The district panchayat authorities are coming up with a new alarm-based technology that will help the elderly who live alone in case of an emergency.The new system works with help of a chip installed in the device that will be connected to the control room to be set up at Maradu
KOCHI: Finally, there is something that brings cheer to the elderly people who stay alone, in the district. The Ernakulam District Panchayat authorities have come up with a new alarm-based technology to help the elderly in case of emergency.
According to District Panchayat president Asha Sanil, the new system works with help of a chip installed in the device, that will be connected to the control room to be set up at Maradu. “The device has a switch and speaker facility. An elderly who needs immediate help just has to click the button. The message will be transmitted to the control room, which will also be delivered to the ward member, Police and the coordinator. The device can also be used like a walky-talky as there are a mic and a speaker. This is for the first time that such a novel project is being developed, said Asha Sanil.She added: “There are many elderly people who lead a life of fear. We want to make them feel secure,” said Asha.
500 units in the first phase
In the first phase, around 500 elderly people who live alone will benefit from the project. “As per the preliminary enquiry report, around 8,000 units need to be installed. However, in the first phase, we can only accommodate 500 homes. Since Mulanthuruthy is the first old-age friendly block in the state, we are planning to launch the project there,” she adds.
The project will be launched by the first week of May. “ With the help of experts, we have drafted a project report. Based on the requirements, we will invite a tender from a government agency to manufacture the device. The process will start next month,” added the president. The District Panchayat has also set aside Rs 20 lakh in their budget as a part of the efforts to make the district an old age friendly one. “A meeting of a people representatives and police was held recently. The Police have offered its help after 10 pm. It’s going to bring a new change in the society,” the president added.
How does it work?
Personal alarms for the elderly consist of a small base unit and a button. Whenever the user needs help, they just have to press the button. Help will be quickly arranged by the control room with the help of Police, ward member and coordinator.