Android-based elderly support system

This paper proposes an android-based elderly support system as an alternative way for existing care homes or health care centers. The aims of the study are to monitor the users based on their location via GPS tracking method and detect the user's heart rate using a portable pulse sensor. This project can be divided into two parts; development of android application and hardware implementation. Android application is developed to integrate a caretaker subsystem with the controller. A caretaker subsystem acts as an admin of the system which responsible for monitoring the users. Hardware implementation involves construction of a prototype equipped with Arduino microcontroller, Global Positioning System (GPS) module, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) modem, Bluetooth module and power supply unit. A set of data collection is analyzed to evaluate the consistency of the heartbeat monitoring function. The proposed project offers a portable day care service for elderly people via android smart phone in a low cost manner.