Innovative 3rings plug created for older people living independently

A tech start-up company has been crowdfunding for their latest innovation, 3rings plug, a product created for older people living alone.

3rings plug was created to offer a smart technology solution to families and loved ones of older people living alone. The product works by providing reassuring messages and alerts to the 3rings app when there is reason for concern or a change in the user’s behaviour.

Alerts can be customised, using the cloud-based platform, when using different electrical items, such as televisions, kettles and toasters.

Co-founder of 3rings, Steve Purdham created the 3rings when looking for technology to help support his mother. He said: “50 billion objects will be connected to the Internet by 2020 and this evolution has the power to help people stay independent for longer and ease the worry-factor for families.”

Age UK reports that there are currently more people aged over 60 than under 18s living in the UK with the number of people aged over 65 reaching 11 million for the first time ever.

Mr Purdham continued: “Like my own mum, many of us will choose to live in our own homes well into our 80s and beyond. With longer life expectancy, more families are trying to balance work commitments and bringing up their children, with making sure their own ageing parents or grandparents are OK.

“We want to stay ahead of the Internet of Things (IoT) curve and showcase how technology can care. Kickstarter is a great way for the public to join us on the 3rings journey and take this unique project to the next stage.”

3rings was inspired by the ‘three rings code’, previously used by family members before mobile phones were in regular use. Previous versions of the 3Rings app were linked to a loved one's landline phone.

The Kickstarter campaign is seeking £20,000 funding by 13th July, to allow the product to be produced on a large scale at an affordable cost to families.

Rewards for pledges include and ‘Early Bird Supporter 1’ package for pledges of £15 or more, including a 3rings plug at a special rate.

Founders of 3rings, Steve Purdham and Gareth Reakes previously worked together on online jukebox business We7 and recognise the importance of the IoT in assisting families and social care provisions for older people.

The 3rings smart plug allows household appliances to become a part of the IoT to provide relatives with regular updates about their loved ones behaviour and movements.

Family rules and alerts are sent using the app, email, text or an automated call system. Mr Purdham said: “The 3rings cloud portal gathers data and translates it into meaningful information for families. In the future we intend this to collect sensor data from other devices too, such as third-party smoke detectors and thermostats.”

3rings works by providing families with peace of mind, the product doesn’t require an internet connection and uses mobile technology to communicate that their loved ones are ok.

The plug is able to assure family members that their loved one is up and about, making their morning cup of tea or watching the television or if there is a lack of activity or a problem.

To read more about 3rings visit: www.3rings.co.uk or to pledge support for the project: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/3rings/3rings-the-plug-that-helps-care-for-mum-and-dad