David Reilly on innovation within his organisation

Baillieston Community Care is an award-winning, registered charity and not-for-profit organisation that has been providing care and support across Glasgow and the surrounding areas since 1992. Over the past three decades, we’ve grown from a small community project into a leading, innovative and forward-looking organisation delivering care at home, specialist day services, and 24-hour nursing care for those with complex needs.

So, who are we? Our story began with a group of local carers who founded Baillieston Dementia Project to provide short breaks and respite to carers in their own homes. We then opened Bealach House, our dementia day service based in Baillieston before developing a self-financing care at home service in Glasgow. Over time, our reach and impact has grown significantly. A major milestone came in November 2022 with the acquisition of Extended Personal Care, which added a second care at home service in Lennoxtown and Calico House Care Home providing 24-hour nursing care for adults with complex needs to our organisation.

As an ambitious and solutions-focused organisation, we have always sought innovative ways to meet the growing challenges faced by our sector, from underfunding to ongoing recruitment pressures. One of the most transformative steps in recent years has been our move into the world of digital and technology.

Our digital journey began with a pilot role hosted through Scottish Care – a Care Technologist dedicated to exploring how technology could enhance the lives of the people we support. Thanks to the passion and vision of our Care Technologist, James Davidson, and the generosity of donors and funders, this project has grown far beyond its original scope.

To date, James has assessed and implemented technology to over 80 of our service users. These solutions range from Amazon Alexa devices, smart tablets, and reminder clocks, to sensors, Ring doorbells, smart plugs, cameras, and bulbs. Each piece of technology is tailored to the individual’s needs, with the goal of keeping people safe, connected, and able to live well in their own homes. On our website and in our brochures, we’ve introduced the ‘Tech Den’ showcasing the technology available to those we support and how it can make a difference.

Our innovation doesn’t stop there. This September, we will begin a “test of change” with Glasgow HSCP, trialling devices that deliver medication prompts. This approach aims to reduce the need for physical visits, promote independence, and help address the workforce challenges our sector is facing.

We have also partnered with Advanced Technology Solutions to pilot their Homesight product, a wellbeing tool that turns a person’s TV into a hub for connecting with family members and care teams. Twenty devices are being trialled both in people’s homes and at Calico House, where residents will be able to connect with loved ones from the comfort of their own rooms.

To make sure we get it right, James has developed a range of assessment and planning tools to capture each person’s needs and aspirations. These feed directly into their person-led support plan, enabling our staff to help them get the most out of their technology.

Behind the scenes, we’ve modernised our working practices. All our staff have their own devices, using the latest care planning software to access and update information in real time. Families can log into our secure family portal for updates, schedules, and staff changes, helping them feel more connected and reassured.

Our digital transformation extends to how we train and support our staff. We are working with Care Reality to use virtual reality (VR) in staff training, making learning interactive, immersive, and fun.

At Calico House, staff also use handheld devices to record care as it happens. We’ve also partnered with Life Enhancing Automation to install bespoke safety sensors, including fall detection, medical monitoring, and automated controls for kitchen gas and electrics. These systems are especially important given the complexity of our residents’ needs.

Our efforts haven’t gone unnoticed as we’ve been recognised with awards including Scottish Care’s Care Innovation Award and People and Technology Award, and we have been honoured to have been finalists again this year.

For us, technology is not a replacement for human care, it’s a way to enhance it. Our goal is to think differently, embrace innovation, and transform social care so that it’s fit for the future. The journey so far has been exciting, and we know it’s only the beginning.

At Baillieston Community Care, the future looks bright – and it’s digital.

David Reilly is chief executive of Baillieston Community Care