The Janine Grandma Application is a comprehensive digital solution that caters to the elderly, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. The app’s primary function is to help detect and monitor an individual’s posture and activities in real-time. It also performs time up and go testing (TUG) to evaluate an individual’s risk of falling, which is particularly useful for elderly people, those recovering from surgery, or individuals with balance and mobility issues. The application offers real-time fall detection to ensure that immediate action is taken if a fall occurs, preventing further complications.
The system requires the use of a specialized device known as "Gunther," which is connected to the application via Bluetooth. Gunther collects precise movement data, including acceleration and gyroscope readings, and transmits this information to the Janine Grandma Application, where it is processed and analyzed.
Key Features and Benefits
1. Posture Detection and Activity Monitoring
One of the standout features of the Janine Grandma Application is its ability to track posture and movements. Whether the user is sitting, standing, or walking, the application continuously monitors and logs data related to their posture. This feature is critical for identifying early signs of postural instability or irregular movements that could indicate a risk of falling.
In addition to posture monitoring, the app provides activity tracking, ensuring that users or caregivers can keep track of daily movement patterns. Whether the individual has been too sedentary or overly active, the application provides insights into these behaviors, allowing for early intervention if needed.
2. Time Up and Go (TUG) Testing
Time up and go testing is a widely accepted method for assessing a person’s mobility and balance. This simple test involves the individual standing up from a seated position, walking a short distance, and then returning to the seated position. The Janine Grandma Application integrates this testing seamlessly, guiding users through the process and recording their performance.
By analyzing the data collected during TUG testing, the application can provide an assessment of the user’s risk of falling. Those who take longer to complete the test or show signs of during the test are flagged as at-risk, allowing caregivers to take preventative actions.
The application can also track changes in TUG test results over time, enabling healthcare professionals to monitor the progression of the individual’s mobility. Any deterioration in the test performance could indicate a need for further medical evaluation or intervention.
3. Fall Detection
Falls are a major health concern for elderly individuals, often leading to hospitalization, loss of independence, or even death. The Janine Grandma Application addresses this concern through its advanced fall detection capabilities. The connected Gunther device continuously monitors the user’s movements and detects sudden changes in motion or impact that could indicate a fall.
When a fall is detected, the application automatically sends an alert to pre-designated caregivers or healthcare providers, allowing for immediate assistance. This feature ensures that in the event of a fall, help is quickly dispatched, reducing the risk of further injury caused by prolonged immobility or delayed medical intervention.
In addition to sending alerts, the fall detection system provides a detailed analysis of the fall, including the time, location, and impact level, helping caregivers and medical personnel to assess the situation thoroughly.