Mark Hindle
Managing Director UK & Ireland, Tunstall Healthcare
Mobility problems or health issues can prevent older people from living active, independent lives. Today’s digital wearable healthcare tech offers a life-changing solution.
“Older people today shouldn’t be underestimated,” says Mark Hindle, Managing Director UK and Ireland at telecare solution provider Tunstall Healthcare. “They want to remain independent. They want to remain active.”
Assisting older people and preventing falls
Unfortunately, they may also have health problems or mobility issues and be prone to falls. This is where digital technology — such as wearable fall detectors and alarm pendants – can be a lifeline
Hindle explains: “Digital has broadened the range of independent living technology we’re able to produce for use in a range of settings, such as care homes, sheltered housing and people’s own homes. It’s also made remote monitoring much easier.”
Older people today shouldn’t be
underestimated. They want to remain
independent. They want to remain active.
Easy-to-use technology that can save lives
Hindle points to a Tunstall-designed digital wristwatch that detects falls and raises alerts automatically, with a built-in call button for wearers to manually request emergency help — wherever they are.
“The call goes through to our monitoring station, which is manned by our teams 24/7,” he says. “Because the device is equipped with GPS, they’re able to pinpoint exactly where it is and also speak to the wearer. Digital makes all of that possible.”
Because the device has been designed as a watch, people are more likely to wear it. Such tech can also generate important health data, such as heart rates and step counts. This enables users to manage their health and wellbeing more effectively and even recognise issues before they become serious.
Example of wearable tech power and capability
Hindle recalls how the heart rate monitor on a wristwatch saved the life of one customer. “She told us how she began monitoring her heart rate when she started to feel unwell and could see there was an issue,” he says.
