Falls are a terrifying reality for the elderly, especially those who live alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 3 million persons aged 65 and over are treated in emergency departments each year for fall injuries. That's over 220,000 falls a day at the very least. Moreover, one out of every five falls results in a major injury, which can have long-term consequences for a person's mobility and freedom. Fall-related injuries can include serious head and neck injuries, broken bones, and internal bleeding.
Although evidence indicates that many injuries caused by falls can be avoided or reduced, the truth is that falls continue to significantly impact older persons. Fortunately, wearable medical alert devices with fall detection can help you avoid the worst-case scenario. Using this technology can provide caretakers and families with an extra layer of assistance and peace of mind when it comes to their loved one's safety.
What are Wearable Medical Alert Devices with Fall Detection?
Fall detection devices use technology to detect and summon assistance for a senior who is prone to falling. A fall detection medical alert system allows the user to summon assistance without pressing the call button. If the user falls, these systems will immediately activate the sensor. The built-in technology can be worn around the neck, around the wrist, or on the waist, depending on the device.
Fall detection devices are classified into two types: wearable sensor devices and ambient sensor devices.
Wearable Sensor Devices
When a person falls at home, an accelerometer sensor installed in a watch, pendant, belt, or clip-on gadget monitors how quickly they move toward the earth. An algorithm decides whether or not the person fell. If this is the case, the gadget notifies the manufacturer's monitoring team. The person is then contacted by an agent via the device's speaker.
If the person confirms that they fell, the agent notifies the person's emergency contact information in the system. If the person who may have fallen does not react, their emergency contact is automatically contacted. Many wearable sensor devices additionally have a manual button, allowing the user to self-report a fall if they are able.
Ambient Sensor Devices
Video cameras are strategically positioned in a person's house with environmental sensing devices to follow their activity. When the ambient sensors detect a fall, the monitoring service contacts the person via the home's speaker.
If the individual verifies that they fell, the monitoring service agent notifies the individual's emergency contact. When the individual who has fallen does not respond or provide input, their emergency contact is automatically contacted.
Why Use a Wearable Medical Alert Device with Fall Detection?
While older persons are more likely to fall, experts argue that other conditions may necessitate fall detection at any age. According to the CDC, the following factors can raise a person's risk of falling:
- An Inner ear disorder or poor balance
- A vitamin D deficiency
- Medications linked to falls, such as TK and TK
- Postural hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing from a seated position)
- Vision impairment
- A foot or ankle disorder
- Home hazards, such as loose rugs or poor lighting
- A history of falls
- Muscle weakness
- Gait and balance problems
- Chronic conditions, such as arthritis, stroke, incontinence, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia
- Fear of falling
Limitations and Accuracy of Wearable Medical Alert Devices
The capacity of a sensor to produce a reading comparable to "gold-standard" measuring equipment is referred to as accuracy. A calculation's reproducibility is referred to as its dependability. It refers to a sensor's capacity to detect and generate the same measurement several times, even if the measurement is not exact. Manufacturers are eager to remind out that none of these devices can promise 100% accuracy in fall detection, however, most of these systems detect at least 85% of falls.
Some medical alert systems do not include fall detection sensors. Medical alert systems may use identical hardware and sensors; however, it is up to each medical alert firm whether to incorporate fall detection services as part of a package or as an optional function for a price. For a premium service cost, most medical alert companies incorporate the fall detection capability in their medical alert system. Some companies offer fall detection devices that can be worn in addition to your traditional medical alert button, however, some may charge an additional fee to your monthly subscription plan if you plan to add a fall detection feature.
Before deciding on a certain system, conduct thorough research and evaluate medical alert device providers and products. While the technology for detecting falls is identical among companies, the service may provide different benefits.
All-In-One: ViSi Mobile
If you are looking for a wearable medical alert device that has fall detection and also offers continuous vital signs monitoring. ViSi Mobile may be the perfect option for you. ViSi Mobile is a wearable medical alert device that includes fall detection capabilities. ViSi Mobile will detect this fall and send a notification to your caregiver or monitoring service.
ViSi Mobile is also an FDA-approved wearable platform that wirelessly communicates data to clinicians while continuously monitoring all patient vital signs including the following: (Pulse Rate, Heart Rate (3 ECG Lead and 5 ECG Lead), SpO2, cNIBP (Continuous Non-Invasive Blood Pressure), MAP, Respiration Rate, Skin Temperature, Posture, Fall Detection, and Life-Threatening Arrhythmias (AFIB, AFIB RVR, VFIB, Asystole) and wirelessly communicates data, so you can be sure that you are receiving the best possible care.
Find the full list of studies and papers relating to the Sotera Wireless wearable medical alert device here.
