Falls are a serious problem, particularly for elderly people, who are more likely to get hurt. One essential tool that may give people and their families safety and peace of mind is a fall-detection device. However, selecting the best one necessitates carefully weighing particular requirements, characteristics, and situations.
The data speaks for itself: 3 million older adults in the United States require medical attention or hospitalization for fall-related injuries, and 36 million falls are reported among them annually.
When an elderly person falls, there may be severe repercussions, including brain damage and shattered bones.
Accidents can still happen, regardless of how frequently you check in on your parents, who may be becoming more forgetful and unstable on their feet. That’s why being ready is so crucial. One useful tool is a fall detection device.
A fall dtection device: what is it?
When someone has fallen, a fall detection device detects it and notifies 911, a loved one, or an emergency monitoring center.
To detect falls, such devices can be installed in the home or worn.
Medical alert systems usually provide fall detection as an extra feature. This capability is also integrated into several smartwatches.
Fall alert devices, often known as fall alert systems, are another name for fall detection devices.
How Is Fall Detection Operational?
Accelerometer sensors are used in fall detection technologies to determine the user’s orientation and speed.
This function is helpful if someone has fallen and is unable to call an emergency contact because of an injury they have received or because they have lost consciousness or become confused.
Instead of lying on the floor for hours before someone finds them, fall detection devices can guarantee that adults receive assistance swiftly.
The key elements to take into account when choosing the ideal fall detection device will be walked through in this article:
1. Give Senior-Friendly Devices Priority
It’s important to look for a fall detection device made especially for senior citizens. The devices must be user-friendly, intuitive, and customized to meet the specific requirements of senior citizens.
For example, because of the country’s environment, seniors in Canada frequently need equipment that works well in numerous weather situations. Fall detection for Canadian seniors is designed to manage these particular environmental concerns while offering dependable monitoring and emergency notifications.
Besides, a senior’s safety and independence can be ensured by selecting a device that provides smooth functionality and adaptability for their lifestyle.
2. Accuracy of Fall Detection
While accuracy is essential for safety and peace of mind, no fall detection system is flawless. Although manufacturers frequently claim high accuracy rates, actual performance can differ greatly from lab testing settings.
A more accurate indicator of detecting capabilities than stated accuracy rates can be obtained by examining the sorts of sensors included in the device, such as barometers, gyroscopes, and accelerometers.
For instance, the Umps Watch uses a barometer, gyroscope, and accelerometer to increase the overall precision of fall detection.
3. Performance of Batteries
The amount of battery needed for home-based and mobile alarms varies greatly. While home-based systems are either hardwired or have long-lasting batteries that don’t need frequent charging, mobile alarms normally must be charged every one to three days.
Clear low-battery alerts should be provided by the system for mobile devices. Additionally, charging should be simple for those with poor dexterity.
4. Cancellation of Alerts
Users must be able to quickly cancel false alarms when they happen since they are unavoidable. The falls-detecting watch or pendant should allow users to cancel the alert when set off.
In order to help consumers comprehend that an alert has been triggered, the device should also give visual and auditory feedback in the form of lights and sounds.
5. Sensitivity Configurable
When it comes to fall detection, people have varied preferences. While some prefer fewer false alerts, even if it slightly raises the chance of missing a fall, others prioritize catching every fall possible, even if it means more false alarms.
It should be possible for family members or caretakers to remotely modify the sensitivity of fall detection systems to suit the user’s preferences and normal movement patterns.
6. Response Centers and Monitoring Services
Professional monitoring is also available for certain fall detection systems. In this instance, qualified operators receive the alert when a fall alert is triggered, evaluate the situation, and plan an emergency reaction.
Text message family monitoring may seem like a cost-effective solution, but think about if family members can offer 24/7 assistance.
7. Tracking Location and GPS
Having a device with a built-in GPS system can be quite crucial if you are out and about when a fall occurs. Even in situations where you are unable to give your position, it helps rescuers know exactly where to send help. Those who lead active lives or frequently leave the house should pay particular attention.
In the end!
A precise balance between functionality, comfort, and dependability is necessary when choosing the ideal fall-detection device. You can find a solution that guarantees safety and peace of mind by concentrating on equipment made for seniors, giving correct technology priority, and taking wearability into account.
Consider other aspects like affordability, water resistance, and emergency connectivity to customize your selection to the unique requirements of older citizens in Canada. No matter where life takes them, you can enable seniors to keep their freedom while remaining safe and connected with the correct device.
