Four Somerset care homes are to trial smart lighting systems to reduce falls.
The initiative, led by Somerset Council and NHS Somerset ICB, aims to improve resident safety by installing these systems in bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms over the next three years.
Funding for this project has been secured from NHS England, with Porters Care Ltd chosen as delivery partners.
The smart lighting system, named Nobi, has been designed to immediately alert carers to a fall, ensuring swift assistance.
The technology also provides staff with a means to review incidents leading to falls, aiding in the prevention of similar future occurrences.
Cllr Sarah Wakefield, lead member for adult services, housing and homelessness at Somerset Council, said: "I see a lot of potential in this trial to significantly improve the quality of life for our residents whilst also reducing the strain on our health and social care services.
"Falls can be absolutely devastating to people in their older age, so it is essential we do everything we can to prevent them, and when that fails, to catch them as quickly as possible when they do occur."
According to national statistics, more than 70,000 people in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland suffer hip fractures from falls each year.
This results in the occupation of one in 30 hospital beds and an estimated £2 billion in care costs.
In the last reported quarter, 310 falls were recorded across 29 residential settings rated 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission.
This accounts for approximately 45 per cent of residents in these settings.
The primary aim of this trial is to reduce the frequency and severity of falls, subsequently improving residents' quality of life and easing the burden on health and social care services.
The care homes chosen for this trial were selected based on various criteria, including the strength of their Wi-Fi signal.
They will be part of an ongoing evaluation process, including an external partner from Oxford University, to explore the potential for further use of technology in the health and social care sectors.
Richard Greaves, associate director for GP IT at NHS Somerset, said: "NHS Somerset is proud to work in partnership with Somerset Council and a number of residential homes to explore the capability of falls detection technology and to improve the safety for residents in these homes.
"The outcomes and findings of this trial will help to shape and determine future investment in this type of technology."
The evaluation will also consider options to support people in their own homes.
