The aim of the project SILC (Supporting Independently Living Citizens) is to prolong the quality of life of older and infirm people by postponing the need for institutionalization. To achieve this aim, the consortium is investigating the feasibility, and develop working prototypes, of a portable wrist-worn life-signs monitor and communications link, giving the user the ability and confidence to continue to live in the community longer. The device will intelligently monitor the well being of the user and report alarms in the event of problems being detected. It will also permit two-way conversations with care providers, initiated either by the user or by the care provider. In this paper a general introduction and a status report on the development of the first prototypes will be given.