Reading vulnerable adults home sensor trial wins £1m grant

Kitchen sensors can detect missed meals or changes in fluid intake, the council said

A project to remotely monitor the home habits of vulnerable adults has won a £1m government grant to help it expand.

Reading Borough Council has spent nine months testing movement sensors for several social care clients living independently.

The monitors can detect changes in routine such as meals being missed or more visits to the bathroom, it said.

The project is one of the first four to benefit from the government's Adults Social Care Technology Fund.

The sensor data can be monitored through an app or website

The Berkshire council said the sensors had already been used to detect cold homes or doors left open.

It said they could also spot subtle changes in behaviour that relatives might miss, including illness or low fluid intake.

Families, friends or social workers can monitor the sensor data through an app or website.

Paul Gittings, the councillor in charge of adult social care on the authority, said: "We are thrilled to have secured this money which will now allow us to expand our successful Independent Living Technology pilot.

"We can help people enhance their independence, well-being and safety, and help address the evolving needs of our ageing population."

The study, in conjunction with Henley Business School, is particularly targeted at people who have been discharged from hospital or have long-term health conditions.

Other projects to benefit from the government fund include a video call care scheme in Shropshire, a falls prevention programme in Greater Manchester and a national medication record.

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