What is a Connected Care Device?

A Connected Care device is a gadget or app that supports people living alone or with a disability with their short- or long-term care needs, as well as remote workers or anyone in need of assistance, empowering them to go about living their lives actively and independently.

Connected Care devices are beneficial for many elderly Australians who live alone. In fact, almost 40% of Australia's elderly population aged from 65 to 74 years old live alone, making it harder for them to seek help during emergencies when they most need it. So, when your elderly loved one carries a personal Connected Care device, you're assured that they can seek help whenever, and wherever, it's needed.

Examples of Connected Care devices include a personal alarm, fall detector, and epilepsy sensor. With so many devices out in the market, it can be daunting to choose. Don't fret! In this article, we'll tell you about the top Connected Care devices that Tunstall Healthcare has to offer, and their benefits to your loved one's care.

Here are the best 3 Connected Care devices you can use right now:

1.    Tunstall GO

2.    Emfit Epilepsy Sensor

3.    myCareAssist

Your Guide to the 3 Best Personal Connected Care Devices

1. Tunstall GO

Connected Care Device Type: Personal Alarm

Tunstall Healthcare's Tunstall GO is a lightweight and wearable personal alarm designed to help you or an elderly loved one call for help whenever and wherever it's needed.

The Tunstall GO features an easy call button that, when pressed, sends an alert to our 24/7 Customer Care Team team. The alarm's GPS tracker then informs our team of your location which they'll use to send the necessary assistance straight to you.

Using the Tunstall GO is straightforward. Calling for help starts by pressing the call buttons on the front and back of the device. The device's light-ring will flash red soon after.

A voice will speak from the device, saying, "The alert has been received by monitoring; you will soon be contacted by an operator." You'll then be connected to a Tunstall Care Consultant who will ask you about your condition.

When asked, you'll speak into the Tunstall GO's hands-free speakerphone and describe your situation to our Care Consultant. Our Care Consultant will assess and dispatch the appropriate help to you using the GPS data collected by the device.

The device's light-ring will flash green to indicate that the call has been closed and help is on its way. Important note: while the light-ring continues to flash green our Care Consultants will be able to call back through the device, and your location will be actively tracked to help guide anyone assisting.

Other features of the Tunstall GO personal alarm are: 

●     GPS location

●     3G cellular connection

●     Hands-free speakerphone system

●     Hypoallergenic pendant chain and split carrying ring

●     Wireless charging

●     Water-resistant and hypoallergenic

●     Flight and Lost modes

You can also use the optional fall detector feature on your Tunstall GO. Please contact us if you're interested in this feature and other fall detectors we offer.

REMINDER: If you have a pacemaker, use the split ring instead of the pendant chain to carry the device wherever you go. You can then slip it in your pocket or clip in on your belt loop for easy access.

2. Emfit Epilepsy Sensor

Connected Care Device Type: Care Sensor

Seizures can happen at any time, including during the night when you or your loved one is asleep. This is where epilepsy sensors are beneficial.

The Emfit Epilepsy Sensor is an alarm that monitors a person with epilepsy as they sleep. Suppose you or a loved one has epilepsy. In that case, this sensor will ensure that you catch any seizures, especially when you least expect it.

This epilepsy sensor consists of the following: 

1.    A thin, flat sensor that unobtrusively goes on your or your loved one's bed,

2.    A wall- or headboard-mountable control unit, and

3.    A radio transmitter which can connect to local receivers to inform your family member or caregiver should a seizure happen

Sensors in the device can detect a person's movements as they sleep and differentiate regular sleep activity from abnormal movements that indicate a seizure such as: 

●     Continued tonic-clonic shaking

●     Hyperventilation

●     Partial convulsions

As soon the Emfit Epilepsy Sensor detects your or your loved one's behaviour as a seizure, it can activate an alarm directed to a family member or carer.

Other features of the Emfit Epilepsy Sensor are: 

●     Plug and play registration functionality for effortless installation

●     Epilepsy sensitivity adjustment to reduce false detection

●     Thin and discreet to minimise user discomfort

●     Automatic low battery warning to ensure 24/7 operation

Having an epilepsy sensor monitoring you or your loved one at night reduces the need for constant check-ups from caregivers and care workers. This allows for you, or you loved one to live a more independent life.

3. myCareAssist

Connected Care Device Type: Mobile App Personal Alarm

myCareAssist is Tunstall Healthcare's latest personal safety app, designed for people who work alone or feel vulnerable, including older people, those with long-term conditions, nurses, carers, lone workers, and those who travel regularly.

Compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones, myCareAssist is a mobile app that enables you to contact our 24-hour Customer Care team in case of accidents or emergencies.

Like many of our personal alarms, the myCareAssist app is easy to install. Here are the steps: 

1.    Download the myCareAssist app on the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS).

2.    Launch the app and enter your unique Tunstall Healthcare 6-digit lone worker ID, mobile number, and centre ID.

3.    Select your region and preferred language.

4.    Go to Settings and enable the app's notifications and location services.

Using the app is also straightforward. When you find yourself in a situation where you need help, all you need to do is press the SOS Button on the myCareAssist.

Pressing that button will alert our 24-hour Customer Care Centre. A Care Consultant contact you on your phone and ask about your situation and location. They will then assess your condition and send the necessary assistance your way.

Other features of myCareAssist are: 

●     Easy to use 24/7 emergency call button

●     Periodic GPS location tracking

●     Supported on Android 8 / iOS 7 and above smartphones

●     Silent monitoring feature

While myCareAssist can work as a stand-alone personal alarm app, you can also connect a Bluetooth pendant to the app, allowing you to call for help even if you're not able to directly access your mobile device.

You can acquire the myCareAssist app and other personal alarms and fall detectors through the NDIS. Contact us for an NDIS quote request today.

Conclusion

Above all else, Connected Care devices such as fall detectors, personal alarms, and sensors empower people living alone, with a disability, or working remotely, to live their lives fully and independently. They can enjoy all this while having the assurance that quality, around-the-clock help is a single call away.

Looking for a Connected Care device that best suits you or your loved one's needs? Tunstall Healthcare has been helping people live independently in a place of their choosing for over 60 years. We’re market leaders in 24/7 Connected Care, and discreet monitoring devices like our personal alarms for seniors. Contact us for a quote or to learn more about our wide range of fall detectors, personal alarms, and sensors today.