myHalo Monitoring System: A Non-invasive Medical Alert System for Fall Detection
Posted by alex in Halo In The News
The Daily Wrinkle
September 23, 2009
We just couldn’t wait to try out myHalo, which is a monitoring system that can detect falls and ensure that emergency help is summoned if needed without the need of an individual to press a button; it also can track vital signs, sleep patterns and activity levels. A senior simply needs to clip on the chest strap, which can be concealed underneath clothing, and then go about their day. Caregivers can access a personalized webpage to see and track vital signs while also being alerted to any emergencies via email or text message. In the above video, the chest strap is used by both Jill Gilbert and a volunteer, Ed Voris.
We first came across myHalo in at International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2009 and we were so thrilled to see this second generation of fall-detection technology. We were even more thrilled to test it out and see how it worked. (We even had Jill fall—twice no less—so we could understand what would happen in an emergency situation.) The device is truly innovative in that once strapped on to a body it will update the information it collects to a website in real-time for concerned caregivers. If a fall or other emergency should occur then the sensors send out an alarm message, which then is sent to a UL-certified EMT call center who then contact caregivers and send out emergency services if needed.
Just last week the company that makes myHalo announced that information from the device could now be integrated in with Microsoft HealthVault, making it even more high-tech. Perhaps one of the best things is that this personal emergency response system (PERS) comes in for just a little bit more per month than most of the premium services now available and for the value provided plus peace of mind, we think it’s worth it.
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How comfortable is it for a lady to wear?
It seems like a great product.
Al
Love the idea behind this monitor and have worked around many seniors who wear the popular pendant version. Like the clip monitor, but am wondering if the chest strap monitor could be also made to be worn on the wrist, taking pulse readings and measuring skin temp. Many seniors I’ve worked around would not have the ability (or patience!) in trying to get the chest strap mounted if they don’t have additional help. Otherwise I’m sold on this evolution of the PERS!
Exactly how does this system detect a fall? How about if someone has a heart attack and does not fall, say they are sitting in their chair or laying in their bed, how would the system know to call for help?
What sort of range does the system have? For example; what if someone wants to go out to their mailbox or out in the garden, will the system cover them? How about those people that only have cell phones? Will this system connect to a cell phone?
Hi Blaine,
Thank you for your interest, We chose a chest strap form factor because it promises the most reliable fall detection. We have received many positive responses from our senior users. However, we are an innovation company and you can expect that the system will continue to evolve. Stay tuned for more great products from Halo.
Chris
Mary,
myHalo is very comfortable for a woman to wear. It usually takes a day or two for anyone to get used to wearing the chest strap, But after this short time, it is hardly noticable.
myHalo chest strap and belt clip contain an accelerometer programmed to detect many types of falls. The device is able to tell the difference from laying down on a bed and falling to the floor, as well as sitting hard in a chair or falling on the floor in a seated position. If someone has a heart attack and does not fall, however, the unit is currently not capable of sending an alert for this type of emergency. For a more in depth response to your question, please see our Knowledge Base questions on our website.
The range is 300 ft. line of sight, from the transmitter worn by the senior to the gateway. The system will cover a 3000 sq. ft. home and we usually try to locate the gateway so the range will reach to the mailbox of the user. The system is currently designed to work through a land line or internet but not a cell phone.
Sorry for the delay. The myHalo system pricing is as follows:
$99 deposit (refundable)
$49 monthly for the myHalo clip or
$59 monthly for the myHalo complete.