A pan-European social alarm system

Area of Science:

• Technology and Innovation
• Gerontology and Aging in Place
• Assistive Technologies

Background:

• Existing social alarm systems have limitations in coverage and functionality.
• Certain user groups, such as the deaf, are currently excluded from social alarm services.
• There is a need to integrate modern technologies like telemedicine into existing care infrastructures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an advanced social alarm system for comprehensive in-home and outdoor use.
• To demonstrate the cost-effective integration of telemedicine services.
• To create a collaborative control center for multidisciplinary professional support.
• To ensure social alarms are accessible to deaf users.

Main Methods:

• Development of a neck-worn speech-pendant for in-home use.
• Utilization of radio, cellphone, and global positioning technology for outdoor functionality.
• Exploitation of existing social alarm infrastructure for telemedicine integration.
• Establishment of a shared control center for coordinated professional response.

Main Results:

• A versatile social alarm system capable of functioning both inside and outside the home.
• Demonstration of telemedicine integration at minimal additional cost.
• Implementation of a shared control center model for enhanced professional collaboration.
• Improved accessibility of social alarms for deaf individuals.

Conclusions:

• The SAFE 21 project successfully modernizes social alarms, expanding their reach and services.
• Integration of advanced technologies and a collaborative approach enhances user support and safety.
• The project addresses critical gaps in social alarm accessibility and telemedicine adoption.