Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire lead the way in falls prevention with sensor-based technology in care homes
People who use social care, along with the staff who support them, are benefiting from innovative sensor-based technology being used across the Thames Valley to help prevent falls in care homes.
Oxfordshire County Council, Buckinghamshire Council and NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB are taking a leading role in improving falls prevention in care homes through advanced sensor-based technology.
The innovative technology, supported by NHS England’s Digitising Social Care Fund, has trialled passive sensors in five care homes in the counties, covering 215 residents.
These sensors provide round-the-clock, touch-free monitoring without cameras or wearable devices, protecting privacy while offering real-time alerts and data to help prevent falls and reduce hospital admissions.
Remote monitoring and sensor-based falls technology deliver wide-ranging benefits to people who use social care and the staff who provide it. These benefits include reduced hospital admissions, quicker discharge and shorter stays in hospital.
Deirdre Wallace, Health and Care Innovation Team Leader at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This is more than just technology - it’s a cultural shift in how we deliver care.
“By combining remote monitoring with a people-first approach, we’re empowering care homes to move from reactive to proactive care, improving outcomes and independence for residents.”
Early feedback from care providers has been overwhelmingly positive, with benefits including better night-time monitoring, quicker response to incidents, and improved support for both residents and staff.
Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Oxfordshire is proud to be at the forefront of innovation in adult care.
“This project shows our commitment to using smart solutions to tackle real challenges - reducing falls, improving safety, and supporting our dedicated care workforce.”
This initiative marks a major step towards a more preventative and data-driven model of care, aligning with Oxfordshire’s wider strategy to help people age well and live independently for longer.
Henry Wright, Head of Digital Transformation at NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB, said: “Our priority is to improve health and care for local people and patients. Working with our partners, we have been able to secure funding for innovative technology which supports the wellbeing of our older communities.”
Isobel Darby, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said: “Buckinghamshire Council is proud to be working collaboratively with the Integrated Care Board and Oxfordshire County Council in this joint initiative which promises to deliver real benefits to residents in care homes.
“By embracing innovative technology like this, we are helping to take a proactive approach to falls prevention and demonstrating our commitment to supporting people to live better, longer, independent lives.”
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