The Royal Borough of Greenwich has launched a digital health and care technology service to help residents stay safe and independent at home.
From April 2025, the service will bring technology such as video doorbells, voice assistants and tablets into people’s homes, with the aim of offering extra support, peace of mind, and early help when needed.
The service is designed for adults who could benefit from extra support, such as people that have a learning or physical disability, are recovering from a hospital stay, at risk of falls or living with dementia.
Councillor Mariam Lolavar, cabinet member for health, adult social care, and borough of sanctuary, said: “This is all about making life easier for people in Royal Greenwich.
“Whether someone needs a little extra support after coming out of hospital, reassurance for their family, or help with daily tasks, digital tools like video doorbells, voice assistants, and tablets can make a big difference.”
The service is helpful for people who forget appointments or medication, have recently been in hospital, live alone, are at risk of falls or feel anxious about managing at home.
Local people helped shape the service, with more than 250 residents, carers, and professionals sharing their experiences over the last 18 months.
The service will introduce practical technology that supports residents in everyday life, including smart home monitoring, remote health monitoring, personalised digital tools and smart technology for early support and prevention.
This could include discreet sensors and devices such as video doorbells and motion detectors to detect falls, voice assistants to set reminders for medication, video doorbells to check who is at the door and tablets for video calls with family and carers.
Iain Dimond, chair of the Healthier Greenwich Partnership , which brings together partners from the NHS, local council, social care, and the community and voluntary sector, said: “We want people in Royal Greenwich to get the support they need at home, rather than always relying on hospitals or emergency services.
“These digital solutions are practical, easy to use, and can really help people stay independent and connected.”
Local health and care professionals will be supported with training and ongoing support to help them understand and use the technology.
There will also be a digital champions programme, to enable trained staff to help their colleagues and residents.
The service is a joint initiative between the council and Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, South-East London Integrated Care Board, Rethink Partners, and technology provider Alcove.
It is free for eligible residents receiving support through adult social care or the NHS or can be self-funded for £6.10 per week.
Meanwhile, Peter Kyle, science secretary, announced in March 2025 that an adult social care programme which uses digital technologies to help citizens live in their own homes for longer has been extended to more local authorities in the West Midlands.
The programme uses technologies such as sensors, wearable monitors and computer tablets to create personalised care plans for vulnerable residents.
