We're Transforming our approach to Technology Enabled Care (TEC)

As part of our wider transformation in Adult Social Services, we are changing the way we help our Norfolk residents with Technology Enabled Care (TEC).

We have moved from the former Assistive Technology (AT) service to a fully integrated Technology Enabled Care (TEC) model. TEC is a key part of how we are transforming support for residents - helping people to live independently, confidently, and safely for as long as possible.

Early feedback has been very positive with Practitioners highlighting the value of timely TEC support for residents, and how the ordering process feels much simpler and easier to use.

With our initial focus on supporting our Social Care Community Engagement Service, Practitioners like Mo Farough and Michelle Robinson working at the service are already noticing the difference.

"I've already identified residents would benefit from Technology Enabled Care, and it's easy to order and assess for equipment. I've had a few cases allocated to me for TEC assessments and have also identified residents who would benefit from the equipment as part of my prevention and assessment conversations. The TEC team is very supportive - they are always available to help me." - Mo Farough.

"The process is pretty easy really and will get even easier with practice. I'm now more conscious of the TEC equipment available and how it can help our residents." - Michelle Robinson.

What do we mean by Technology Enabled Care (TEC)

TEC can be easily described as 'The everyday help we need to enjoy the lives we want'.

Below are three core ways in which TEC can support by keeping us:

In control - managing everyday life in our homes
In touch - staying connected to our friends, families and interests
Safe and well - keeping ourselves safe and well.

The good news is some TEC is readily available, and in some cases can be used for free or can be cheap to purchase. In fact, many people may already have devices that can be used for TEC, but they may not realise it!

For example, a smart speaker (Alexa or similar) can be used for reminders and there are free Apps you can download on mobile phones (such as Life360 for GPS tracking) that could be helpful to keep people in control, in touch and safe and well.

Who benefits from TEC?

We have outlined three distinct groups who can benefit from TEC:

Those drawing on care and support - across the county, many people are drawing on care and support including young people with learning disabilities who are leaving home for the first time and middle-aged people with long term health conditions, and older people wanting support with mobility, stability or memory. TEC helps us get on with our everyday lives as normal.
Families and unpaid carers - TEC can also help families and unpaid carers by giving them day-to-day peace of mind, knowing the people they care for are safe and well. Also time and space to get on with other things and ways to support, if and when we need them.
Health, Care and Housing Support Services - we know our health care and housing services have limited resources, often making it a challenge to deliver truly personal care and support. TEC can make things easier by giving people the tools to manage and control their own support and to call on help when needed. TEC can also help remotely monitor signs of our health, wellness and safety, as well as help us take early action to prevent crises and support people closer to home.

To give you an idea of how TEC can support everyday life, watch this short video from the TEC Services Association (TSA) - the national advisory body for TEC. The video is part of their Everyday TEC campaign and demonstrates how simple pieces of technology can provide the everyday help that people need to enjoy the lives they want.

Everyday TEC Video (1:47)

What's happening with TEC in Norfolk Adults Social Services?

During 2025, we ran several TEC pilots to help shape our new way of working - integrating TEC fully into a new approach where Practitioners can prescribe TEC directly. Putting them more in control, to help our residents in a timelier way.

This means TEC will no longer operate as a standalone service but will become a key part of Practitioners toolkits in supporting residents. Our vision is to make TEC a routine and empowering aspect of care, ensuring timely support for those who need it.

What are the benefits?

The TEC pilots have shown clear benefits for residents, practitioners and the wider system, including:

Helping people to remain independent for longer and feel more confident at home
Preventing or delaying the need for long-term care and support
Reducing waiting times for equipment by enabling quicker decision-making
Supporting more person-centred and creative practice
Giving Practitioners greater autonomy and confidence to use technology as part of everyday practice.

Launch of the new TEC approach in Norfolk

Since 1 April 2026, Practitioners have been able to prescribe everyday TEC directly, where previously they needed to make a referral to the Assistive Technology team.

Our new approach will reduce waiting times and ensure residents receive more timely support and put Practitioners at the heart of making decisions that best meet the needs of those they support.

Support and reassurance

We understand that change brings questions, however, Practitioners have the reassurance that the newly formed TEC team will continue to be available for advice and support.

Practitioners are not alone in this transition—help and guidance is being provided every step of the way. Already in the first month since 1 April, we've had 300+ orders and feedback from almost 100 different Practitioners.

Next steps

We will spend the coming months training and working with our Practitioner teams, and later in the year, going into 2027, we'd love to work with our partners to help them understand more about TEC and how we can support more Norfolk residents in a timelier way. You can contact us at [email protected]