Fall detection is an important feature for medical alert systems. Seniors who are worried about their health or mobility may wish to consider purchasing a system equipped with this feature. Not all medical alert systems include fall detection, but having a device that does can increase peace of mind for seniors and their families.
How Do Fall Detection Systems Work?
Traditional medical alert systems feature a wrist band or pendant that the user must press if they wish to call for help. These systems are effective and do save lives every day. However, they rely on the user being able to press that button and that may not always be possible.
Some seniors are at increased risk of falling. If a senior is injured in a fall, they may be unable to reach for their alert button and call for help. If someone spends a long time on the ground after a fall this increases their risk of developing hypothermia, pneumonia and a number of other complications. Prompt assistance after a fall greatly increases the chances of a successful recovery.
Fall detection systems contain accelerometers and other sensors that can detect the orientation of the device, and any sudden changes in movement. Just as a phone can tell when the user has rotated the screen and some video game controllers can detect when they are being shaken or waved around, a pendant with fall detection can tell the difference between normal movement and a sudden fall.
When a fall detection device senses a fall, it initiates a call to the helpline of the remote monitoring company. An agent at the contact center then asks the user if they’re OK. If the user doesn’t respond, or if they confirm they need help, the agent will dispatch an emergency response team to the user’s address or the location shown by the GPS on the pendant.
What Should I Consider When Deciding If I Need Fall Detection?
Fall detection is a useful addition to any medical alert system and can provide users with some much-needed peace of mind. However, many of the most well-known medical alert system providers charge an additional monthly fee for fall detection. For example, MobileHelp charges $10 per month extra for the feature, as does Medical Guardian.
Budget considerations, convenience and need should all be considered when deciding whether to invest in an alert system equipped with automatic fall detection. A fall detection system can be a good investment for someone who:
- Has fallen before
- Lives alone
- Has reduced mobility
- Lives in a house with fall hazards, such as uneven or slippery floors
- Lives in an area that receives a lot of snow and ice in the winter
- Struggles with stairs, or entering the bath or shower
- Has osteoporosis
- Has a history of hip or other injuries that may impair mobility
If any of the above points are true, purchasing a medical alert system with automatic fall detection makes good sense.
