Introduction
On average, Low (2012) quoted that about one in four elderly above the age of 65 in Singapore will suffer a fall. Of those who fell, two-thirds had a single fall and one-third had recurrent falls. Khalik (2015) also reported that close to 100 elderly were admitted to hospital every month because of an injury from a fall. Sollitto (2017) further explains the reasons why elderly are more prone to falling or slipping. Namely their decline in physical fitness, the effects of medication, impaired vision and chronic diseases.
With the heightened risks of falling, there should be more precautions in ensuring the wellbeing of elderly, especially elderly living alone. With no one present to look after them, the emergency alert system would do well to keep them safe, in an event of a fall.
Figure 1: Crude rate unintentional falls based on age group
Table 2: Resident Households by Age Group of Head and Household Living Arrangement, Year 2010 to 2015
The results of both figure X and Y are alarming and dangerous, and we can conclude that the factors related to the risks of elderly injury are increasing exponentially. With more elderly staying alone over the years, the peril of fatal injuries involving elderly increases directly, as the number of elderly exposed to the risk rises.
However, majority of senior citizens in Singapore whom are at risk, do not own the product. It will thus result in higher risks of fatal injuries, or even death. An emergency alert system that allows elderly to call for aid is extremely vital, and could very possibly be the one equipment that could save their lives.
Problem statement
An emergency alert device should be implemented for the elderly to ensure that they are safe in the case of an actual medical emergency. The majority of the elderly who spend most of their time at home alone do not have any form of emergency alert system. Without it, the elderly will continue to be at risk of not getting emergency attention or help in times of desperate need. An emergency alert device sends distress signals to their caregivers or nearby hospitals when the device detects a fall, or if the signal is sent directly from the elderly. This will allow the elderly to receive medical attention promptly.
Purpose statement
The purpose of this proposal is to explore the different types of emergency alert systems in the market and select the optimal system. The selected alert system will be recommended to Ministry of Social and Family Development, in hopes of it being sold or distributed to elderly or their family in need.
The proposal thus wishes that the product becomes more popular and widely used throughout households with senior citizens in Singapore, to minimise the rate of fatal accidents occurring in households when the elderly are alone in the house.
Proposed solution
The proposed solution is to recommend a wearable emergency alert device for senior citizens who spend most of their time alone at home. This is to ensure that they are always equipped with the device to receive assistance from caregivers when emergencies occur. Caregivers can range from family members, trained professionals to volunteers.
Considerations and selection
The optimal emergency alert system should consist of the following five criteria:
- Fall detection
It will automatically contact their respective caregivers when any fall or slippage is detected. This function is vital, as seniors may become unconscious or physically incapable of pressing the button to alert their caregivers. The detection utilises the accelerometer and gyroscope to identify a fall more accurately.
- Emergency button
The emergency button becomes handy, when seniors require help apart from falls. Examples could include other emergencies such as fire hazard or being generally unwell.
- Global Positioning System (GPS)
GPS is essential, as it allows caregivers to easily and efficiently locate the whereabouts of the elder in times of medical emergency.
- Long battery life
Long battery life is extremely favourable, simple because elderly may forget to charge their device from time to time. A longer battery life meant that they are protected for a prolonged amount of time, without new charges.
- water resistance
Large number of falls occur in the bathroom, where it is often wet and slippery. Thus, it is advisable for the the device to be water resistant, as it would be unfortunate for it to malfunction in times of need.
Upon evaluating and weighing the functions and features, the emergency alert device that Eldervists have selected is the iHelp Adult GPS Tracker Device from OMG Solutions Pte Ltd which costs SGD $390. Refer to Appendix A and B for its specifications and dimensions.
Figure Z. iHelp Adult GPS Tracker Device
Benefits of Proposed Solution
Apart from the four functions and features that were mentioned above, iHelp Adult GPS Tracker Device possess even more advantages, that could benefit the user.
iHelp Adult GPS Tracker Device has an additional feature, named fall detection. It will automatically contact their respective caregivers when any fall or slippage is detected. This function is vital, as seniors may become unconscious or physically incapable of pressing the button to alert their caregivers. The detection utilises the accelerometer and gyroscope to identify a fall more accurately. Furthermore, it contains an in-built motionless detection, to sense any abnormality when no movement is detected for a set amount of time.
On top of that, iHelp Adult GPS Tracker Device provides a two-way communication through calls and text messages to up to five personnel with a press of the button. This allow the elder to be able to instantly voice their troubles in times of need, without the use of another device.
Lastly, the device is also linked onto mobiles devices through the application, DS Tracker, to allow family members or caregivers to know and track the whereabouts of the elderly, to effectively identify the location of the elder in an emergency. (Refer to Appendix C)
Limitations of Proposed Solution
Despite the long battery life, iHelp Adult GPS Tracker Device still has to be charged every 2 to 3 days. Elderly could forget about the device after charging it, which may put them at risk once again. Furthermore, because of the miniature size of the device, senior citizens may risk losing it.
iHelp Adult GPS Tracker Device operates using prepaid card or postpaid plan, which requires regular topping up when the amount runs low. Thus, caregivers will have to constantly check the available amount to ensure the device is still has enough value to be used properly.
Implementation
To evaluate the effectiveness of the selected alert device, there will be a trial programme. 25 elderly would be selected to participate in the trial, where they will be equipped with the alert device for for a month. There will be an assessment once every 2 weeks to collect various feedbacks to determine the reliability of the selected alert device.
Figure (Please refer to Appendix D) shows and describes the time span of the entire trial programme, and the necessary actions to be taken.
Alternative solution
An alternative solution would be a wireless motion sensor which will be able to monitor senior citizens in real time and provide timely alert. Eldervists have chosen the Smart Activity Monitoring Service (SAMS) by M1 which will cost SGD $214 with a monthly subscriptions of SGD $14.66. SAMS works by monitoring the elder’s daily activities at home by using motion sensor detection and alerts the caregiver through text messages. SAMS consists of four main devices: wireless door sensor, wireless motion sensor, wireless portable panic button, and iNet mini smarthub. (Refer to Appendix E)
Figure X. Operation of Smart Activity Monitoring Service (SAMS)
Benefits of Alternative Solution
The elder’s activity at home is monitored with wireless motion sensor and wireless door sensor. Caregivers will be notified if the elderly is out of the house, or have been inactive for a long time as there could be a possibility of an emergency that requires immediate attention. Footages of the elder’s activities around the house are also recorded, to allow caregivers or families to identify any oddities present in the apartment.
Similar to iHelp Adult GPS Tracker Device, it has an in-built emergency button, that allows quick response from caregivers in an event of an emergency.
Limitations of Alternative Solution
A household will require more than one wireless motion sensor as there are many rooms such as the kitchen or toilet, which may end up becoming costly. Furthermore, because of the post-paid nature of the plan that costs a monthly subscription of $14.66, the cost will continue to be incurred and in the long run, may become too expensive.
SAMS requires an internet connection to function. Hence, when the internet connection is down, the elderly will be unable to alert the caregivers when emergencies occur. Regular maintenance have to be conducted as well to keep the system in good working condition.
Methodology
Two different methods of research, primary and secondary, were conducted, to allow our team to have a better understanding on the matter.
Primary Research
Interviews with elderly were conducted for us to have a clearer understanding of the problem. Interviews are highly effective because our team got to interact directly with elderly who are facing the problems themselves. The information from the interview were thus very insightful.
Copy of the questionnaire (see Appendix F) and sample interviews (see Appendix F to H) can be found in the appendix.
Secondary Research
Secondary research were conducted to obtain essential information required for us to efficiently prepare for and complete the proposal. The information gathered allowed us to identify the problem, come up with plausible solutions, judge the current situation with statistics and more.
Web links of the research materials can be found under “References”, and certain tables and figures can be found in “Appendix”.
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