GTK Serwis Company in Poznan, East Poland, developed a new way to help seniors living in their own houses. It is called “Button of Life, your home guardian angel.”
It is aimed toward older adults living alone or in need of quick help because of age or illness. Through a Button of Life, participants can call for help 24/7, feel safer at home, gain better psychological comfort, and are more independent.
A Button of Life works as a two-part system that is installed in the homes of participants. The first part is a terminal (connected to a phone) equipped with a very sensitive loudspeaker; the second part is the button used to call for help. The button can be carried as a watch or necklace. When necessary, the participants can use the button and it will automatically connect to a 24-hour call center of care. Depending on the situation, a welfare worker can inform emergency personnel or connect to a family to transmit them their wish.
There is a monthly fee ranging from 70 PLN to 80 PLN (25-30 USD), plus a one-time activation payment (100 PLN; ca 35 USD). The service is activated after the agreement is signed and can be cancelled the last day of the month.
For more information (in Polish), go to http://www.guzik-zycia.pl or e-mail info@guzikzycia.pl.
