June 30th 2025
What matters most to people is not the technology in their lives—it’s the life itself.
It’s the feeling of being seen and heard. Having choices. Feeling safe without losing independence. Staying connected to the people you love. Having space to thrive, not just survive.
That’s why Digital Care Hub supports the #EverydayTEC campaign—a national initiative led by TSA (TEC Services Association) to reframe how we talk about technology-enabled care. Instead of focusing on emergencies or equipment, the campaign focuses on the difference it makes to everyday life and wellbeing.
We encourage everyone working in and around adult social care—whether you’re a commissioner, provider, family carer or support worker—to explore the campaign and share its stories. Because when we start with the life someone wants to live, technology becomes a tool for freedom.
Here are some examples.
Rachel, Shaun and Greg’s story: using everyday tech to support independence
For Rachel and her sons Shaun and Greg—who have learning disabilities and autism—assistive technology has made family life more independent and calm. Shaun now lives in his own home with 24-hour background support from room sensors, a chair sensor, bed sensor, Careline system, and even a vibrating water bottle that reminds him to drink. The tech is quiet and predictable, which helps him feel safe and in control.
“Quiet house now, just my noises,” says Shaun.
Greg uses simple tools like photo keyrings to navigate travel, shop, and manage emergencies. A fitness watch rewards daily movement with stars, which helps him stay active.
The family uses an online tool—the 247Grid—to plan support and spending. It helps track progress, reduce paid care, and focus resources on what matters most.
Kay’s story: virtual reality brings relief and freedom
Kay Smith, 54, lives with lupus, chronic pain, and severe allergies to most medications—including antibiotics and painkillers. After years of life-limiting illness and no safe treatments, she discovered a unique solution: a virtual reality (VR) headset.
Now, twice a day, Kay escapes her bedroom in North Ayrshire and goes scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Using immersive scenes, the VR headset distracts her mind from pain and triggers a surge of endorphins.
“I’m free to do what I used to do,” she says. “I’m no longer a patient when I use VR.”
Introduced to the idea by Dr Keith Grimes, a GP exploring VR in clinical care, Kay’s experience shows how low-cost, off-the-shelf tech can radically improve quality of life.
She is able to enjoy moments of peace, control, and freedom—on her own terms.
Helping families care, without burning out
Technology-enabled care (TEC) isn’t just for those receiving care. It also supports the people around them—especially unpaid carers.
Alyson Scurfield, Chief Executive of TSA, shared her personal story of supporting her father, who lives with dementia. Her family uses home sensors to track subtle changes—like whether he’s made it into the kitchen by lunchtime.
“We can step in early, but he still has his privacy…. The technology has helped us avoid hospital visits, and it’s given us peace of mind.”
EverydayTEC: changing the conversation
The #EverydayTEC campaign is about reframing how we talk about technology in social care.
Too often, TEC is associated only with emergencies—pendants, falls alarms, or crisis alerts. But that narrow view misses the everyday moments that shape people’s lives: getting up, planning your day, connecting with family, making your own choices.
There’s also a need for clearer, simpler information. Many families don’t know what support is available, or how to ask for it.
To help, TSA has created a free communications toolkit for councils, housing and care providers, and care teams. It includes:
- A language guide for person-centred messaging
- Campaign films and real-life stories
- Posters, social media graphics, and downloadable templates
Explore the #EverydayTEC toolkit
Start with the person
#EverydayTEC is a shared invitation to everyone working in care—commissioners, care workers, families, housing staff, and managers—to shift the narrative.
Let’s tell stories that start with people. That focus on the life someone wants to lead—and show how simple, thoughtful technology can support that.
As Alyson Scurfield puts it:
“We want to show that TEC is about thriving, not just surviving.
It’s about freedom, joy, connection, confidence—things we all want, whatever our age or needs.”
Stories like Rachel’s, Sarah’s, Kay’s and Alyson’s father help make that shift. They show us how small changes, supported by thoughtful technology, can lead to big improvements in everyday life.
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