Developing the future of homecare with digital solutions brings enormous opportunities — but also real challenges. Höganäs Municipality's experience in ACE reveals key lessons on GDPR compliance, staff support, and implementing digital solutions to strengthen the safety and independence of older adults.
Demographic changes are one of today’s major societal challenges, as the proportion of older adults gradually increases, and with it, the demand for care and support services.
Höganäs stands out with an even sharper curve than the rest of Sweden. The municipality is therefore seeing fewer residents of working age and more people requiring support.
"We’ve had this on the agenda for quite some time and have always wanted to find new ways to meet these needs. We also think development is fun, so when an opportunity arose to participate in an innovative project, we immediately accepted," says Linda Macke, Research Strategist from Höganäs Municipality.
GDPR, data, and privacy: The biggest hurdle
One of the most common obstacles in digital care innovation is data management and compliance with GDPR, rather than the technology itself. Many municipalities, including those piloting AI-driven solutions, lack in-house expertise on complex data regulations.
ACE pilots, such as the AI-supported fall prevention system DigiDetect, highlight this challenge. By analysing data from multiple care recipients, the system predicts where there is an increased risk of falls — a crucial preventive measure. Yet before the technology can be used effectively, municipalities must ensure that sensitive information is handled securely and in accordance with privacy laws.
As Linda explains: “It quickly became clear that the biggest challenges weren’t technical, but about maintaining information security in line with GDPR. It’s something all municipalities struggle with in many areas, and here it was brought to the fore. We didn’t have that knowledge in-house, but management showed courage and decided to proceed anyway. For the time being, we brought in external expertise, but this also highlighted the need to strengthen skills within the municipality."
Supporting staff and improving care workflows
Another key insight from ACE pilots is how digital tools can support care staff and enhance care quality. One pilot, called Wear&Care, involves a sensor placed on the outside of a care recipient’s incontinence product.
"The sensor shows when it’s time to change the protection, which may sound simple — just an indication for staff to go and make a change. But it has many positive side effects," says Linda.
For example, the sensor provides a clear signal if the frequency of changes deviates from normal, which could indicate regular leaks or that the wrong size or model is being used.
"We don’t want to be going out at all hours and intruding into people’s homes because the protection isn’t working as intended. Or conversely, if there’s no need for a change, to wake someone unnecessarily in the middle of the night."
Technology isn’t just about automation, it’s about enabling more personalised, efficient, and dignified care.
Organisational change and skills development
Implementing digital solutions also requires a shift in organisational culture. Success depends on:
- Multi-professional collaboration from the very start of pilot projects.
- Change management skills among managers and staff.
- Understanding that technology works best when integrated into broader care practices, rather than used in isolation.
These insights are vital for any ACE partner or municipality aiming to scale digital care innovations effectively.
The value of cross-border collaboration
The ACE project facilitates shared learning across borders. Partners can observe how others tackle similar challenges, exchange experiences, and avoid common pitfalls. This collective approach accelerates innovation and strengthens the potential impact of digital homecare solutions across Europe.
Digital solutions in homecare are most effective when they balance technology, ethical considerations, and real-world care needs. Preventive tools like AI-assisted fall detection can reduce risks for older adults, while wearable devices improve staff efficiency and the quality of care.
By focusing on these challenges — data privacy, staff support, organisational change, and cross-border learning — we can shape solutions that are not only innovative, but practical, scalable, and sustainable.
Do you have questions for the ACE team? Contact us!