Council invests £6m to keep vulnerable people safe at home

Gloucestershire County Council is investing £6m over the next five years to support people to live safely and independently at home.

The authority has appointed Careium to provide cutting-edge, digitally-driven, technology-enabled care solutions.

The new service will provide a variety of telecare products aimed at helping people to maintain their independence, dignity, and wellbeing, while also preventing, reducing, and delaying the need for additional care and support.

These include falls detectors, door sensors, pressure mats, alarm base units, dementia clocks, bed or chair occupancy sensors, bogus caller buttons, wellbeing apps, and more.

A comprehensive suite of technology-enabled care (TEC) options will collect robust data and analytics about individuals, enabling better care and early intervention when changes in behaviour are detected.

The benefits for individuals, their families, and carers include:

• Greater independence and wellbeing: People can live more confidently and comfortably at home, maintaining dignity and improving quality of life
• Enhanced social inclusion: Individuals are supported to reconnect with their communities
• Health and safety: The service helps prevent hospital admissions and supports quicker, safer returns home after hospital stays
• Informed choices: Increased awareness of technology-enabled care options empowers individuals to stay independent
• Reassurance for families: Carers and loved ones gain peace of mind knowing support and monitoring are in place

Residents can access the service through referrals from health or social care practitioners.
The council is currently in the process of switching all people using the existing analogue service to digital equipment ahead of the Digital Switchover deadline in 2027.

Councillor Dr Kate Usmar, cabinet member for adults’ safety and independence at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “I’m really excited about this project.

“Our £6m investment in smart, technology-enabled care services will support residents across Gloucestershire to 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.

“Smart, tailored technology will help our resources go further so we can help even more residents and it will help us to provide a great service for years to come.”

Lauren Purser, commercial director at Careium, added: “We are proud to partner with Gloucestershire County Council to deliver innovative, technology-enabled care solutions that empower vulnerable individuals to live safely and independently at home.

“Our cutting-edge solutions provide real-time support, early intervention, and peace of mind for both users and their loved ones.

“This investment reflects a shared commitment to enhancing quality of life through smart, responsive care, ensuring people receive the right help at the right time, while maintaining their dignity and independence.”