A WOMAN with health problems who has suffered a series of falls is urging people to look into whether technology can help them keep their independence in their own homes.

Jean Keeble, aged 83, was issued with a Chubb lifeline and a wrist-worn falls detector last year after suffering falls at home and is promoting the advantages offered by technology during Falls Prevention Week this month.

To mark the campaign Worcestershire County Council’s assistive technology team is pointing residents and their family/carers in the direction of a range of high-tech equipment which supports people to maintain independence and safety in their own home. They include bed or chair leaving alarms, night lights and wrist-worn falls detectors which are easy to use and can often be installed in people’s homes. Mrs Keeble, a widow, suffers with poor mobility after two knee replacements and also has arthritis and angina which means she is often unsteady on her feet and at risk of tripping or falling over.

She said the falls detector had made a huge difference, helping her feel more confident around the house.

She added: “When I go out into my garden which is large I feel reassured that if I fall and need help the emergency services will be called because my neighbours are regularly away and no one would know I need help.”

Helping prevent and detect a fall is just one benefit of assistive technology.

It also includes equipment which helps residents administer medication, help monitor someone’s whereabouts when they are out and about and notifies carers when someone is in a period of inactivity.

With continuing budget pressures, technology could be a more cost-effective solution for meeting people’s care needs and can support them to receive the care they want in their preferred setting.

Coun Philip Gretton, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for adult social care, said: “Technology can be daunting for some people, but it’s clear the sort of equipment available now is really user-friendly and can support people to maintain their independence in a more cost-effective way.

“It can also provide reassurance for those who care for or look after someone knowing that if they do fall, they can be notified almost instantly.”

For more information visit worcestershire.gov.uk/assistivetechnology.