myHalo Monitoring System: A Non-invasive Medical Alert System for Fall Detection
Posted by Liz Hardy 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?
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.
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!
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
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?
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.
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?
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.
Does the wearer have the option of hitting a panic button, also? Or is it only activated by a fall?
Thank you for your interest in myHalo. The wearer definitely has the option of pushing a panic button if necessary, as well as the benefit of automatic fall detection.
Was Ed Voris compensated in any way for his appearance and testimony?
What is the length of your contracts?
Do they automatically renew without consumer concurrence?
Is there a money back guarantee and test period?
What improvements have you engineered for the device since this ran in early 2009. I have an 80 year old dad that has fallen several times and we would consider purchasing this.
thank you.
Thank you for your interest in myHalo. These are very good questions. Ed Voris was not compensated for his appearance and testimony that you see in the video.
Our service is month to month and can be cancelled at any time.
If you are dissatisfied with our product or service for any reason, you can return it in its original box for a full refund of your deposit. There is not a test period, but we do offer time sensitive coupons occasionally that provide a discount to our services. These coupon codes can be obtained by calling our office during normal business hours. 888-971-4256
Please send me all the details, include cost and need for any other home device (phone for instance). I would also need local servece and list of recognized endorsers. Does this work anywhere in my one bedroom apartment? Does this work outside of my home?
Thank you. LB
Dear Leah,
Thank you for your interest in myHalo. You can set up myHalo in your home with an ethernet connection or a telephone line. If you are have a VOIP phone connection, you will need to use ethernet for your myHalo as our system is not compatible with VOIP.
If we have a dealer in your area, we can provide you with local service. If we don’t have a dealer in your area, we offer excellent technical support over the phone.
We are members of the Better Business Bureau, CAST, ASA and the AgeTek Alliance. Laurie Orlov often includes myHalo in her Aging in Place Technology Blogs.
The installation process includes a range test that will indicate the exact areas you can expect to be monitored. Some customers experience monitoring in their front and back yards, while others do not due to the construction of the walls in their homes.
The monthly leasing fee for the myHalo clip is $49 and $59 for the myHalo Complete. We are offering a “special” through the month of February that waives our $99 deposit and $16 shipping charges. Entering WINTER as the coupon code while placing an online order will ensure this special pricing. If you need to speak with a customer service representative please call 888-971-4256 and select option 2.
If you only have 1 phone in your house, do you need to install an additional phone line or internet connection for the device? Is there an installation fee?
Our system works with one phone line. There is no need to install an additional phone line or internet connection.
If we have an authorized myHalo dealer in your area he can install your myHalo for $50. This service is optional. If you decide to install yourself, our on-call technicians will assist you over the phone at no charge.
Our system works with one phone line. There is no need to install an additional phone line or internet connection.
If we have an authorized myHalo dealer in your area he can install your myHalo for $50. This service is optional. If you decide to install yourself, our on-call technicians will assist you over the phone at no charge.
Is there a minimum commitment time? Or can you commit month to month?
Our service is month to month. No long term or minimum commitment required.
Hi Tommy,
Thank you for your interest in myHalo.
1) Is there a minimum commitment time? Or can you commit month to month?
Our service is month to month. No long term or minimum commitment required.
2) If you only have 1 phone in your house, do you need to install an additional phone line or internet connection for the device? Is there an installation fee?
Our system works with one phone line. There is no need to install an additional phone line or internet connection.
If we have an authorized myHalo dealer in your area he can install your myHalo for $50. This service is optional. If you decide to install yourself, our on-call technicians will assist you over the phone at no charge.
Please feel free to call my direct line if you have further questions.
I work in a home health agency and this is the first I have heard about this system. Is it possible for you to send us some brochures so that we can share with all the field nurses and therapists? We are always looking for resources that will help our patients stay safely in their homes.
Thank you!
Dear Tracey,
Thank you for your interest in myHalo.
Please send your contact information and we will send brochures to share with your field nurses and therapists. If we have a dealer in your area, I would like to arrange for you to see a demonstration of myHalo.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
Liz Hardy
888-971-4256
Hi Liz & Chris,
The seniors in my life have two conditions that I need to address: One has a pacemaker. I’m assuming there’s no radio wave interference concern for pacemakers. Your system is similar to most wireless devices (cell phones, bluetooth devices, routers, etc), correct?
My other senior has a skin condition that would prohibit wearing a chest strap, and also has a balance issue. Will the clip be too sensitive to when the patient sits down a little too hard into the chair, or can it be calibrated to only alert us to falling episodes beyond the range of hip-to-chair seat distance?
Hi Tom,
Thank you for taking the time to look at our website. You are correct about our system not interfering with a pacemaker. However, we do recommend having a waiver signed by a physician before using our myHalo Complete. A tech sheet and waiver will be emailed to your shortly.
The myHalo clip can determine the difference between sitting and falling, but the sensitivity can be reset if necessary.
This is a great time to try myHalo. We are waiving the deposit and all but $1 shipping with our WINTER coupon and sending Whitnye Lolley’s Master Your Balance video to every home that orders our system this month. Let me know if you want to place an order today. 888-971-4256 (ext. 102) lhardy@halomonitoring.com
Liz
My mom has a Presto email printer that uses her phone line.
There is also wireless access at her apartments.
Would the single line also handle a myHalo system? If not, would a wireless internet connection work?
Hi Jean,
Thank you for your interest in myHalo. This are very good questions.
Yes, the single line will handle the myHalo system and the Presto email printer. If there is an authorized myHalo dealer in your area, he/she can assist with this installation. If we don’t have a dealer in your area, our technical support staff can provide the support needed for this installation with a simple phone call.
As for your second question, myHalo is not designed to work with a wireless internet connection.
If you are interested in special coupons to assist with the cost of leasing your myHalo, please see our website (www.halomonitoring.com) or call the corporate office. 888-971-4256 (ext. 102)
Liz