Elderly support - android application for fall detection and tracking

Abstract

The purpose of the project is to develop an Android application that is capable of detecting possible falls for the elderly. With the advancement of wireless communications, the world has become smarter and there has been increase in use of smart phones. Android, being an open source platform has made it simple for every individual to develop their own applications, which in turn can be used on Android devices. Falls among the elderly are a serious concern for both families as well as medical professionals, since falls are considered to be the eighth leading cause of death in the United States. Untreated fall injuries in adults 65 or older can result in serious risks and health complications, since 20% of falls require immediate medical attention and about one-tenth of the falls result in fractures. Thus, as mentioned, fall detection is a critical event requiring quick and accurate response, especially for elderly people living by themselves. This is the motivation behind developing an elderly support, which detects a fall and alerts the caretaker regarding the information. The elderly support is about tracking the person and notifying the caretaker if there is an occurrence. One of the main features of this Android application is that it notifies the caretaker with alert messages which contain all the necessary information. The alert messages contain useful information about the people in danger, such as his/her geo location and also corresponding directions on a map. In occasions of false alerts, the supervised person is given the ability to estimate the value of importance of a possible alert and to stop it before proceeding with further steps. This project is geared towards supporting the elderly. The mobile application is capable of detecting possible falls and through a user-friendly interface that can be used to alert relatives, doctors, and other people who take care of the elderly.