MiiHome project, a pioneering home safety project that uses XBox technology to monitor the welfare of elderly people has been shortlisted for a national award. The project, which is being trialled in Salford, aims to help older people live more safely in their homes for longer by tracking their movements using artificial intelligence.

A collaboration between housing association Salix Homes, working alongside Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Manchester, and The University of Salford, MiiHome project has been shortlisted in the Innovation of the Year category in the prestigious 24 Housing Awards, which recognises excellence in the housing sector.

As part of the trial, X-Box Kinect sensors, which detect movement, were fitted into a number of properties at Salix Homes’ sheltered living schemes, which provide accommodation for older people.

“The idea of MiiHome is that it acts as a sort of ‘digital guardian angel’ which is able to detect changes in behaviour that could mean something is wrong, for example someone’s gait may have slowed down, or they may be getting up more than usual in the night,” said Jonathan Drake, service director at Salix Homes.

“Its aim is to provide an early warning system to enable a health professional to step in and provide the right sort of care before the situation escalates, and hopefully reduce hospital admissions and pressure on our already overstretched NHS,” he continued.

The nomination for the prestigious award represents a double reason for celebration for Salix Homes, as its new affordable housing development – Alexander Gardens in Broughton – has also been shortlisted in the Affordable Housing Scheme of the Year Category.

“It’s a real honour for Salix Homes to have two of our projects named as finalists in the 24 Housing Awards, and it’s testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved,” said Lee Sugden, chief executive at Salix Homes.

The winners of the 24 Housing Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony in October.