technology in supporting unpaid carers.

Next Steps for Local Authorities:

• Form consortia within integrated care system (ICS) geographies.
• Choose a lead local authority to receive and distribute the ARF grant.
• Develop partnerships with NHS, care providers, and community groups for project development and delivery.
• Select at least two projects to scale using ARF funding, with one focusing on unpaid carers.
• Consider the needs of diverse local populations and involve them in co-production.
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form detailing project plans and governance by 12 January 2024.
• Confirm final funding allocations by 9 February 2024 and sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by 16 February 2024.
• Collaborate with the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) for support in various stages of project planning and implementation.
• Engage in peer learning and sharing through SCIE's roundtables.
• Undertake mid and end grant reporting, including a post-grant sustainability plan, and submit by 21 April 2025.
• Work with the national evaluation partner for assessing the project's impact.

Next Steps for the Technology-Enabled Care Sector:

• Engage with local authority consortia to participate in the development and delivery of innovative care projects.
• Contribute to projects that promote person-centred care, support unpaid carers, and leverage digital tools.
• Align with one of the 12 innovation priorities outlined by the ARF, especially those related to digital tools and community support.
• Provide expertise and support in the adoption and scaling of technology-enabled care innovations.
• Participate in SCIE roundtables and webinars for collaborative learning and sharing best practices.
• Be prepared to support consortia with data, information, and insights to enable effective monitoring and evaluation of projects.
• Contribute to the sustainability plans ensuring the continuation and scaling of successful innovations post-grant.
• Stay informed about the timelines and process for the ARF to align with local authority efforts and deadlines.

Everon is keen to partner with consortiums in supporting innovation in adult social care. Our long-standing expertise creates sustainable, technology-driven solutions that support independence and well-being.

Find out more about our solution here or speak to our knowledgeable sales team at info.uk@everon.net.

It is expedient that both local authorities and the technology-enabled care sector collaborate effectively to maximise the impact of the ARF in innovating and scaling adult social care services.

TSA

The industry body, TSA is keen to provide advice and support to local authorities as they create expressions of interest and to identify the potential for enabling technology within their proposals, aligned to the twelve priorities. For more information, please contact Nathan Downing, Director of Membership & Consultancy – Nathan.downing@tsa-voice.org.uk ‘

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, SIM-based Technology Enabled-Care (TEC) solutions are seeing greater demand from service providers across health, housing, and social care sectors. However, misconceptions about the technology can deter your organisation from harnessing the full potential of this type of solution. In this article, we will aim to debunk 12 common misconceptions about SIM-based TEC solutions and provide clear answers to help you make an informed decision for your organisation.

#1: SIM-based TEC solutions are unreliable.

Reality: A SIM-based solution offers a high level of reliability, as they are not dependent on analogue, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth connection and have no single point of failure.

#2: SIM-based TEC solutions are not secure.

Reality: SIM-based solutions are very secure. They are cloud based and use encryption to protect your data and adhere to strict industry standards and guidelines.

#3: SIM-based TEC solutions are limited in coverage.

Reality: With multiple network providers using a non-steered roaming sim, this type of solution offers extensive coverage. If one mobile network goes down, or is at capacity, the device can roam to another network provider offering you greater resilience.

#4: SIM-based TEC solutions are difficult to setup.

Reality: Setting up a SIM-based TEC solution is simple. In most cases, all you need to do is insert the SIM card and turn on the device. This is timesaving and less cumbersome than most solutions that require CAT6 in-line wiring and in most cases, completed by the supplier at setup.

#5: SIM-based TEC solutions are expensive.

Reality: While initial setup and SIM costs exist, they are more cost effective than traditional wired solutions as they are often plug and play. The long-term benefits, including, initial cost savings, zero need for on-site infrastructure, simple setup, and efficiency improvements, far outweigh the capital investment.

#6: SIM-based TEC solutions are not interoperable.

Reality: Modern Sim-based solutions are designed to be user-friendly and can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems using open API’s.

#7: SIM-based TEC solutions have poor backup battery life.

Reality: SIM-based solutions do have good battery life. Whilst they rely on being mains powered like other systems, they do have the fallback of an emergency 24hr backup battery if the need arises.

#8: SIM-based TEC solutions are not customisable.

Reality: SIM-based solutions are just that. You can choose the features and services that best meet your needs, they are fully scalable, and sustainable too, so you are future proofed.

#9: SIM-based TEC solutions are Prone to Network Failures

Reality: Sim-based solutions often provide more reliable connectivity; a leading SIM provider has reported 99.9% available time over a 12-month period. When comparing these to Wi-Fi or other alternatives, where downtime can be hours/days, this is testament to how fast the GSM infrastructure is growing. Everon’s solutions offer both SIM and Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity which again gives commissioners flexibility around choice.

#10: SIM-based TEC solutions are difficult to use.

Reality: SIM-based solutions are designed to be user-friendly, so you don't have to be tech-savvy to use them. They are plug and play with push button setup for sensors making the install seamless and hassle free. They are designed with the end user in mind.

Myth 11: Sim-based TEC is Not Future-Proof

Reality: Sim-based solutions are continually evolving to adapt to emerging trends and technologies, ensuring its relevance in the future. SIM-based solutions can receive software updates over-the-air, allowing them to adapt to new technologies and security.

#12: SIM-based TEC solutions are only for the elderly.

Reality: While SIM-based solutions are certainly useful for the senior population, they can be used by other vulnerable individuals who would benefit from the use of technology to help them live happily and independently within a safe environment.

In conclusion, Sim-based TEC solutions offer immense potential for commissioners seeking to improve connectivity, security, speed, and efficiency. Embracing this solution can empower your organisation to thrive in today's technology-driven world.

Everon uses SIM-based technology for our solution to support Health, Housing and Social Care sectors. With over a decade of experience providing digital solutions in Finland, Sweden, and the UK, we are the European market leader in digital grouped living solutions.

Our webinar ‘Ensuring Seamless Connectivity’: Strategies for Successfully Implementing SIM-Based TEC Solutions explores the advantages of SIM-based TEC solutions which can support your analogue to digital transition. We discussed strategies to address potential connectivity issues during implementation and beyond.

Additionally, the webinar included an interactive panel session where attendees posed their questions.

Click here to watch the replay.

Click here to learn about our digital solutions

Everon UK is excited to announce that we are a finalist in 2 categories for the Health Tech 2023 Awards:

• Best Health Tech Solution of the Year
• Digital Social Care or Mental Health Solution of the Year.

About the Awards

With 1000 hours of judging and almost 200 judges from diverse backgrounds, the awards help to share and celebrate digital teams, programmes, innovations, and health tech suppliers that have made a difference throughout the year.

You can find out more about the awards here.

Find out about Everon's solutions here

Everon UK has been shortlisted as finalists for the 'Best use of Technology' award at this year’s HealthInvestor Seniors Housing Awards.

The awards recognises businesses that are excelling in the Seniors Housing Sector.

Pete Kerly, Everon UK Managing Director said:

"Everon UK being shortlisted is a testament to the fact that we are continually focused on delivering digital solutions that meet the needs of the vulnerable across the UK.

Without the dedication of the whole UK-based team, we would not be where we are today.

I am proud to be part of the team".

Find out more about our solutions here: https://everon.net/solutions/