April 8, 2022
In the Union of Parishes of Lordelo do Ouro and Massarelos (UFLOM), in Porto, since the beginning of the year that the elderly, who live alone or need additional care, only have to Press a button to ask for help or talk to someone. In most cases, they take the small button in the pocket or around the neck like a necklace.
“It´s a small thing, it looks like a heart. If we fall, immediately give a signal and call for help”, he describes to the PUBLIC Álvaro Galhardo, 89 years old. “Fortunately, in my case it was never used in that way. Only to speak to the camera team. They call me frequently to see how I am.”
Álvaro Galhardo is one of 68 elderly people in the region who are already using Gota, a SOS developed by Click2Care which has been distributed among the population since January. The device comes with an accelerometer to detect falls, a GPS that allows access to the location real-time user access and technology to make and receive calls at any time — just Press the button.
On the other end of the line, there is always a professional from Human Talent, a specialized company in the management of chronically ill patients.
“I feel safer with Gota”, admits Álvaro Galhardo, who has lived alone for a few years now. “This is one of the best ideas because it allows me to leave safely, without fear and without depending on nobody. I know that if something happens, the people who can help me know where I am.”
In total, UFLOM invested 24,320 euros to purchase 80 pieces of equipment and subscribe to the services from Click2Care for two years, a company that provides assistance to around 8000 users every day.
Assistive technology for the elderly is a growing market, with data from Global Industry Analyst indicating that the area should reach 34 billion dollars (close to 28 billion euros) over the next six years, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The covid-19 pandemic brought more attention to the area due to the rates of mortality from the SARS-CoV-2 virus in nursing homes.
“The main objective of this type of technology is to restore independence and mobility to people. and reduce isolation. The majority of our users are people who have access to all mental faculties, but they have some motor defects and may need help”, summarizes Olívio Pereira, commercial director of Tecnologias Imaginadas, responsible for the Click2Care technology.
“The advantage of our service over a call to 112 or the fire department is that the The person at our Central immediately knows who is calling through Gota”, explains Olívio Pereira. “For example, do you know that Mr. João is at home and has trouble remembering things. And this makes the process easier.”
The use of GPS technology to monitor children and the elderly has become more popular, with several products of this type appearing in recent years. But if it is used abusive way, without the user´s consent, technology can restrict rights fundamental rights such as the right to privacy.
“TAll of our users understand the technology they are adopting, with Click2Care representatives providing support during installation”, highlights Olívio Pereira.
To sign up to the Click2Care service — which costs around 18 euros per month (the device, membership and installation costs 50 euros) — you must sign the service terms and conditions that detail the way the service works and the fact that Click2Care may have access to the location of the user. “We don’t store people’s locations, nor do we constantly follow them. We only receive this type of information in an emergency situation.”
Most calls, however, are from users who feel alone. “Click2Care gives you access to a friendly voice at any time. Much of our intervention does not culminate in the intervention of firefighters or emergency services”, notes Pereira.
Álvaro Galhardo says he is not worried. “The camera will only see my location if something happens. They don´t care where I´m walking,” he says. "People are not required to use this. If they don´t want it, they don´t want it. I can´t speak for others, but for me using Gota is extra security when I leave the house.”
Aid to the elderly: Gota, a button more effective than 112 – Public – May 13, 2021