New service to keep vulnerable people safe at home

The technology includes fall detectors, door sensors, pressure mats and dementia clocks

A council is investing £6m in smart technology-enabled care solutions to help keep vulnerable people safe at home.

Gloucestershire County Council said devices such as fall detectors, door sensors and dementia clocks would be placed in residents' homes.

It is hoped the technology, provided by Careium, will help people maintain their independence and delay the need for additional care and support.

Councillor Dr Kate Usmar, the council's cabinet member for adults' safety and independence, said the scheme would help support residents "live independently and safely in their own homes for as long as possible".

"This investment in technology will help people and families get the support they need, peace of mind, and a better quality of life," she added.

Dr Usmar also said the tailored technology, which will collect data and analytics about service users, would help resources go further, enabling the council to help more people.

The service also includes bed or chair occupancy sensors, bogus caller buttons, pressure mats and wellbeing apps and can be accessed through referrals from health or social care practitioners.

The authority said it hoped the service would reassure families and loved ones and support quicker and safer returns home after being admitted to hospital.

It is also hoped the data collected will detect early changes in behaviour.

Those using the existing analogue service will be changed over to digital equipment ahead of the digital switchover deadline in 2027, the council said.