Research and conceptual design of a new user-driven
fall detection concept for older adults | Teneo-IoT
Fall accidents among the elderly are an underestimated and growing problem. With a rapidly ageing population, the incidence of serious fall accidents is increasing sharply. Often, a fall in old age results in far-reaching consequences for the lives of the elderly, leading to an increased burden on both the formal and informal care systems. Therefore, the aim of this study is to design an innovative, user-driven fall detection concept for frail older adults and their caregivers. The proposed product concept includes a modular wearable device for the elderly and a corresponding smartphone app for a group of caregivers. The wearable device is designed to send an alarm to the caregivers through the smartphone app in three scenarios: an automatic fall alarm, a personal alarm, and an emergency push alarm. In the event of an alarm, the app alerts the caregivers and enters an alarm mode. It then determines, from a ranked list of caregivers, who should be automatically contacted to provide immediate assistance first. This concept was developed by considering the requirements of various stakeholders, using an exploratory design approach, and employing several idea-generation methods. A digital product model of the wearable device and an interactive mockup of the smartphone app were created to test and evaluate the product concept with key stakeholders. The product offers additional features and services not found in currently available fall detection systems.
fall detection concept for older adults | Teneo-IoT
Fall accidents among the elderly are an underestimated and growing problem. With a rapidly ageing population, the incidence of serious fall accidents is increasing sharply. Often, a fall in old age results in far-reaching consequences for the lives of the elderly, leading to an increased burden on both the formal and informal care systems. Therefore, the aim of this study is to design an innovative, user-driven fall detection concept for frail older adults and their caregivers. The proposed product concept includes a modular wearable device for the elderly and a corresponding smartphone app for a group of caregivers. The wearable device is designed to send an alarm to the caregivers through the smartphone app in three scenarios: an automatic fall alarm, a personal alarm, and an emergency push alarm. In the event of an alarm, the app alerts the caregivers and enters an alarm mode. It then determines, from a ranked list of caregivers, who should be automatically contacted to provide immediate assistance first. This concept was developed by considering the requirements of various stakeholders, using an exploratory design approach, and employing several idea-generation methods. A digital product model of the wearable device and an interactive mockup of the smartphone app were created to test and evaluate the product concept with key stakeholders. The product offers additional features and services not found in currently available fall detection systems.
