Assistive Technology

The Assistive Technology service is part of a wider transformational change within the Council and Health and Adult Services. Our new social care model of support places more emphasis on helping people to use and access the support available to them within their own networks and communities. This 'strength based approach' also encourages people to think about ways that they can retain control over their own lives and make choices for themselves. The Care Act has given us a statutory duty of prevention. The Council believes that there are opportunities to grow the number of people using Assistive Technology through self-referral and working with the private home based support care market if the benefits of the service are marketed and solutions affordable. The majority of people in North Yorkshire fund their own care. Further information on the demographics and strategic views of the Council can be found at Strategies, plans and policies | North Yorkshire Council The best estimate is that there are c1700 people with some form of Assistive Technology referred by the Council currently. The Council has an ambition to increase the use of Assistive Technology over the period of the contract within the budget available. It is anticipated that the type of equipment / licences will move further towards more complex packages as it is used for people and carers with more complex needs. The Council is seeking to work with a provider to continue to manage the Assistive Technology service and support the Council to make the necessary culture change to further embed the best use of Assistive Technology, both for people in contact with social care and the wider community. The Council required delivery model is a county wide, end to end service delivery model.