SOS for Seniors - life-monitoring wristbands given away in Lublin

The simple device can have a huge impact in the life of the elderly

A pilot social care program is being launched in Lublin. The city will supply and provide a service with a GPS tracking device offering constant help via 24/7 Telecare Centre. The project covers 400 seniors and dependent persons.

Each wristband has an individual, unique number and is equipped with a button for direct connection to the Telecare Centre. It can also receive incoming calls, measure heart rate, it can detect if the person has fallen or has removed it. It also has a GPS locator covering the entire territory of the city and battery-level display.

"This is the first such a project in our city. The initiative is a part of the "Lublin Zone 60+", which is being implemented in Lublin. The main goal is to improve seniors’ quality of life. We want to help older people stay as safe as possible at home, by using modern information and communication technologies. This understanding of care for dependent and older persons is a part of our social policy - says Krzysztof Żuk, Mayor of the City of Lublin.

Monika Lipińska, Deputy Mayor for Social Affairs also praised the life-saving band: "It gives a sense of security to both the senior and his loved ones who do not stay with them every day. It allows not only to monitor basic life activities and alarm events, fall or leaving a safe location, but also gives a senior the opportunity to communicate with Telecare Centre."

Photo: City of Lublin

Every citizen in need of such band can apply and receive one. It is managed through the official website of the Polish city.

The purchase of the wristbands and providing a monitoring system will be funded by the European Union as part of a project approved under the Regional Operational Program of the Lubelskie Voivodeship for the years 2014-2020.