Smart Tech and You: Health and Social Care support in the home

This page explains how personal smart devices and apps can support your health, wellbeing, and independence at home.

In today’s digitally connected world, personal smart devices and apps are transforming how people across the UK manage their health and social care needs from the comfort of home.

From smart speakers to wearable tech, these innovations offer practical, personalised support that can enhance independence, safety, and wellbeing - particularly for older adults, people with disabilities, and those with long-term health conditions.

Learn more about some of the ways that smart tech can help around the home in this short explainer video, produced by Nottingham County Council alongside Nottingham City Council.

Smart home control

Smart home control systems, such as voice-activated assistants and app-connected lighting, heating, and security, help create safer and more accessible living environments. These tools can be especially beneficial for individuals with mobility challenges, enabling them to control their surroundings without physical strain.

For further information on some of the most popular smart home control apps, download the Alexa Home guide, Google Home Guide or Apple Home guide:

Medication management

Medication management apps and smart pill dispensers provide timely reminders and tracking features to support adherence to prescribed treatments. This reduces the risk of missed doses and helps carers and health professionals monitor medication routines remotely.

For more detail on how to operate a selection of medication management apps, download the Medication Management Apps Guide [PDF].

GPS-enabled monitoring

GPS-enabled apps can play a vital role in helping elderly and vulnerable adults stay safe by providing real-time location tracking and geofencing features. These apps allow caregivers or family members to monitor a person's whereabouts, ensuring they remain within safe zones such as home or familiar areas. This technology promotes independence while offering peace of mind to both users and their support networks.

For more detail on how to use location tracking for elderly relatives, download the Guide to Location Tracking Apps and Devices for Monitoring Elderly Relatives [PDF].

Tackling social isolation

Combatting social isolation is another vital area where technology plays a role. Video calling platforms, virtual community groups, and companion robots offer meaningful ways to stay connected with loved ones and engage in social activities, helping to reduce loneliness and improve quality of life.

Mental wellbeing support

For those experiencing stress, anxiety, or low mood, mental health support apps offer guided meditation, mood tracking, and access to professional advice. These tools empower users to take control of their mental wellbeing and seek help when needed.

Disclaimer

Smart Tech and You is a free and impartial service provided by Nottinghamshire County Council, alongside Nottingham City Council. The information contained in this guide has been made available for the purpose of identifying services and products available to the residents of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

This information does not represent a recommendation or an endorsement of any specific Product or App. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on this page, we do not accept any responsibility or liability for any errors that may have occurred.

We recognise that we are unable to provide a complete list of services and that others may be available.

Anyone seeking to use or access a Product or App is responsible for undertaking their own checks to determine the suitability and fitness for purpose of that product.