A City of Wolverhampton Council backed project showing how digital technology can revolutionise adult social care has been praised by residents.

The council is working on the trial with others to prove how Technology Enabled Care (TEC) can help improve lives.

The pilot is led by WM5G on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) under the 5G Innovation Region scheme.

It is focused on the eligible care and support needs of people aged 65 and over, people with learning disabilities and those with physical disabilities.

As part of the project technology being used in people’s homes to support care needs includes devices and voice activated wireless technologies such as video care phones, smart speakers, smart doorbells and smart smoke alarms.

Residents have also been making use of digital pendants helping keep them safe at home and when out and about through location pinpointing, fall detection and direct communication with emergency support.

Wolverhampton resident Carol, who has vascular dementia, is among the participants, supported by WM5G digital care navigators and her daughter Caroline.

She said: “This technology is like having a friend. I don’t feel alone, I feel safe, and that has given me a lot of confidence both in and out of the house.”

Caroline said: “Mum 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.”

You can watch Carol and her daughter talk more about the TEC trial by watching the video here Project shows how Technology Enabled Care can transform adult social care in city

Councillor Paula Brookfield, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, said: “While 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."

Councillor Jeszemma Howl, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Governance and Digital, said: “It is lovely to hear how putting technology to use in this way can transform the lives of people like Carol right across our city, empowering independence and improving wellbeing.”

More than 301 referrals have been made in Wolverhampton alone since the start of the project in September 2024 with over 2,500 pieces of TEC equipment deployed to support independent living.

Findings from the project will help inform a business case for development of TEC in the future.