Falls are a serious concern for older people; the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that they are the number one cause of death in people over the age of 65. In 2020, three million Americans went to the emergency room because of a fall.
Falls not only can cause serious injuries like hip fractures; they also may permanently affect a person’s mobility, independence and emotional wellbeing. Even if a person isn’t injured in a fall, a fear of falling again may create a vicious cycle; if they curtail their everyday activities, they may become weaker and even more susceptible to falling.
Implementing fall prevention measures in a senior’s home is essential, and using fall detection technology can provide peace of mind.
Options for Fall Detection
Fall detection devices have come a long way since landline-based, push button pendants were introduced in the 1980s. Today’s medical alert devices, powered by smart technology and GPS capabilities, can immediately connect a senior with emergency help and provide valuable data to responders.
- Fall Detection Wearables. In addition to the familiar pendant option, seniors can use their smartwatches or other wristbands to provide fall detection, or they may wear a device using a belt or clip. Wearables monitor a senior’s movements using sophisticated algorithms to detect speed and acceleration.
- Fall Detection Sensors. Fall detection sensors can be placed throughout a senior’s living environment. Ambient sensor devices use video cameras to track movements, while weight detection floor mats and sensors placed on beds, chairs and toilets can issue alerts if a senior’s movements indicate a fall.
Pros and Cons of Fall Detection Devices
Using fall detection devices can provide significant benefits and peace of mind. When it comes to an emergency, time is of the essence in getting treatment, especially if the fall results from an incident like a stroke. As the technology becomes more robust, it can provide valuable information to prevent future falls, such as what the person was doing before the fall and where they were in the home when it happened.
While fall detection devices are generally highly endorsed by medical, safety and senior care professionals, they aren’t foolproof. No device can guarantee 100% accuracy, and there may be false alarms. In addition, the person must willingly and consistently use the fall detection device for it to be effective.
When aging in place at home, fall prevention and fall detection are critical to maintaining the senior’s independence. At Kadan Homecare, our skilled caregivers are committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment and are adept at noticing overlooked safety hazards. By providing companion care and regular visits, our caregivers can make sure that seniors are using fall detection devices consistently and that they have supportive help if a fall occurs.
