‘CareTech’ Grant to Boost Dementia Support in Jersey

A new digital support programme for people recently diagnosed with dementia is set to be trialled in Jersey after Dementia Jersey secured almost £200,000 in grant funding through the Impact Jersey ‘CareTech Challenge’ Programme, delivered by Digital Jersey.

The funding will enable the island’s dementia charity to pilot a technology-led approach aimed at improving early support for people with dementia and their main family carers. The programme will focus on creating more comprehensive and efficient assessments while reducing reliance on manual processes.

Two projects will run alongside each other as part of the pilot. The first involves introducing a Jersey-specific electronic Holistic Needs Assessment (eHNA) using RIO Cloud software. This system will allow Dementia Jersey to develop tailored, patient-centred care plans, helping individuals and families better understand the support available to them.

The second project will introduce MiCode, a wearable QR code designed for healthcare and emergency situations. Dementia can lead to confusion, disorientation and communication difficulties, and the technology allows essential medical information and emergency contacts to be accessed securely by carers or emergency responders when needed.

Together, the two systems are intended to improve information-sharing, support better coordination of care and help caregivers provide more personalised support, while also increasing efficiency for healthcare providers.

Dementia Jersey is the island’s only local charity dedicated to supporting people with dementia and those who care for them. It provides specialist advice, raises awareness and campaigns to improve dementia services.

The pilot reflects wider efforts in Jersey to use technology to address long-term healthcare challenges and aligns with the island’s digital health strategy. It also builds on previous Impact Jersey grants awarded to organisations including Family Nursing and Home Care, Orchid Connect, Good Boost and Lifestyle Medicine Jersey and its ‘Hero of Health Jersey’ app.

Funded by the Government of Jersey and delivered by Digital Jersey, the CareTech Challenge was launched to distribute up to £2m in grant funding to projects using technology to improve the lives of older people and support high-quality, long-term care.

Commenting on the award, Tony Moretta, CEO of Digital Jersey, said:

“This is a further example of how digital technologies can be applied to provide significant benefits within our local healthcare system. Alongside the other recipients of grants through the CareTech Challenge, this Dementia Jersey project has the potential to significantly improve experiences and outcomes for both individuals and care givers, aligning well with the ambitions set out in Jersey’s digital health strategy.”

Claudine Snape, CEO of Dementia Jersey, said: “ We are incredibly grateful for this support from the Impact Jersey CareTech Challenge. At the heart of this project is a simple goal: ensuring that every person in Jersey living with dementia feels safe and supported from the moment of their diagnosis. By embracing these new digital tools, we aren't just updating systems; we’re creating a more connected experience for families. Whether it’s providing the peace of mind that comes with a wearable MiCode or ensuring a person's unique care needs are instantly understood through the RIO system, this grant allows us to use technology to give people with dementia the dignity and tailored care they deserve.”

Deputy Kirsten Morel, Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, added: “I’m pleased to see such a broad range of technology-driven projects receive support through Impact Jersey - most recently this pilot project from Dementia Jersey.

They are all extremely important in addressing the very real challenge of an ageing demography in Jersey, blending cutting-edge technology with a clear understanding of our community needs. Critically, they also reflect our absolute commitment as an island to leveraging digital solutions to improve access to healthcare and enhance patient experience.”

More information about Impact Jersey and its programmes, as well as Dementia Jersey’s work, is available online.