Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council has begun a pilot of the use of the digital Ethel Care system as part of its reablement care package.
It said it is working with the supplier to equip residents in selected locations with a 16-inch tablet device – designed specifically for older people – six sensors and mobile network router for their homes.
The system is being provided free of charge and includes a touchscreen device designed specifically for older people. It provides them with a virtual connection to the reablement care team, making it possible for some help to be provided remotely.
Residents will be offered virtual appointments on subjects such as hydration, nutrition and therapy care, along with exercise videos.
The sensors will provide the council with an update of activity carried out by the resident. This can be passed on to family and carers through a mobile phone app.
Many benefits
Cllr Andrea Goddard, Dudley’s cabinet member for adult social care, said: “There could be many benefits to using this model, which gives us the ability to help more residents in an efficient and cost-effective way.
“Most importantly, technology such as this can help more residents to stay in their own homes and gives their loved ones peace of mind that they are being checked in with more often.”
The pilot is set to run until February of next year.
