By Mark Andrews
Wolverhampton Council said its trial of new technology to help meet the needs of the over-65s and disabled people had been met with a positive response from the public.
The council had been working with technology provider WM5G and West Midlands Combined Authority to look at how care needs may be met in future.
Voice-activated devices including video care phones, internet speakers and smoke alarms formed part of the trial, which received funding from the Department for Science and Technology.
Residents also used digital pendants, which can pinpoint their location, to help keep them safe at home and when out and about, being able to detect if they suffer a fall and provide direct communication with emergency support.
Wolverhampton resident Carol, who has vascular dementia, was among the participants, supported by WM5G digital care navigators and her daughter Caroline.
She said: 鈥淭his technology is like having a friend. I don鈥檛 feel alone, I feel safe, and that has given me a lot of confidence both in and out of the house.鈥
Daughter Caroline added: 鈥淢um is of a generation where technology is not really their thing at all, but this is easy to use, and the support team have been brilliant talking her through it. It has been very beneficial and reassuring for us.鈥
Councillor Paula Brookfield, cabinet member for adults, said: 鈥淲hile we are in the early stages of understanding the potential of this technology, it can help make a positive difference providing tailored packages, optimising carer visits and delaying the need for additional care.”
More than 301 referrals have been made in Wolverhampton alone since the start of the project in September 2024 with more than 2,500 pieces of equipment deployed to support independent living.
Findings from the project will be used to analyse the case for development of the equipment in future.