AI used to flag people most at risk of falling

Norfolk County Council's Nick Clinch said AI has huge potential to improve the authority's services

The care records of 12,000 elderly and vulnerable adults have been read by an artificial intelligence (AI) system to help identify those most at risk of falling, a council said.

Norfolk County Council has rolled out the technology across the county following a successful pilot scheme.

People identified by the technology as high risk are called or visited by social workers who review their care plans and install grab rails and ramps where needed.

Alison Thomas, the cabinet member for adult services at Norfolk County Council, said the AI system has saved the authority money and improved people's wellbeing.

The project is a collaboration between Norfolk County Council, voluntary, community and social enterprises, local councils and NHS organisations.

The roll-out follows a successful pilot involving 1,250 residents, where their case care notes were read by the AI program which was able to identify and prioritise individuals most at risk of falling.

Reduce cost

One couple who were supported as part of the pilot had new grab rails fitted at their front door and staircase.

The husband and wife, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "We're really happy they were fitted and think it will have a big impact, making us more confident going up the stairs.

"We also had had positive conversations with the team around steps we can take to help prepare for older age.

"We didn't realise the help that was there for us."

Thomas said: "The pilots of the scheme have proved that by proactively intervening with residents, both those already known to adult social services and those not yet in contact with us, helps deliver a reduction in falls.

"This then reduces associated fractures, improve wellbeing outcomes, and lower social care costs".

Norfolk County Council said it planned to spend more than £707m pounds on adult social care for the financial year 2025/26.

The authority added it would use AI in a "safe, ethical and transparent way".

Nick Clinch, the director of transformation in adult social services at Norfolk County Council, said: "We know that around 40% of people who enter a care home do so after a fall.

"We also know there are thousands of admissions to hospital every year related to a fall.

"It definitely has made a difference, we have strong evidence that supporting people to reduce falls will reduce the amount of social care they need in the long term".