1. Introduction
On average, about one in four people above the age of 65 in Singapore will suffer a fall, said doctors. Of those who fell, two-thirds had a single fall and one-third had recurrent falls. In summary, the risk of falling among the elderly is relatively high. Most of these falls happen at home and often go unnoticed as they live alone. While some of these falls will be of minor consequence to the elderly, others, however, will incapacitate and reduce their ability to function independently during their everyday lives.

Falls in the elderly have essentially become a significant cause of injury, disability and even death. It is understood that many of these falls are potentially preventable. While necessary precautions have taken place, accidents can still happen. This can be improved if the victims are able to get the medical attention shortly after the fall. This will require their caregivers to be alerted immediately so that necessary response can take place. Therefore, a device which automatically detects a fall and sends out a distress SMS to their caregivers can be the way forward to this problem.

When the user is distress, the device worn have a panic button that the user can operate to notify their caregivers. This allows the caregivers to react and possibly prevent disability and even death of the elderly. Although there is a wide variety of such devices in the market, not all elderly who requires it gets to benefit from this technology. The high fall rates among elderly and the fact that elderly do not get the assistance they need immediately, highlight the need for these devices to be readily available for them.


2.1 Problem Statement
An emergency alert device should be implemented for the elderly, to ensure that they are safe in the case of an actual emergency.

Majority of the elderly who spend most of their time at home alone do not have any form of emergency alert system. Without it, the elderly will continue to be at risk of not getting emergency attention or help in times of desperate need.

Possible reasons why emergency alert systems are not widely used could be due to their high costs, complete unawareness of the product, or the that they do not feel the need to own one.
An emergency alert device sends distress signals to their caregivers or nearby hospitals when the device detects a fall, or if the signal is sent directly from the elderly. This will allow the elderly to receive medical attention promptly.


2.2 Purpose Statement
The purpose of this proposal is to firstly explore the different types of emergency alert systems in the market, and select the optimal system. The selected alert system will be recommended to Ministry of Social and Family Development, and to propose the idea of distributing said emergency alert system to households with elderly.

The idea is implemented in hopes of minimising the rate of fatal accidents occurring in households when the elderly are alone in the house.

2.6 Proposed Solution

The proposed solution is to distribute an emergency alert device in a wearable form to all elderly living alone. This is to ensure that the elderly is always equipped with the device, so that they are able to call for help during emergencies as they live alone with no one to assist them. The emergency alert device makes use of accelerometer and gyroscope which can detect between a normal activity and an actual fall to prevent false alarm. The emergency alert device that Eldervists have chosen is from GuarDay which costs SGD $399.

Figure Z. GuarDay SOS and Fall Detection Device

Before implementing the device, there are a few plan of action to achieve the ideal situation. The device should be on a pilot program on a few groups of elderly and occasionally get feedbacks from them to review and improve in terms of the medical attention that will be provided. Meanwhile, caregivers should be equipped with the necessary skills such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED), emergency numbers, and navigation to the elderly’s home.

2.6.1 Considerations

The emergency alert device has to meet a few criteria which are automatic alerting, Global Positioning System (GPS), an emergency button, long battery life, and be waterproof.

When a fall is detected, an alert and a text message will be transmitted to the caregiver automatically while the GPS detects the elderly’s location. GuarDay’s device allows numerous phone numbers to be pre-nominated into the system, and the first number will be the most important number.

The emergency button should provided to allow the elderly to call for help when they do not feel well or if something is wrong. Similarly, GuarDay’s device will call and text message the pre-nominated numbers. 

The device also requires a long battery life as it is meant to alert the caregivers on the elderly’s emergencies. GuarDay’s device has a battery life of up to 15 days with easy charging. 

The device should also be waterproof as most accidents happen in the bathroom where the floor is wet and slippery. GuarDay’s device is waterproof in the shower.

2.6.2 Technical Specifications

2.6.3 Benefits of Proposed Solution

The elderly will be able to receive assistance faster with the emergency alert device. GuarDay works on 89 countries, making it convenient for family members who are going overseas or living abroad to be notified of any emergencies. GuarDay can also alert the elderly’s private clinic.

2.6.4 Drawbacks of Proposed Solution

Firstly, on the elderly’s part, the elderly may forget to wear the device as it needs to be removed and charged when the battery runs out. Hence, when accidents occurs, no alerts will be transmitted to the caregivers. Since the device is small in size, the chances of losing it is high. Some elderly may also refuse to use the device to get assistance as they find that they are being a burden. Some elderly may not know how to use the device even after demonstrating.

Secondly, maintenance of the device have to be conducted regularly to ensure that it is in good working condition. An example of the problems that may occur with the device is long response time to the caregivers. Regular maintenance would mean that visits to the elderly have to be made. During the visits, caregivers may come along and communicate with the elderly. However, it may be an inconvenience to the elderly as some of them do not like to be disturbed.

Thirdly, caregivers are needed to take care of these elderly who live alone. Their main task will be to act on the SMS alerts.

2.7 Alternative Solution

An alternative solution would be a wireless motion sensor whereby an alert will be sound when no movement is detected for an unusually long time, which could mean something has happened that caused the elderly to not move. Eldervists have chosen the Elderly Monitoring System (EMS) which was developed by Ngee Ann Polytechnic staff and students. The EMS monitors the elderly’s daily activities at home using wireless sensor networks that will alert the caregiver through text message when no movement is detected for a period of time.

2.7.1 Benefits of Alternative Solution

The EMS is a non-contact, non-invasive and low cost methodology system which is able to monitor the elderly in real time and provide timely alert. There is no need for the elderly to wear or press any device button to alert the caregivers.

2.7.2 Limitations of Alternative Solution

A household will require more than one EMS as there are many rooms, which may be expensive. Similar to GuarDay’s SOS and Fall Detection Device, the EMS requires regular maintenance to ensure that it is in good working condition to detect motion of the elderly.

2.8 Solution Implementation

The proposed solution would be to promote the selected emergency alert system to households with elderly living in them.

The system can be distributed in many ways. However, we recommend for the alert systems to be distributed during an awareness event.

Local GRC should conduct said awareness event in their respective areas, with booths for free food and games. The focus of the event should be to spread the awareness of the importance of the emergency alert system, the benefits they will bring, and the risks elderly are exposed to if they do not own one. There will be booths that specialises in selling the devices, and households with elderly will be able to purchase the alert system at a highly subsidised rate. There would also be professionals present to promote the product, and explain how they work to the families or the elderly.

The emergency alert device should be given free of charge to families with income below a certain percentage, and to elderly who are staying alone. Volunteers should be dispatched to individual households that houses elderly who stay alone, or elderly with disabilities, to distribute and explain the emergency alert systems to them.

2.8.1 Benefits

As mention the problem statement, one of the prominent reason why elderly do not wish the purchase an emergency alert system, is due to the high cost, and they do not feel that it is worth their money. Furthermore, elderly do not own the alert system is because they do not know the product exist, or they do not feel that there is a need for it.

The awareness event eliminates the problems mentioned above. Since the devices are sold at a subsidised rate, it would become much affordable for family to afford them. Moreover, the aims of the event is the primary spread awareness of the alert device, and the benefits that comes with it.

With emergency alert system present in the homes of elderly, there would be no risk of fatal injuries, or injuries that goes unattended when elderly were to fall or injure themselves when they are alone at home. The alert system will automatically contact their kin or medical professionals to the scene to assist them, to prevent escalation of the problem.

2.8.2 Drawbacks

The drawback of the proposal, could be the possibility that the awareness event does not reach out wide enough to the elderly. Possible reasons why could be elderly not being aware that the event is ongoing, or are not interested in the event.

Reader's Response Final - Floor Lights (EDITED)

In the article “Floor Lights Help 'Smartphone Zombies' Keep Eye on the Road”, Tan (2017) reported that Land Transport Authority (LTA) has installed LED strips in pavements to help pedestrians be more aware of their surroundings when crossing the road. Tan highlighted statistics provided by the Traffic Police showing that there was a 5.4% increase in traffic accidents involving pedestrians as compared to 2015. These LED strips are placed on trial in areas with high pedestrian activity near popular amenities. It will also light up like the traditional traffic lights, providing a sense of familiarity to the pedestrians. While the LED strips may help to raise awareness of road safety, Tan failed to address the possible problems that may be faced with its implementation.

Firstly, the implementation of LED strips may cause a misunderstanding to pedestrians that it is fine to cross the road while using their phones, defeating the purpose of raising awareness of road safety. The behaviour of crossing the road while using phones should not be condoned as children will learn from their bad examples. Even though the pedestrian crossing may show a green man, one must still ensure that vehicles come to stop before crossing (Pakri, 2017). Besides pedestrians, vehicle drivers such as those who drink and drive may be at fault too. For instance, in a news article, Ho (2017) described an accident whereby a girl who was using her phone while crossing the road was knocked down by a car, even though the green man was flashing. Hence, pedestrians should be educated on the dangers of using their phones while crossing the road in order to prevent similar accidents.

Secondly, the LED strips are difficult to notice during the day, especially in the afternoon. Although LED strips are bright and luminous, they are not strong enough for pedestrians to notice. In an article, Chua (2017) reported an interview whereby only four out of 23 pedestrians stated that they noticed the LED strips. Even though one interviewee was looking in the direction of the strips, he did not notice them as the colour was not bright enough to show up under sunlight. As pedestrians are unable to notice the LED strips, the purpose of these strips will often be overlooked. However, the LED strips show up very well at night, capturing people’s attention. Hence, methods of increasing the visibility of the LED strips such as adding more strips could be effective.

Lastly, the colour of LED strips may not always be accurate, just like traffic lights which may malfunction. Lennon (2017) reported an accident that happened due to the defective traffic lights which showed all green, causing two cars to crash into each other. Fortunately, there were no deaths but it shows that people have to be alert even when the lights are flashing green. In the case of the LED strips, pedestrians have to be aware and pay attention to their surroundings. There could be severe consequences if the LED strips malfunction and they cross the road. Hence, LTA could look into ensuring that the LED strips are always in good condition before implementing it islandwide.

In conclusion, while the implementation of LED strips is a good initiative to help raise awareness, LTA could take further initiatives such as organising campaigns or conducting road safety workshops for pedestrians to increase their knowledge of road safety. Nevertheless, it is all up to a pedestrian to be responsible and aware of his or her own safety.

(580 words)





 
References

Chua, J. (2017, May 9). New flashing LED strips for pedestrians at 2 traffic-light crossings. TODAYonline. Retrieved from http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/new flashing-led-strips-pedestrians-2-traffic-light-crossings

Ho, O. (2017, April 24). Caught on dash cam: Girl, Checking Phone, is hit while crossing road at green man. The Straits Times. Retrieved from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/caught-on-dash-cam-girl-checking-phone-is-hit-while-crossing-road-at-green-man

Lennon, S. (2017, February 9). Traffic light problems caused family's car to crash at Lydden Hill, Dover, says mum Charlotte Byrom. KentOnline. Retrieved from http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/faulty-lights-caused-family-car-120270/

Pakri, S. (2017, May 15). Educate 'smartphone zombies', not accommodate them. The Straits Times. Retrieved from http://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/educate-smartphone-zombies-not-accommodate-them

Tan, C. (2017, May 10). Floor lights help 'smartphone zombies' keep eye on the road. The Straits Times. Retrieved from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/floor-lights-help-smartphone-zombies-keep-eye-on-the-road

Reader's Response Final - Floor Lights

In the article “Floor Lights Help 'Smartphone Zombies' Keep Eye on the Road”, Tan (2017) reported that Land Transport Authority (LTA) has installed LED strips in pavements to help pedestrians be more aware of their surroundings when crossing the road. This initiative could be useful to combat the rise in pedestrians who are always looking at their mobile devices. Tan highlighted statistics provided by the Traffic Police showing that there was a 5.4% increase in traffic accidents involving pedestrians as compared to 2015. These LED strips are placed on trial at areas with high pedestrian activity to determine its effectiveness in raising awareness of road safety. It will also light up like the traditional traffic lights, providing a sense of familiarity to the pedestrians. While the LED strips may help to raise awareness of road safety, Tan failed to address the possible problems that may be faced with its implementation.

Firstly, the implementation of LED strips may cause a misunderstanding to pedestrians that it is fine to cross the road while using their phones, defeating the purpose of raising awareness of road safety. This behaviour should not be condoned as children will learn from their bad examples. Even though the pedestrian crossing may show a green man, one must still ensure that vehicles come to stop before crossing (Pakri, 2017). Besides pedestrians, vehicle drivers such as those who drink and drive may be at fault too. For instance, in a news article, Ho (2017) described an accident whereby a girl who was using her phone while crossing the road was knocked down by a car, even though the green man was flashing. Hence, pedestrians should be educated on the dangers of using their phones while crossing the road in order to prevent similar accidents.

Secondly, the LED strips are difficult to notice during the day, especially in the afternoon. Although LEDs are bright and luminous, it is not strong enough for pedestrians to notice. In an article, Chua (2017) reported an interview whereby only four out of 23 pedestrians stated that they noticed the LED strips. Even though one interviewee was looking in the direction of the strips, he did not notice it as the colour does not show. As pedestrians are unable to notice it, the purpose of these strips will often be overlooked. However, the LED strips show up very well at night, capturing people’s attention. Hence, methods of increasing the visibility of the LED strips such as adding more strips could be effective.

Lastly, the colour of LED strips may not always be accurate, just like traffic lights which may malfunction. In an article, Lennon (2017) reported an accident that happened due to the defective traffic lights which showed all green, causing two cars to crash into each other. Fortunately, there were no deaths but it shows that people have to be alert even when the lights are flashing green. In the case of the LED strips, pedestrians have to be aware and pay attention to their surroundings. There could be severe consequences if the LED strips malfunction and they cross the road. Hence, LTA could look into ensuring that the LED strips are always in good condition before implementing it island wide.

In conclusion, while the implementation of LED strips is a good initiative to help raise awareness, LTA could take further initiatives such as organising campaigns or conducting road safety workshops for pedestrians to increase their knowledge of road safety. Nevertheless, it is all up to a pedestrian to be responsible and aware of his or her own safety.

(594 words)





 
References

Chua, J. (2017, May 9). New Flashing LED Strips for Pedestrians at 2 Traffic-Light Crossings. TODAYonline. Retrieved from http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/new flashing-led-strips-pedestrians-2-traffic-light-crossings

Ho, O. (2017, April 24). Caught on Dash Cam: Girl, Checking Phone, is Hit While Crossing Road at Green Man. The Straits Times. Retrieved from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/caught-on-dash-cam-girl-checking-phone-is-hit-while-crossing-road-at-green-man

Lennon, S. (2017, February 9). Traffic Light Problems Caused Family's Car to Crash at Lydden Hill, Dover, Says Mum Charlotte Byrom. KentOnline. Retrieved from http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/faulty-lights-caused-family-car-120270/

Pakri, S. (2017, May 15). Educate 'Smartphone Zombies', Not Accommodate Them. The Straits Times. Retrieved from http://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/educate-smartphone-zombies-not-accommodate-them

Tan, C. (2017, May 10). Floor Lights Help 'Smartphone Zombies' Keep Eye on the Road. The Straits Times. Retrieved from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/floor-lights-help-smartphone-zombies-keep-eye-on-the-road

Reader's Response Draft 2 - Floor Lights

In the article “Floor Lights Help 'Smartphone Zombies' Keep Eye on the Road”, Tan (2017) reports that Land Transport Authority (LTA) has installed LED strips in pavements to help pedestrians be more aware of their surroundings when crossing the road. The initiative could be useful to combat the rise in pedestrians who are always looking at their mobile devices. Tan highlighted statistics provided by the Traffic Police showing that there was a 5.4% increase in traffic accidents involving pedestrians as compared to 2015. These LED strips are placed on trial at areas with high pedestrian activity to determine its effectiveness in raising awareness of road safety. It will also light up like the traditional traffic lights, providing a sense of familiarity to the pedestrians. While the implementation of LED strips may help to raise awareness of road safety, LTA failed to address the possible problems that may be faced.

Firstly, the implementation of LED strips may cause a misunderstanding to pedestrians that it is fine to cross the road while using their phones, defeating the purpose of raising awareness of road safety. LTA should not be condoning such behaviours as children will learn from their bad examples. While the pedestrian crossing may show a green man, one must still ensure that vehicles come to stop before crossing (Pakri, 2017) as drivers such as those who drink and drive may be at fault too. For instance, in a news article, a car which was making a right turn knocked down a girl who was crossing the road while looking at her phone even though the green man was flashing (Ho, 2017). Hence, LTA should start by educating pedestrians not to use their phones when crossing the road.

Secondly, the LED strips are difficult to notice during the day, especially in the afternoon. Although LEDs are bright and luminous, the sun makes it difficult for pedestrians to notice. In the article “New Flashing LED Strips for Pedestrians at 2 Traffic-Light Crossings” (Chua, 2017), an interview was conducted whereby only four out of 23 pedestrians stated that they noticed the LED strips. Even though one interviewee was looking in the direction of the strips, he did not notice it as the colour does not show. However, the LED strips show up very well at night, capturing people’s attention. Hence, the LED strips should be strong enough to overcome the power of sunlight, else people may overlook its existence.

Lastly, the colour of LED strips may not always be right, just like traffic lights which may malfunction. In the article “Traffic Light Problems Caused Family's Car to Crash at Lydden Hill, Dover, Says Mum Charlotte Byrom” (Lennon, 2017), an accident happened because of the defective traffic lights which showed all green, causing two cars to crash into each other. Fortunately, there were no deaths but it shows that people have to be alert even when the lights display green. In the case of the LED strips, pedestrians have to be aware and pay attention to their surroundings. There could be severe consequences if the LED strips malfunction and they cross the road. Hence, LTA could look into ensuring that their traffic lights are always in good condition before rolling it out islandwide.

In conclusion, while the implementation of LED strips is a good initiative to help raise awareness, LTA could take further initiatives such as organising campaigns or conducting road safety workshops for pedestrians to increase their knowledge of road safety. At the end of the day, it is all up to a pedestrian to be responsible and aware of his or her own safety.

(621 words)


References

Chua, J. (2017). New Flashing LED Strips for Pedestrians at 2 Traffic-Light Crossings. TODAYonline. Retrieved, May 9, 2017, from
http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/new-flashing-led-strips-pedestrians-2-traffic-light-crossings

Ho, O. (2017). Caught on Dash Cam: Girl, Checking Phone, is Hit While Crossing Road at Green Man. The Straits Times. Retrieved, April 24, 2017, from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/caught-on-dash-cam-girl-checking-phone-is-hit-while-crossing-road-at-green-man

Lennon, S. (2017,). Traffic Light Problems Caused Family's Car to Crash at Lydden Hill, Dover, Says Mum Charlotte Byrom. KentOnline. Retrieved, February 9, 2017, from http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/faulty-lights-caused-family-car-120270/

Pakri, S. (2017). Educate 'Smartphone Zombies', Not Accommodate Them. The Straits Times. Retrieved, May 15, 2017, from
http://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/educate-smartphone-zombies-not-accommodate-them

Edited: 4 October 2017

Reader's Response Draft 1 - Floor Lights

In the article “Floor Lights Help 'Smartphone Zombies' Keep Eye on the Road”, Tan (2017) reports that Land Transport Authority (LTA) has installed LED strips in pavements to help pedestrians be more aware of their surroundings when crossing the road. The initiative could be useful in combatting the rise in pedestrians who are always looking at their mobile devices. Tan highlighted statistics provided by the Traffic Police showing that there was a 5.4% increase in traffic accidents involving pedestrians as compared to 2015. These LED strips are placed on trial at areas with high pedestrian activity to determine its effectiveness in raising awareness of road safety. It will also light up like the traditional traffic lights, providing a sense of familiarity to the pedestrians.
While the implementation of LED strips may help to raise awareness of road safety, LTA failed to discuss the problems that may be faced.

The implementation of LED strips may encourage pedestrians to think that it is fine to cross the road while using their phones and rely on the lights to help them. Instead of encouraging such behaviour, LTA should be discouraging it. These pedestrians are setting a bad example to kids, letting them think that it is fine to cross the road without looking. Even though the green man on the traffic light is for pedestrians to cross, one must still ensure that vehicles have stopped before crossing. A green man does not mean that it is completely safe for pedestrians to cross. Sometimes, drivers may be the one at fault, such as those who drink and drive or those who drive too fast and lose control. For instance, in an article posted by The Straits Times, a girl who was crossing the road with eyes glued to her phone was knocked down by a car which was making a turn, even though the green man was in favour of the pedestrian.

Even though LED is supposed to be bright and luminous, the ones placed on trial are not noticeable in the daytime, especially during the noon when the sun is very strong. An article posted by TODAY conducted an interview whereby only 4 out of 23 pedestrians stated that they noticed the LED strips. Even though one interviewee was looking in the direction of the strip, he still did not notice it as the colour does not show.

In conclusion, the LED strips is a good initiative to help raise awareness of road safety. However, LTA could take further initiatives like holding campaigns or conducting road safety workshops for pedestrians to raise awareness.

Summary Draft 1: Smartphone Zombies

In the article “Floor Lights Help 'Smartphone Zombies' Keep Eye on the Road”, Tan (2017) reports that Land Transport Authority (LTA) has installed LED strips in pavements to help pedestrians be more aware of their surroundings when crossing the road. The initiative could be useful in combatting the rise in pedestrians who are always looking at their mobile devices. Tan highlighted statistics provided by the Traffic Police showing that there was a 5.4% increase in traffic accidents involving pedestrians as compared to 2015. These LED strips are placed on trial at areas with high pedestrian activity to determine its effectiveness in raising awareness for road safety. It will also light up like the traditional traffic lights, providing a sense of familiarity to the pedestrians. While the article did mention about a rise in traffic accidents involving pedestrians, the author did not provide concrete evidence that smartphone usage is directly responsible for the increase. Hence, more research should be conducted to conclude if “smartphone zombies” are the primary cause of such accidents.

Self Introduction

Dear Professor Blackstone

My name is Glenna and I graduated from Ngee Ann Polytechnic this year with a diploma in hotel and leisure facilities management. During my course of studies and internship, I realised the importance of facilities management to the built environment, which sparked my interest in this area. Hence, I decided to further my studies in the Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering (Building Services) programme offered by Singapore Institute of Technology.

My strength in communication is listening, be it verbally or non-verbally through body languages. As an introvert, I find it easier to listen to people’s opinions than to share my own. By listening, I am able to focus on what people are trying to say, allowing me to understand their situation or behaviour, and sometimes gain new perspectives. This is especially so in an argument when the other party just wants to get their point across and does not care about what I have to say. Besides that, listening is also a good way to build rapport with my friends or colleagues as it helps to establish good interpersonal relationships.

On the other hand, my weakness which I am working on is that I am weak at holding conversations with new people. I am generally a very quiet person when I first meet someone. In my past experiences, being a quiet person, especially in a workplace, is not a good thing as I do not dare to ask questions and my presence is sometimes not known. Hence, during my last job, I took the opportunity to improve by initiating conversations with my colleagues and asking questions, which minimised my mistakes and also improved my efficiency. Even though I have improved from the past, I am still quite shy around new people. However, I try my best to start initiating conversations instead of hiding. In addition to being weak at holding conversations, I also have difficulties trying to convey my thoughts into words as I am not strong in my English language.

Effective communication is a beneficial skill which can always be improved. In this module, I hope to become a more confident speaker and possess the ability to communicate effectively with people. I look forward to learning more in the coming classes.

Thank you.

Best Regards
Glenna Woo
SIE2016 Group 5

Edited:
17 September 2017
18 September 2017
25 September 2017


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