“Vital” hi-tech devices such as rumbling pillows that can alert elderly people with hearing difficulties to fires will be paid for by a Scottish government grant.
The telecare technology, which is being paid for by a fund of £4m announced by public health minister Shona Robison, is aimed at helping pensioners stay in their own homes.
A total of £120,000 will be available to every local authority and health board partnership, to be spent in 2010-11.
Potentially £8m could be spent on the devices as the scheme requires councils and health authorities to match the funding.
Other technology will include electronic reminders for people to take medication.
A total of £16m was invested in telecare technology since 2006, with 25,800 older people having benefited.
Ms Robison (pictured) said: “Investing in telecare is vital if we are to remain ahead of the game in meeting the needs of our growing older population. Telecare can help older people remain independent in their own homes – something we must explore further if we are to rise to the challenges we face.”
The public health minister recently warned Scotland’s care bill could rise to £8bn in just over two decades unless changes are made.
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