A 5G-enabled smart home project supporting individuals with spinal cord injuries to live independently through assistive technology, real-time connectivity, and personalised care environments designed for post-discharge rehabilitation

For many, the absence of tailored support, home adaptations and assistive technologies can result in dependency on carers and family members, elevated risks of falls or injury, and a loss of autonomy.  Traditional models of care rely heavily on physical visits and reactive services, which can be both costly and inconsistent, especially for individuals in remote or underserved areas.  This disconnect between clinical recovery and real-world independence limits long-term wellbeing and rehabilitation outcomes.

At the same time, there is a growing emphasis on enabling people to live independently in their own homes, supported by digital care solutions. However, barriers to adoption remain significant, particularly when it comes to introducing new technologies into personal living environments.  Some service user’s express anxiety about using unfamiliar devices.  Others face challenges with digital literacy or lack access to fast, reliable connectivity.  Additionally, care teams are often under pressure with limited resources and may not have the capacity to support individuals in exploring or integrating technology into care plans.

This project was designed specifically for individuals with spinal cord injuries and the support organisations that work with them.  End users include residents living with SCI, particularly those recently discharged from hospital, as well as informal carers, social services, NHS rehabilitation teams, and assistive technology professionals.

By demonstrating how smart home technology, supported by 5G and wireless connectivity, can transform day-to-day living, this project tackles both the personal and systemic barriers faced by SCI communities.  It offers a cost-effective, replicable model for digitally enabled independent living that fits within wider local authority, health, and social care frameworks.

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Each participant's home was assessed and adapted with a customised package of assistive smart technology.  This included the installation of 5G-enabled routers, smart plugs, voice-activated lighting and appliances, Ring doorbells, and Alexa-enabled systems to support hands-free interaction.  The system design focused on enabling users to perform everyday tasks independently, such as switching lights on and off, opening doors, managing heating, or making emergency calls.  By integrating various devices, the home environment was transformed into an accessible and responsive space.

Connectivity was provided through 5G or the most appropriate available wireless network to ensure stability and speed.  Where 5G coverage was not available, alternative connectivity methods were deployed without compromising system performance.  This flexibility ensured consistent and reliable communication between devices and cloud services, regardless of geographic constraints.

The solution was implemented with a modular and user-focused approach.  Training workshops were delivered by Spinal Injuries Scotland’s Assistive Technology Champion, with support from Vodafone representatives, to ensure that participants gained the confidence and skills needed to operate their smart home systems effectively.  Training was designed to be inclusive and adaptable to individual levels of digital familiarity.

Security and safety were key considerations throughout.  All installed devices were pre-configured with privacy settings, and emergency support features were integrated to enhance user confidence in their ability to manage risks independently.  Participants also received wearable devices, such as smartwatches, to provide remote communication with carers or family members if urgent assistance was required.

The use of 5G and IoT technologies created an ecosystem of connected care, making it possible for users to interact with their environment in a seamless and dignified way.  The solution does not rely on bespoke or proprietary hardware, which makes it scalable and compatible with other systems used by local authorities, housing providers, and NHS services.

This approach enables both a reduction in the reliance on care staff for routine tasks and an improvement in quality of life for individuals with SCI. It also provides a clear pathway for future upgrades and integration into wider digital health and care strategies.

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Financial efficiencies and returns
Participants in the project reported increased independence, fewer risks of falls, greater safety, and improved emotional wellbeing. By enabling individuals to manage household tasks themselves, such as lighting, heating, and communication, there is a direct reduction in the number of care hours required. This frees up capacity within social care teams, reduces associated staffing costs, and contributes to better resource allocation.

Technology-driven independence also supports a decrease in emergency call-outs and unplanned hospital admissions, particularly for issues that can be prevented with timely access to help or improved environmental control.  This has the potential to deliver substantial savings across health and social care budgets.

Conditions and timescales to realise savings
The savings become apparent within the first year, as evidenced by participants' rapid increase in independence following installation.  The technology packages provided are durable and modular, with minimal maintenance required, allowing for a sustainable impact without excessive ongoing costs.  Training and support were front-loaded, but the ongoing requirement is light-touch and can be embedded into wider peer support or occupational therapy frameworks.

Cost to scale-up and funding considerations
A national or regional rollout would require initial investment in equipment, training, and installation. However, the modular nature of the smart home technologies ensures that only relevant components need to be deployed based on each individual’s needs, keeping costs proportionate and flexible.  Working in partnership with technology providers, such as Vodafone, offers opportunities for cost-sharing or reduced pricing through referrals and volume discounts.

Spinal Injuries Scotland is developing a sustainability model that includes:

• Income-driven training sessions for users and staff
• Revenue from supplier discounts and promotions
• Reuse of working devices at the end of their original deployment
• Donations and sponsorship generated through open days and promotional campaigns

These elements feed into a self-sustaining model, which enables continued delivery of services while reducing dependency on grant funding.

Market size and investment potential
With approximately 400 spinal cord injuries occurring annually in Scotland alone, and many more individuals living with related mobility challenges, the market for smart home enablement is significant.  The approach is also applicable to other groups with similar care needs, such as older adults, stroke survivors, and individuals with progressive neurological conditions.

This commercial model provides a replicable, scalable pathway for national adoption, aligned with the goals of integrated health and social care transformation.  It creates opportunities for both public investment and private sector partnership, with long-term financial and social value.

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• Digital Inclusion
• The project specifically addressed digital exclusion by supporting participants with limited or no prior experience of smart technology.
• Baseline findings showed 75% had no smart technology in the home and 33% had low levels of digital understanding.
• Through tailored one-to-one training sessions, hands-on workshops, and ongoing support, participants gained confidence and skills to use the equipment effectively.
• 100% reported satisfaction with the training, and all participants said they were likely to continue using the technology.
• Economic
• Enables informal carers and family members to maintain work commitments by reducing their direct care burden.
• Demonstrates value-for-money in assistive technology investment by delaying or avoiding the need for more intensive care packages.
• Efficiency
• Smart technology automates basic functions, enabling quicker and more reliable task completion by the user.
• Reduced need for in-person visits for routine issues, freeing up professional capacity.
• Safety
• Participants experienced a reduction in falls and other physical risks due to remote control of lights, appliances, and environmental systems.
• Increased confidence in emergency situations through improved communication tools and smart alarms.
• Health
• 80% of participants reported better sleep, lower anxiety, and reduced fatigue following installation of smart technologies.
• Consistent feedback indicated improvements in general wellbeing and mental health due to restored autonomy.
• Energy
• Smart plugs and environmental controls support more efficient energy use, especially valuable for users with limited mobility.
• Comfort and Convenience
• Voice or phone-activated control of doors, lights, and appliances increased ease of access and comfort for wheelchair users.
• Reduced need for awkward or unsafe movements to perform daily tasks (e.g. using a tool to reach a socket).
• Social
• 82% of participants reported improved social interaction thanks to enhanced digital connectivity.
• Technology enabled consistent contact with family, friends, and support networks, reducing loneliness.
• User Satisfaction
• All participants expressed high satisfaction with the installed equipment and the training provided.
• 100% said they would recommend smart technology to other spinal cord injury patients.