Telecare and fall prevention

Fall Prevention

Around 1 in 3 adults over 65 who live at home will have at least one fall a year, and about half of these will have more frequent falls.

There are several factors that contribute to the risk of falling in older adults – some of the common contributing factors are listed below: 

 

Contributing factor

What can I do to reduce the risk?

Poor eyesight

Ensure adequate lighting.

Get an eye test.

Trips

Remove hazards and clutter.

Ensure good foot care.

Wear good fitting shoes.

Trim toenails regularly or see a GP or chiropodist about any foot problems.

If using a floor pressure mat, use a barrier mat to reduce trip hazard or use a bed sensor mat instead.

Muscle weakness

Keep active.

Try some simple muscle strengthening exercises.

Medical reasons 

Speak to your GP for a medication review to make sure that your medication is right for you. 

Your GP will also be able to help rule out any medical reasons for having a fall.

 

The role of telecare

 

A personal alarm (telecare) system might allow you to call for help if you have a fall or other problem at home.

 

 “I don’t need one of those alarms, I’m not that bad.”

“I don’t want a load of strangers coming into my house.”

“I don’t want to pay for something that I’ll hardly ever use.”

 

At Frequency Precision, we frequently hear comments such as those listed above. Using the latest technology, we have tried to develop solutions to enable people to stay safe at home without the need for monthly subscriptions or call centres.

 

Scenario

What we can offer

Person is at very high risk of falling and needs someone to be in the same house as them

If the person has good memory and isn’t confused, a call button linked to a bleeper pager will allow them to alert their carer who may be in another part of the house.

If the person has a memory problem, they might not be aware of the hazards around them. Our sensors will automatically alert their carer who may be in a different part of the house:

Door sensor linked to a pager

Floor sensor linked to a pager

Bed sensor linked to a pager

Chair sensor linked to a pager

Motion sensor linked to a pager

Person is at risk of falling and lives alone

See below.

 

There are two main types of telecare (see "Which? Later Life Care”).

 

  1. Smart home monitoring.

Sensors and smart devices in the home connect to the base unit using radio signals. Alerts are then sent directly to family members or a carer using Wifi.

 

See

Out of Bed Sensor with Mobile Alerts

Door Sensor with Mobile Alerts

Call Button with Mobile Alerts

  • Activity around the home can be easily monitored using our smartphone app by family, friends or carers.
  • More affordable option than 24-hour call-centre monitoring.
  • Our system depends on a reliable Wifi signal and broadband connection.
  • It may only be appropriate if the nominated carer(s) or relative(s) are able to respond at any time of day or night.

 

 

  1. 24-hour call centre – the traditional form of telecare.

Sensors in the home communicate with the base unit using wireless signals. Alerts are sent to a professional 24/7 monitoring centre via a telephone landline

 

We do not offer this option, but our sensors can be connected to existing equipment.

  • Call centre staffed 24/7.
  • Call centre will follow an agreed procedure depending on the circumstances – e.g. call a relative or neighbour or contact the emergency services.
  • Alerts are sent via a landline.
  • Base unit can provide a two-way communication channel, allowing support staff to speak directly to the person who is in trouble.
  • Doesn’t provide family members or relatives with ongoing information about their loved one’s condition.
  • Call centre monitoring can be an expensive option.

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