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A fall detection alarm can be a great addition to your medical alert device. Many companies offer the device as an add-on for an extra monthly fee. While most people that use fall detection systems are elderly, anyone can benefit from the added confidence of knowing they can call for help if they fall.
Fall detection technology works to identify a fall by using a combination of metrics that include the speed of impact, the angle at which the sensor detects the fall and how much movement is detected afterward. These factors are compared to known patterns of falls, and the device will then decide whether or not it needs to send an alert to a monitoring center, loved ones or emergency services. Most medical alert systems that offer a fall detection feature allow users to call for help with the press of a button. However, a fall detection alarm will also detect a fall and automatically trigger the system without needing the user to manually press a button. This can give you or your loved one peace of mind knowing that the device will still activate if you do fall, even if you are unable to push your own red button to request assistance. This is important because studies show that only about 20% of all falls involving seniors result in the need for emergency medical response. The fall detection technology used in a medical alert system can be triggered by some activities such as bending over or picking something up, but most medical alert companies will teach their customers how to cancel any accidental calls with the touch of a button. In most cases, a simple explanation is enough to cancel a false alarm, such as explaining to the monitoring representative that you are doing a regular test of your device by tossing it gently on the floor. In addition to detecting falls, medical alert systems with fall detection also send an emergency signal to emergency services when the user doesn’t press their help button. This is a crucial feature for elderly users who may not be able to press their button after a fall. A medical alert system with fall detection is ideal for older people who have a history of falling or for those who live alone. It can provide peace of mind for family members who worry that their loved ones will not be able to press the call button in an emergency situation such as a fall. When a medical alert device with fall detection is activated, an emergency operator will speak with the user through their base station or Mobile Device to ensure they’re safe and that help is needed. They will also ask if the user is able to speak and respond appropriately to the situation. If the user is unable to talk, or their voice is not clear enough for an operator to understand, they will use a second emergency button on the device to summon local emergency services. They will also contact the user’s emergency contacts and/or caregivers if they have those numbers programmed into the system, so that someone can pick them up or visit them if necessary. Fall detection alarms are incredibly important for people who live alone and may be more at risk of falling. They are also ideal for those who can’t easily press the emergency call button, including unconscious or injured people. Fall alarms can also be used for other emergencies, such as if you’re trapped in a lift or are having difficulty breathing. They’re particularly useful for people who have chronic conditions that cause weakness or pain, as they can give you peace of mind knowing that help is always on hand if you need it. Most medical alert systems will automatically send out an alert to your nominated contacts or a 24/7 monitoring operator if they detect a fall, even without you having to press the emergency button. This means you can feel confident that you’re covered, whether you’re at home or out and about in the garden or shopping centre. However, a fall detector alarm can also trigger false alarms, such as if you drop it or it hits the floor. The good news is that you can cancel a false alarm by picking up the device while it’s ringing, and it will reset after a short time. It’s worth pointing out that you should always check your device regularly for any signs of damage, such as scratches or dents, which could affect the functionality. Falling is an all too common risk for seniors. Even minor falls can result in injury or hospitalisation and can have a heavy impact on quality of life for both the individual and their loved ones. Medical alert devices are a great way to help reduce the risks of falling and improve an individual’s independence. While bed sensors are often popular, a fall detection alarm for seniors can detect falls at home and on the go (even in parking garages). Many medical alert devices also include GPS tracking to help emergency services locate an individual who has fallen or is not feeling well. This is an excellent feature to have for seniors with a condition that increases their risk of falling such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes or epilepsy. However, it’s important to note that even the best medical alert systems do not detect 100% of all falls. So, if you are at risk of falling, it’s still vital that you press your alert button as soon as possible. |
