Last Updated on December 3, 2025
Lars M. Saether, Chief Executive Officer at Care Safety Innovations (CSI), explores how the UK homecare sector’s integration of digital tools into care delivery can keep pace with the Scandinavian model.
Across Scandinavia, technology is not replacing the human touch in care – it is reinforcing it. Digital tools are seamlessly integrated into the daily routines of carers, enhancing their ability to deliver safe, responsive and compassionate support. It is a model where warm hands are strengthened by smart systems, helping people live more independently and allowing carers to focus on what matters most – providing care from the heart.
As someone with roots in both Scandinavian culture and care innovation, I believe the UK can take inspiration from this joined-up, carer-led approach – and make it its own.
Integrated digital systems
In countries such as Norway and Sweden, carers are supported by real-time digital platforms that bring care plans, shift notes and health updates into one place. This integration ensures that everyone involved – from a familiar face at the door to a visiting health professional – stays informed, reducing errors and improving continuity of care. The result is less duplication and more time for meaningful human connection.
Assistive technology for independence
Discreet fall detectors, motion sensors and other assistive technologies play a quiet yet vital role in Scandinavian homes. These tools uphold dignity and promote independence while offering an additional layer of safety. For carers, they provide early alerts when something changes – enabling swift responses and offering families peace of mind. It is about keeping people safe and visible, without intrusion.
Artificial intelligence (AI) to predict, optimise and support
AI is becoming a silent partner in care – working behind the scenes to help services run efficiently. In Denmark, for instance, AI-powered scheduling systems allocate visits based on real-time data, such as location, individual needs and staff availability. Predictive tools also flag when someone might be at risk, allowing carers to intervene early. These systems are not about replacing people – they are about reducing pressure, bringing consistency and allowing more time for what matters – human connection.
Designed with the people who use it
Perhaps most significantly, Scandinavian care technology is developed in collaboration with those who use it – carers, coordinators and service users. The result is intuitive, respectful systems that support rather than disrupt the caring relationship. The technology fits around people’s lives – not the other way round.
The UK opportunity: Technology with purpose and heart
In the UK, the digital transformation of domiciliary care is still gathering pace. Many carers face outdated systems, inconsistent training and daily time pressures that make change feel difficult. But the potential for improvement is enormous. At CSI, we believe that by embedding technology which enhances – not replaces – the human touch, the UK can create a more resilient, confident and compassionate care system. One where carers are empowered, families feel reassured and service users remain at the heart of every decision.
That is why we created the Vita Care Companion (VCC) – a secure, handheld device developed in partnership with carers and providers. The VCC simplifies documentation, provides a clear record of each visit (with video and voice), and supports safety, transparency and peace of mind.
‘The VCC is a game changer for domiciliary care and other key areas of care and support delivery.
‘It supports carers in the moment, increases one-to-one time for the people we support, reduces risk, adds visibility and transparency whilst providing live and accurate documentation for our regulators.
‘Where appropriate, families have some visibility too which show our commitment to human connection.’ Ann Knight, care consultant and specialist at Care Safety Innovations.
By learning from Scandinavia and embracing innovation with a clear purpose, the UK has an opportunity to build a future where care is safer, smarter and always centred around people – warm hands and all.
About Care Safety Innovations (CSI)
Care Safety Innovations (CSI) has developed the Vita Care Companion (VCC), the first AI-powered solution that leverages advanced AV, Cloud, and AI technology to provide objective and indisputable documentation of home care visits.
By automatically recording and scripting video and audio, it ensures transparency enhances care quality, for service users and their families, as well as boosts efficiency for care providers – creating a safer, more reliable and innovative care experience.