Thousands of people across South Lanarkshire are benefiting from new digital technologies designed to help residents live independently for longer and improve the delivery of social care services.
Upgrade of Community Alarm Systems
A report presented to the Social Work Resources Committee on July 1 outlined how South Lanarkshire Council is continuing to expand the use of digital systems and assistive technology across social work and social care services. Among the developments highlighted was the successful upgrade of more than 7,000 community alarm systems from analogue to digital technology ahead of the planned switch-off of the UK's traditional telephone network in 2027. The move is expected to improve the reliability and resilience of telecare services for vulnerable residents.
Telecare Referrals and New Technologies
The report also revealed that more than 2,500 telecare referrals were processed during 2025, supporting people requiring urgent assistance, hospital discharge, end-of-life care and adult protection services. New technology is also being introduced to help people remain in their own homes safely for longer. Virtual medication prompting devices are being rolled out through the Care Surround programme, helping service users manage medication independently while reducing risks associated with missing doses.
Care at Home Portal and Residential Care
Families and carers are also set to benefit from a new Care at Home service user portal. The secure online platform allows service users and authorised family members to view information about care visits, including when carers attended, who visited and what support was provided. South Lanarkshire's residential care services are also undergoing digital transformation. A new electronic care information system is being introduced across council care homes to improve care planning, information sharing and decision-making.
Smart TV Technology and Social Isolation
Smart Television technology has also been expanded across all council care homes and in the Blantyre LIFE facility following a successful pilot programme. The technology allows residents to communicate with family, friends and professionals through video calls and messaging services. Council figures show that almost 1,000 calls and messages had been made by September 2025 with evaluations indicating a reduction in social isolation and improvements in wellbeing.
New Case Management System
The report also highlighted the implementation of a new social work case management system, known as Liquidlogic, which is now being used by around 1,400 staff and manages approximately 19,500 open referrals at any given time. The system is intended to improve information sharing, streamline processes and strengthen oversight of service delivery.
Complementing Direct Support
Professor Soumen Sengupta, Director of Health and Social Care, said the council's digital developments are intended to complement, rather than replace, direct support from social care professionals. The report also notes that technology works most effectively when combined with personalised assessment, professional judgement and ongoing support from staff.
Chair of the Social Work Resources Committee, Margaret Walker (Cambuslang West), said: "I think it's a really good report. It gives a really good overview in terms of the digital progress which is moving at a pace. I think it gives a really good overview particularly in relation to some information and specific developments around residential care."
Feedback from Service Users
Feedback from service users and families included praise for advice on assistive technology to support people living with dementia, help during hospital discharge and access to GPS tracking devices and other equipment designed to improve safety and independence. Council officials say digital development will continue as part of a wider programme aimed at improving information sharing, service integration and outcomes for people who use social care services.
