Fall detection and fall prevention

Different types of technologies can detect and prevent falls. Some, such as RoomMate and Buddy, are screwed onto the wall and create an anonymised image of the room, where advanced algorithms monitor dangerous situations that could lead to a fall, or if a person actually falls. If this happens, an alarm is sent to the care worker's mobile phone and monitor in the nurses' station. Other technology, such as Safemate mobile safety alarms, registers if the user falls, and automatic notifications can be sent to care workers or relatives.

Falls are the single most important cause of injury among the elderly, and many falls lead to serious consequences. It is often the start of a long-term course of illness, loss of functional ability, admission to an institution and, in the worst case, death. Every single fall we manage to prevent saves the person from great suffering. In addition, it creates more sustainable care for the elderly in the form of lower costs for society and freed up capacity for other patients and residents. If the accident is already out and a person falls, it is important that the injured person gets help quickly, so that the immediate suffering and the risk of delayed injuries are minimised.

Today, unfortunately, many falls are discovered through random, physical inspections of residents' rooms in nursing homes, other care settings or in private homes. Modern welfare technology means that falls can not only be detected more quickly through digital solutions, but can also in many cases be prevented before they would have happened. Sensors that warn of potentially dangerous situations, such as when someone has sat up in bed, left the bed or started walking around, enable healthcare personnel to get to the resident quickly and prevent a fall from occurring.

Everyone involved in elderly care can help detect and prevent falls. This applies to managers in elderly care, health personnel, relatives and in some cases also the vulnerable person themself. At the same time, it will be especially difficult for people with dementia to report falls or situations that could lead to falls. It is then important to have good welfare technology in place, which can passively and automatically notify in the event of falls or dangerous situations.
Familiarise yourself with what solutions are available and how these can be used at the institution where you work. If you are a relative, you should make sure that your loved ones receive the best possible follow-up, whether they live at home or in a care setting. Ask for good welfare technology solutions that prevent falls and make the job of care workers easier.