Aitona City Council offers one pioneer service in social care based on advanced teleassistance watches, with the aim of helping the elderly, disabled or dependent so that they can live at home safely and reducing the risk of isolation.
The advanced teleassistance watch allows users to alert a family member and talk to them if they feel unwell or have an incident. The device is also able to detect a risky situation, such as a possible fall or a change in the pulse, thanks to a system of sensors that monitor the activity and state of health of the person. In the event of an alarm, the system automatically activates a call protocol to relatives or municipal social services.
The service is a bet for thepreventive care and encourages one proactive assistance model and family collaboration, while the traditional teleassistance model, with the red button pendant, works only reactively.
This solution is documented in theDigiCanvis Observatory as an innovative initiative of the local administration.
How does the service work?
The system consists of the hands-free teleassistance watch, a series of sensors that are installed in the home and a mobile app. The watch works autonomously with its own voice and data card.
The device is capable of detecting falls, unusual inactivity, abnormal pulse, disorientation by people with cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's, among other anomalies. In the event of a risk situation, a call protocol is activated to locate the first available relative in less than 24 seconds on average, allowing them to speak to the person through the watch hands-free. Using GPS and Wi-Fi, it also allows you to know the location of the person, with notification of arrival at usual places and automatic phone call if lost.
What are the benefits?
- Improved effectiveness and efficiency. The automation of the system allows the same family members to talk to the user in the face of an emergency and is also able to detect whether the alert has been attended to or, otherwise, to alert the social services so that they act accordingly.
- Improvement of service quality. It is a smart and proactive device, which guarantees attention 24 hours a day inside and outside the home, while the traditional teleassistance button is a reactive system, which only works inside the house and when who the porter presses the button.
- Improvement of people's well-being. The quick and automatic response to certain situations gives security to users and peace of mind to caregivers and family members.
Aitona City Council has started the service with a total of 40 teleassistance watches for residents over 70 who live alone or as a couple but without children. The adoption of the service has been excellent and the city council is committed to soon offering a universal service for people over 65 years of age.
You can find out the key aspects to take into account to replicate this initiative in the file Advanced teleassistance watch service.
DigiCanvis Observatory
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