A TRIAL which sees 5G care devices put into vulnerable independent people's (VIPs) homes has had its funding increased.

The 5G RuralDorset project uses ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) devices, which are placed on kitchen shelves to monitor daily activity, such as kettle use and cooking.

If it detects a change in behavioural patterns, which may indicate illness or a fall, it can send an alert to carers or the emergency services.

The trial put several assisted living devices in homes to assess how they might support residents needing social care support.

Jill Haynes, Cabinet Member for Corporate Development and Transformation for Dorset Council, which leads the 5G RuralDorset project, said: “If people’s health and wellbeing can be supported earlier, by way of timely reporting and insights to local community health and social care teams, then this potentially means better support and fewer medical interventions for them.

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"This new technology is helping to shift the focus to prevention and we hope to utilise the additional 30 devices alongside our colleagues in healthcare to provide better outcomes for our residents.”

The assisted living devices are supplied by Internet of Things Solutions Group (IoTSG) and connected via the Vodafone network, but does not need wifi or mobile phone signal, which is important for use in many rural areas in Dorset.

As well as providing reassurance for friends and family, the technology could allow people to be sent home from hospital more quickly.

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The Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has granted additional funding for 30 new devices for vulnerable residents in Dorset as part of its 5G Rural Testbed & Trials programme.

Emma Mahy, CEO at IoTSG, said: “Dorset Council have shown that they are keen to trial innovations and have been a frontrunner in adopting this solution.

"Their willingness to trial new technology has shown the value of the data, as well as exhibiting a great example of how sensors can send information in areas with no mobile phone coverage.

"We are excited to be continuing this relationship with the 5G RuralDorset team and Dorset Council to support more rural residents.”