The company, 3rings, has developed a smart plug of the same name that can connect household appliances, such as TVs and kettles, belonging to the elderly with remote users via a smartphone app, email, text or automated calls.

These plugs can provide updates to friends and relatives informing them that the person is conscious and has switched on the TV or is making their usual cup of tea, or alert them that there could be a problem.

It uses inbuilt mobile technology so there is no need for a separate internet connection.

Steve Purdham co-founded 3rings, which is based in Congleton and Oxford, with fellow technology entrepreneur Gareth Reakes. The pair previously worked on online music streaming service We7, which was sold to Tesco.

Purdham said: "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 showcase how technology can care and Kickstarter is a great way for the public to join us on the 3rings journey and take this unique project to the next stage."