Fall Detection For Elderly Loved Ones Who Live Alone
Fall detection can provide peace of mind for elderly loved ones who live alone. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before purchasing a system.
Medical alert systems with fall detection usually have higher equipment costs and monthly monitoring fees than non-fall detectors. But, some companies like Bay Alarm Medical include fall detection in their plans without extra monthly charges.
1. Safety
While falls can be a devastating event for seniors, medical alert systems are often the best way to prevent the worst outcomes. Seniors who live alone can have peace of mind knowing that, if they do fall, their system will send out an emergency signal so they can get help quickly. Alternatively, they can choose to have their alarm monitored by friends and family or by our expert monitoring centres, which is included in all SureSafe systems for an additional $10/month.
One of the biggest problems faced when trying to develop effective elderly fall detection systems is the scarcity of real data sets. It is not possible for researchers to monitor elderly people all the time, so they have had to rely on simulated data sets instead. Unfortunately, simulated data sets are not as accurate as real-life data sets, which is a major impediment in advancing the field.
In the past 6 years, sensor fusion has become one of the most popular approaches to solve this problem. The idea is that using multiple sensors together can provide more reliable data in various conditions, reducing the number of false alarms. The main types of sensors used are accelerometers and visual sensors such as Kinect. medical alert systems The use of a combination of these sensors allows for the development of more advanced algorithms that can detect falls with high accuracy while keeping false alarms to a minimum.
2. Peace of Mind
If a loved one falls and is unable to press the button on their medical alert device, a fall detection sensor can automatically call for help. This provides peace of mind to both the senior and their family members. Having this safety net can allow a senior to be more active and independent at home, knowing that assistance is only a button away.
Choosing a medical alert system with a proven track record, such as Bay Alarm Medical, can give you peace of mind that the technology will work as advertised. They offer a variety of at-home and mobile medical alert systems, including an optional at-home fall detection device. Their systems can also provide medication reminders and two-way communication to family members and caregivers.
Some medical alert systems with fall detection also include GPS capabilities for additional safety and peace of mind. These features can help with navigation if the senior becomes disoriented or loses consciousness after a fall. They can also provide location accuracy and a mobile app that allows family members to check-in on their loved ones even when they are not at home. Other options to consider for fall detection include the Alexa Together system from Amazon, which can be integrated into smart technology already installed at home. Personal medical alarms This solution uses the popular Alexa voice assistant to keep seniors connected and supported, with daily check-ins, emergency assistance, and more.
3. Convenience
As we mentioned above, medical alert systems with fall detection allow seniors to contact help if they fall. They’re able to do this either through a pendant they wear around their neck, or by using an app on their smartphone.
Most of these devices rely on accelerometers to detect falls, though sensor fusion is becoming an increasingly popular solution. It allows for more accurate and consistent results, but also has the potential to increase the computational costs of the system.
In addition to helping prevent accidents, having Fall Detection for the Elderly gives families peace of mind that their loved one can call for help even if they aren’t home to do it themselves. This is especially important for long-distance caregivers who may be concerned about their loved ones’ safety while they’re not there to check up on them.
Several companies offer medical alert systems with fall detection, including Bay Alarm Medical, Medical Guardian, and Lively. These systems all feature an in-home base unit, and seniors can add the fall detection service for an extra $10/month on top of their monthly subscription fee. They can also add the feature to their mobile device if they want to be able to use it while on the go. If they’re at a friend’s house or out for the day, they can press the help button on their device to request assistance.
4. Confidence
Fall detection gives seniors the confidence they need to continue living at home independently, knowing that if they do fall or have another medical emergency, someone will be notified automatically. With this added peace of mind, seniors can continue to enjoy the things they love most – whether it’s shopping, hiking or spending time with loved ones.
Many medical alert systems offer the option to add fall detection as an extra feature for a monthly fee. This feature can be built into a traditional PERS device that is worn around the neck or wrist or offered as an upgrade to a mobile system that goes with you when you leave your home (like an Apple Watch).
Medical alert companies are always working to improve their fall detection technology. According to a study in Gerontology, wearable devices with this technology can detect 12 out of 15 falls, with only one false alarm (a fall detected but didn’t actually happen) every 40 hours.
Having this feature is especially important for seniors with a history of falling or who live alone and might not be able to push their button if they do fall. Some of the leading medical alert systems like Bay Alarm Medical, Senior Safety and Medical Guardian, also have a wrist-worn device with AutoAlert – which is designed to automatically1 call for help if it senses a fall – even if you can’t press your button.
