Open Access Government sits down with Alex Nash and Nerys Hebdon from The Access Group to discuss their innovative AI-driven TEC platform and its impact on local authorities and communities
In today’s challenging economic climate, Local Authorities face mounting pressure to deliver personalised, high-quality care with increasingly limited resources. The Access Group has developed an innovative solution that addresses these challenges head-on: Access Technology Enabled Care (TEC), a groundbreaking platform that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence and sensor technology to transform how care is delivered and managed. The solution identifies subtle changes in an individual’s routine, alerting families and providers when to offer support. As a result, Access is not only enhancing people’s independence and wellbeing but also enabling authorities to use their scarce resources in the optimal way.
The Power of Proactive Care
Access TEC represents a fundamental shift in care strategy – moving from reactive to proactive approaches. The platform collects data from unintrusive sensors placed throughout an individual’s home, building personalised behavioural patterns that serve as baselines for wellbeing. Using sophisticated AI algorithms, the system identifies both sudden changes and gradual trends in key factors such as movement, hydration, and environmental conditions.
“Our aim is to empower professionals by providing real-time data insights within the wider context of the individual,” explains Alex Nash, Head of Strategy at Access TEC. “Our technology enables care packages to be personalised while supporting evidence-based decisions.”
The results speak for themselves. Local authorities implementing Access TEC have reported significant improvements in budget management, helping to bring adult social care expenditures back into balance. The system’s ability to reassure that people are living well independently means resources are allocated where they’ll have the greatest impact.
Real-World Impact
Consider one powerful example: Access TEC detected reduced activity patterns for an elderly gentleman, prompting an investigation that uncovered a serious leg injury. This early intervention prevented potentially severe health complications and avoided the substantial costs associated with emergency treatment and extended care – a clear win for both the individual and the local authority.
For individuals with learning disabilities or mental health needs who aren’t adequately served by traditional telecare alarm services, Access TEC offers life-changing support. The system tracks everyday activities – fridge and kettle usage, door openings, movement patterns – providing valuable insights that help professionals tailor care packages specifically to each person’s unique strengths.
Privacy-Conscious Monitoring
Privacy concerns are addressed through thoughtful design choices. Instead of intrusive cameras, Access TEC relies on motion sensors, smart plugs, and GPS wearables that collect essential data while respecting dignity and privacy. The system adapts to each person’s lifestyle, whether they’re a younger individual using gaming consoles or an older person relying on kettles and radios.
“Our technology doesn’t just offer preventative care, but also reassures that individuals are living independently and well,” says Nerys Hebdon, Head of Customer Enablement at Access TEC.
Interoperable with Existing Hardware
The platform transforms complex sensor data into actionable insights presented through an intuitive app with clear icons and natural language. TEC service providers can quickly identify priority cases through a specialised dashboard that highlights individuals needing immediate attention.
“The platform might identify changes in overnight activity, helping care providers prioritise welfare-check calls and home visits where they are needed most,” Nash explains.
This streamlined approach enables a hybrid care model that promotes independence while ensuring people’s safety and wellbeing. The system’s versatility increases through interoperability with third-party hardware, avoiding costs for local authorities while meeting sustainability goals.
Family Peace of Mind
For families caring for vulnerable loved ones, Access TEC provides invaluable reassurance. The smartphone app allows family members to stay connected and informed about daily activities without intrusive check-ins or calls.
“The technology reduces the stress of the caregiving role, offering peace of mind and allowing unpaid carers to live more independently while still monitoring their loved ones’ safety,” shares Hebdon, who has personal experience caring for her father with Alzheimer’s.
Seamless Integration
Access TEC is designed for integration across health, support, and care teams. The platform connects with widely-used local government systems like Mosaic – utilised by approximately half of UK local authorities – and Access Care Planning, ensuring smooth data flow from assessment to care delivery.
“We’re focused on building an ecosystem with seamless integration across products while our open APIs allow integration with existing systems and sensors, expanding the possibilities of our platform,” says Nash.
Future Innovations
The Access Group remains committed to pushing boundaries in technology-enabled care. Future developments include expanded wellbeing monitoring for environmental factors like temperature, dampness, and light levels, alongside Remote Patient Monitoring capabilities.
“We’re moving beyond traditional telecare to focus on overall wellbeing,” Hebdon notes. “We’re committed to interoperability and staying on the cutting edge of technology-enabled care.”
The Bottom Line
The evidence is clear: proactive, preventative solutions like Access TEC are transforming service delivery while delivering substantial returns on investment. With adoption rates reaching an impressive 93% among residents, the platform demonstrates tremendous value to individuals, families, and local authorities alike.
For local authorities seeking to balance quality care with budget constraints, Access TEC offers a proven solution that enhances independence, improves outcomes, and optimises resource allocation. In challenging times, this innovative approach to technology-enabled care represents not just a lifeline but a pathway to sustainable, effective service delivery for communities.
This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International.
