Source: Juste Suminaite/KTUResearchers from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) in Lithuania, working jointly with researchers from the Department of Geriatrics at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU), are working on a system to monitor the health of the elderly and will alert contacts or an ambulance in an emergency.

The system includes a network of stationary sensors mounted throughout a residence and a controller, which is worn on a neck strap. The device constantly monitors the health and body position of the wearer in the home. If the system determines that the wearer has possibly fallen, it will notify the wearer’s list of emergency contacts or an ambulance.

Although similar to other wearables that are already on the market, the researchers report this device is less expensive than others. Likewise, the team calls the device more reliable, as it can last up to three weeks on a full charge.

Although originally designed to work within a medical facility, the team believes the system is appropriate for residences, where the non-intrusive device might help the elderly feel safe at home without constant supervision.

The team intends to improve the device and will attempt to store all of the data it collects about the wearer — including heart rate, activity and caloric intake — on a data server, measuring everything in real-time as well as assessing potential risks for the wearer.