AGEING technology which helps keep Dudley people safe in their own homes is set to get a major upgrade.

Dudley Council are planning to upgrade 8,000 devices used in the homes of elderly or vulnerable people to help them live independently.

They can be used to raise an alarm via a call centre if someone has fallen, set reminders to take medicine, help locate someone if they are prone to getting disorientated outside and help people feel secure in their own home.

But with the switch from analogue to digital, the council now plans to replace all the Telecare Service equipment over the next four years.

The plan goes before the council’s health and adult social care scrutiny committee on Wednesday (January 27).

Some projects that work on advanced technology have already been started, including the Brain in Hand app which is being piloted and designed to provide support by mobile phone.

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “Telecare is a popular service, which offers a lifeline to so many as well as reassurance to family and friends that their loved one has the support they need to remain in their own home.

“We have to make sure our Telecare solutions can provide an even better and more sophisticated levels of support.”