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Learn about fall detection devices, how they work, and whether you should consider one for yourself or a loved one.
Summary
Fall detection devices work with sensors that monitor movement and send alerts when someone has fallen.
Automatic fall detection typically works by sending a notification to a monitoring center to alert them of a fall. The monitoring center then contacts a family member or a first responder on behalf of the person who has fallen.
Fall detection sensors are more accurate when they are worn around the neck or waist— devices worn around the wrist may not be as reliable.
The fall detection feature in smartwatches can be quite inaccurate. It’s better to invest in a dedicated fall detection device.
Children who are young and strong usually don’t suffer serious consequences when they fall.
Most often, they sustain a scraped knee or elbow — nothing a Band-Aid won’t heal. But for adults — especially aging adults—the story is much different.
The statistics speak for themselves: each year, 36 million falls are reported among aging adults in the U.S., with 3 million of these individuals requiring medical treatment or hospitalization for fall-related injuries.
From broken bones to brain injuries — there can be serious consequences when an aging adult falls.
No matter how many times per day you check up on your mom or dad who may be growing more forgetful and unsteady on their feet, accidents can still happen. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared. A fall detection device can help.
In this article, we’ll explain what fall detection devices are and how they work.
We also provide tips on how to choose the best fall detection device, and offer alternatives for those who want to explore other options.
What is a Fall Detection Device?
A fall detection device senses when someone has fallen and sends an alert to an emergency monitoring center, a loved one, or 911.
Fall detection devices can be worn or installed in the home to detect falls.
Fall detection is typically offered as an additional feature with medical alert devices. Certain smartwatches also have this feature built in.
Fall detection devices are sometimes called fall alert devices or fall alert systems.
Fall Detection Device vs. Medical Alert System: What’s the Difference?
Because fall detection is quite sought-after, medical alert systems with this feature are often regarded as ‘fall detection devices,’ but the term fall detection device typically refers to a device that has other features, too.
Not all medical alert systems have fall detection, and this feature often costs extra as a monitoring center may have to be notified if the owner of the device sustains a fall.
People who opt for fall detection typically pay a monthly subscription fee for the service.
How Does Fall Detection Work?
Fall detection technology uses accelerometer sensors that measure the user’s speed and orientation.
This feature comes in handy if someone has fallen and they’re unable to dial an emergency contact due to an injury they’ve sustained, or because they’ve become unconscious or disoriented.
Fall detection devices can ensure that adults get help quickly instead of lying on the floor for hours before someone discovers them.
Types of fall detection devices
Fall detection systems offer different features, but there are two main types of devices, namely wearable sensors and ambient/motion sensors.
The device you choose will depend on where you spend most of your time, as one is designed for use in the home, and the other can be used outdoors.
Wearable sensors
Mobile fall detection devices that can be worn around the neck, wrist, or clipped onto a belt are ideal for people who frequently spend time outdoors.
These devices work with mobile networks and can operate anywhere, provided there’s cellular coverage.
Wearable devices use sensors and algorithms to determine whether a person has fallen.
If the device sends out an alert, a 24-hour monitoring center, family member, or emergency responder will be notified.
If a monitoring center is notified, they will contact the person directly using two-way communication through a mic and speaker in the device.
Once the person confirms they’ve had a fall, or they don’t respond to the call, help will be sent to them.
Most wearable devices also allow the owner to manually contact a monitoring center, loved one, or caregiver in the event of an emergency.
This feature is useful if the device has not sensed a fall and the person has to make the call themselves to report it.
It is advisable to wear the device around the neck or waist for best results, as devices worn closer to the center of gravity work better. In addition, wearing it around the wrist may result in false alarms due to your arm movement.
Where is My Center of Gravity (COG)?
Your center of gravity is the point where the mass of your body is greatest.
For women, the center of gravity is slightly below the belly button when standing up, and for men, the center of gravity is just above the belly button.
Therefore, wearing a fall detection lanyard or belt clip would work well as it’s closer to your COG.
Ambient or motion sensors
This type of fall detection device is installed in the home and uses video cameras to track movement. These cameras are typically placed in areas where a person spends a great deal of their time.
Some fall devices also use barometers to measure sudden changes in air pressure that may indicate that someone has fallen.
If the ambient sensor detects a fall, the monitoring center calls the person to find out if they’re okay. If a fall has occurred, the person’s emergency contact or 911 will be called and help will be sent.
Who Should Wear a Fall Detection Device?
Falls can happen at any time and place. While there are things you can do to decrease the likelihood of falling, accidents can still occur and it’s best to be prepared.
According to the CDC, you have an increased chance of falling if:
You are 65 or older.
You have lower body weakness.
You have walking or balancing problems.
You use medications that increase the chances of falling, like sedatives and antidepressants.
You have vision problems.
You have foot pain or wear incorrect shoes.
There are hazards in your home, like loose rugs and low coffee tables.
You have fallen before.
You have a chronic condition, like diabetes or arthritis.
You have a fear of falling.
How Does Fall Detection Benefit an Aging Adult?
Fall detection is especially useful for aging adults who live on their own and might not have someone checking in on them regularly.
Even though there are ways to prevent falls — such as installing grab bars and zero-threshold showers, removing hazards, and carpeting the staircase — not everyone has the ability or the resources to make these changes.
If an aging adult is not able to effectively prevent falls, they may want to invest in a fall detection device or medical alert system.
Falls can have serious consequences, such as broken bones and traumatic brain injury. So it’s important that an aging adult who’s had a fall gets help as soon as possible to avoid long-term health complications.
Fall Detection vs. Automatic Fall Detection: What’s the Difference?
Fall detection is sometimes referred to as automatic fall detection, but they’re technically the same thing.
The word ‘automatic’ simply implies that the owner of the fall detection device won’t need to manually push a button to alert a monitoring center or emergency services that they’ve had a fall.
The moment a fall happens, the fall detection device will promptly alert the relevant parties.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Fall Detection Devices?
Automatic fall detection devices have their advantages and disadvantages.
Before you decide whether they’re the right choice for you or an aging loved one, carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of fall detection devices.
Pros of Fall Detection Devices:
They can be worn outdoors or installed in the home, depending on the wearer’s needs.
Fall detection has a decent accuracy rate of 80%.
The devices are easy to use.
Medical alert systems with fall detection often provide a variety of other features, such as GPS tracking, blood pressure monitoring, and medication reminders.
It can provide peace of mind to aging adults and their relatives.
Cons of Fall Detection Devices
They may not detect falls that happen slowly.
A fall detection device may give people a false sense of security that prevents them from fall-proofing their homes.
Fall detection typically means paying subscription fees.
Fall detection systems that use video footage may feel like an invasion of privacy.
Adults may be reluctant to wear fall detection devices, especially those that have loudspeakers attached to them.
What Should I Keep in Mind When Purchasing a Fall Detection Device?
There are a few basic things you should look for when you purchase a fall detection device. Some important considerations include:
If it is an in-home device, does it have a good range? In other words, will the device be able to detect a fall if you’re out in the garden?
Is the device waterproof? The bath and shower are places where the most falls occur, so it’s worth investing in a device that’s either waterproof or water-resistant.
Does the device offer two-way communication? This allows the 24-hour monitoring center to contact the person and find out whether they require assistance, or if it was a false alarm.
Does it have good battery life? This is particularly important if you’re purchasing an on-the-go device that you might not be able to charge too often.
Are the batteries rechargeable or do they need to be replaced? You can easily run up costs if you need to replace the batteries in a fall detection device. Rechargeable batteries may be the better choice.
Will you be able to afford the subscription costs long-term? Because most fall detection devices are linked to monitoring centers, there’s typically a fee involved when you add fall detection to your medical alert device system.
Does the company offer a trial or money-back guarantee for the fall detection device? Fall detection devices and medical alert systems can be costly investments; therefore, you need to be able to test the automatic fall detection technology before you commit to a device. Look for medical alert companies that offer refunds and allow you to test their medical alert systems risk-free.
What other features do fall detection devices have?
Aside from automatic fall detection, a fall detection system can have several other features, too.
Before choosing a basic device, take a look at the features listed below and ask yourself if you or a loved one would benefit from any of them.
Fall detection is typically included as an add-on with regular medical alert systems, and some of these systems will already include a few of the extras listed below:
GPS tracking
This feature comes in handy if someone has had a fall outside of the home and they’re unconscious, or too scared or confused to explain where they are.
Medical alert devices that use GPS tracking technology also allow family members or primary caregivers to monitor their loved one’s location in real time, helping them to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Two-way communication
Two-way communication is an essential feature of a fall detection device or any other medical alert system, in fact.
If the device sends an alert to the monitoring center, a loved one, or emergency responder, they need to be able to check in with the person to ensure that a fall has indeed occurred and to reassure them that help is on the way.
Two-way communication can prevent people from wasting time responding to false alarms.
Medication reminders
Around 16 million people over 65 struggle with memory problems in the U.S. Daily medication reminders can be beneficial for these folks.
Many aging adults who are taking one or more chronic medications need reminders to ensure they take the correct doses at the right times.
Incorrect management of chronic conditions can increase the likelihood of a fall — especially for those who take blood pressure medications.
Even if your bathroom has nonslip flooring and grab bars, there’s still a chance that you could fall in the bathroom.
Opt for a water-resistant device if you or your loved one plans on showering with the device, but look for something waterproof if it will be worn in the bathtub.
It’s a good idea to check with the medical alert company what the waterproof rating of your preferred device is before you purchase it.
Heart rate or blood pressure monitoring
Some medical alert devices have built-in heart rate and blood pressure monitors. This allows family members, doctors, and caregivers to monitor changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
This is useful for people who are prone to fainting (sudden drops in heart rate or blood pressure could indicate that someone has passed out), or those who require extra monitoring due to existing health conditions.
Blood glucose monitoring
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can cause someone to pass out. People who are diabetic or experience exercise-induced hypoglycemia — when there’s a drop in the blood glucose level during or after physical activity — can benefit from having their blood sugar level monitored.
People who require the blood glucose monitoring feature may also benefit from medication reminders on the fall detection device.
How Reliable Are Fall Detection Devices?
As mentioned, fall detection systems produce more accurate results if they are worn around the neck or waist, closer to your center of gravity.
Dedicated fall detection systems seem to work better than fall detection software on mobile phones and smartwatches.
A recent trial showed that the Apple Watch only identified 14 out of 300 falls, giving it a fall detection rate of 4.7%. This may have something to do with the fact that smartwatches are worn on the wrist and not around the neck or waist, where falls are best detected.
False alarms and accuracy
Even the best medical alert system could issue a false alarm from time to time — but overall, this technology seems to be reliable.
A recent study showed fall detection systems are able to detect around 12 out of every 15 falls, which gives them an accuracy rate of 80%.
Types of falls that are detected
Fall detection technology will sense abrupt movements more readily than slow movements.
This means if someone slips and falls in the shower, the device will probably send an alert, but if someone slowly slides out of their chair, the fall detection system might not register it.
Therefore, it’s important to ensure that your device has a manual call button that the wearer can use to report a fall if the automatic technology does not work.
Are Fall Detection Devices Covered by Insurance?
If you have private health care, your insurance provider may cover fall detection devices.
Original Medicare, on the other hand, does not cover the costs of medical alert systems or fall detection devices. This is because they are regarded as a precautionary measure and not a medical necessity.
However, those who have Medicare Advantage may have a medical alert system benefit as these plans are managed by private insurance companies.
You’ll need to get in touch with your provider to confirm whether fall detection systems will be covered under your plan.
What Are Some Alternatives to Fall Detection Devices?
Fall detection devices may not be the best option for everyone — and some aging adults will cope fine without them.
If you or someone you love needs extra protection against falls, you may want to consider the following alternatives:
Regular medical alert systems
A normal medical alert system will give you that extra security and confidence to complete your daily tasks — knowing help is at hand should you need it.
Logicmark offers a wide variety of in-home and on-the-go devices. We have rechargeable devices to save you time and money, as well as a range of accessories to ensure that our technology fits in seamlessly with your lifestyle.
Whether you need a water-resistant device to use in the bathroom — or an emergency button to install near the stairs — we’ve got you covered.
Our devices are not connected to monitoring centers, so there are no hidden costs. Our medical alert systems connect directly to family members, caregivers, or emergency responders.
Fall-proofing the home
By making certain changes to a home, you can greatly reduce the risk of falling and fall-related injuries.
A few things you can do to make your home safer include:
Getting rid of tripping hazards, like electrical cords and uneven flooring.
Installing good indoor and outdoor lighting.
Using nonslip flooring.
Installing grab bars in bathrooms.
If you’re interested in learning more about fall prevention, take a look here.
Smartwatches with fall detection
Some smartwatches, like the Apple Watch, already have fall detection.
However, because watches are worn on the wrist and this technology is relatively new in smartwatches, you may want to invest in a fall detection device for more accurate and reliable alerts.
How Do I Know If I Need a Fall Detection Device?
Some people may benefit from a fall detection device, but it might not be the right fit for all aging adults.
If you’re unsure about whether to invest in a fall detection system, speak to your healthcare provider, physical therapist, or insurance provider — they should be able to advise you.
Alternatively, try fall-proofing your home and getting a regular medical alert device as a precautionary measure.
Where Can I Learn More About Medical Alert Systems?
Has your mother or father had a fall recently? Are they scared to be on their own now? Perhaps it’s time to invest in a medical alert system.
Logicmark has a great line of medical alert devices suitable for aging adults. Whether you’re looking for something for yourself or a loved one you’re concerned about, we’ve got options for you to explore.
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