Rome Deploys Wearable Technology for Elderly Residents
Dina Gazzella, an 85-year-old widow residing in Rome, is utilising an electronic bracelet as part of a municipality-backed support scheme. The device monitors her heart rate, sleep patterns, and provides an emergency call function, enabling remote oversight by a team of social workers.
The scheme, introduced last year, is funded by the European Union with post-COVID funds totalling USD 456 million. It currently provides coverage to approximately 700 individuals within the city. Local authorities have identified the device as an important tool for health prevention, particularly during a period of sustained high temperatures across Europe, with Rome experiencing readings in the upper 30s degrees Celsius.
Clinical psychologist Piera Pomente stated that the bracelet holds significant importance for older people during hot weather. She observed that their blood pressure can drop, and heart rates may be slightly lower than normal, indicating a susceptibility to heat-related issues.
The black plastic bracelet, which users wear similarly to a watch, contains motion sensors. These sensors are designed to detect accidental falls and continuously track Ms Gazzella's movements both inside and outside her residence in the eastern outskirts of the Italian capital. Ms Gazzella reported that the device acts as a "lifesaver" if she experiences an unwell turn.
But, the octogenarian expressed that she was persuaded to adopt the technology. She cited the reassurance of knowing someone would be alerted if she fell while alone at home. The system is designed to emit an alert, prompting assistance.
Psychologist Pomente oversees a support desk for the bracelet programme, operating from a local pharmacy. There, she and her team process applications for enrolment and monitor subscribers' data via a computer system. The bracelet itself incurs no cost for the users.
And some individuals have shown reservations regarding the programme, citing privacy considerations. Of 70 initial participants at the pharmacy location, only about 45 have continued with the service, according to Ms Pomente. She expressed a desire to re-engage those who withdrew. She clarified that the system does not involve internal home surveillance via cameras.
Ms Pomente's team operates from Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Outside these hours, including weekends and overnight, notifications generated by the bracelets are transmitted to relatives of the users through a mobile application.
Over the past year, Ms Pomente encountered two emergency situations. One involved a man who sustained a fall on a public street, and the other concerned an individual who slipped from a wheelchair at home. Both incidents were resolved by alerting relatives, who subsequently provided assistance.
On routine days, the social workers' interactions frequently involve informal conversation. According to Reuters, the service entails daily calls from social workers to check if individuals have taken their prescribed medicines, to inquire about their coping mechanisms for the heat, or simply to offer a listening ear for those experiencing boredom or loneliness. Ms Pomente noted that these conversations facilitate the sharing of daily experiences, emotions, and the impact of the excessive heat.
An EU-funded initiative in Rome provides electronic bracelets to approximately 700 elderly residents.
The devices monitor vital signs, sleep patterns, and movement, including fall detection.
Social workers and relatives receive alerts for emergencies and conduct daily check-ins.
Privacy concerns have led some initial participants to discontinue use of the free service.
Source: Reuters
