Responsible Service/Section

Adult Health and Social Care – Assistive Technology Team, led by the Service Manager for Adult Services. The programme sits within the wider digital transformation agenda and supports prevention and early‑intervention priorities.

Name of Policy/Strategy/Function/Project

The Smplicare programme is a digital falls‑prevention and wellbeing support initiative designed to enhance the independence, safety and confidence of older adults living in the community. The programme combines personalised exercise routines, wearable‑derived risk insights and proactive monitoring tools.

What is the policy/strategy/function trying to achieve?

The policy aims to introduce a digital solution (Smplicare) that complements existing falls‑prevention pathways by enabling older adults to access personalised, evidence‑based exercise routines from home. Using wearable integrations such as Fitbit, the system generates fall‑risk insights that allow staff to intervene earlier and tailor support. The objective is to improve strength, confidence and mobility, reduce the risk of falls, decrease reliance on face‑to‑face sessions, reduce waiting times and support self‑management. This contributes to reducing pressure on frontline teams and improving outcomes for older people.

If this is a budget saving, how will this be achieved?

This programme is not designed as a budget‑saving measure. However, potential long‑term efficiencies may arise from reduced falls‑related hospital admissions, reduced demand for intensive care packages and improved self‑management. These financial effects will be monitored but are not the driver of the project.

If this policy is subject to the FSD, what does it suggest about the impact or potential impact on socio-economic disadvantage? (please refer to FSD Interim Guidance). FSD – impact on socioeconomic disadvantage

The programme is likely to benefit individuals living in low‑income or deprived areas, where fall prevalence and long‑term health conditions are known to be higher. People experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage are more likely to have mobility issues, limited access to preventative services and reduced social support. By offering home‑based digital support, the policy may mitigate inequalities by improving access to falls‑prevention activity, supporting independence and reducing avoidable harm.

Give details of the impact it has on groups and individuals.

The programme primarily benefits older adults with a history of falls, near‑falls or reduced confidence with mobility. Disabled people and individuals with long‑term health conditions may experience improved strength, balance and confidence. Carers may benefit indirectly through reduced stress and improved wellbeing of the person they support and improvements to their own mobility and balance. Individuals experiencing homelessness or unstable housing may face barriers due to the requirement for a stable electricity supply and internet access. Some groups (e.g. people whose first language is not English) may be affected by language limitations in the app, which are identified for future exploration.

What actions/measures will be put in place or are planned to mitigate any adverse impact or promote equality?

Early consultation took place with third‑sector organisations supporting older people and carers, including Disability Forum, Voice of Experience Forum and Carers Together. Focus groups with older adults are planned prior to launch. Additional actions include exploring translation and accessibility options for individuals whose first language is not English, ensuring informed consent processes are clear, and providing support with device onboarding for people with low digital confidence.

What is the result/recommendations of the EqIA?

The EqIA supports progressing with the introduction of the policy. No adverse impacts were identified that could not be mitigated, and the anticipated benefits to older adults and carers are significant. The recommendation is for the programme to proceed, with implementation scheduled from March 2026 to March 2027, alongside ongoing engagement and monitoring.