Device for elderly to warn of fall developed
MELBOURNE: An Australian tech company has developed a smart-watch for the elderly that issues an automatic emergency alert if the wearer suffers a fall.
The fall-detection technology, that uses intelligent sensors and triangulates the location of a wearer, sends a text to emergency contacts in the event of a collapse, but allows the wearer 30 seconds to cancel an alert in the event of a false alarm.
Tech firm Spacetalk has worked with the elderly and home-care sector, the National Disability Insurance Scheme and emergency services to tailor the technology on its 4G smartphone, watch and GPS tracker specifically built for seniors.
Accidental or health-related falls are a significant concern for seniors and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data shows 42 per cent of injuries requiring hospitalisation and 40 per cent of injury deaths were due to falls in 2017-18.
“From my experience, it will save lives,” said Mike Snudden, an assistive technology provider to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. “The fall detection technology responds rapidly, so it enables early treatment for injuries.”
The smart-watch’s GPS system has also been used to track down elderly family members who wander from accommodation.
Spacetalk and leading agedcare organisation ACH Group have entered a partnership to offer the safety device, known as LIFE, to clients. The local tech company has also struck agreements in the UK and New Zealand.
