Fall Detection Is For More Than Just Falls

How fall detection works

Fall detection technology is comprised of a few different technological advancements. Despite looking like an ordinary medical alert pendant, fall alert devices combine software and sensors that identify the wearer’s movements. If these sensors detect motion changes that signal a fall, the emergency response center is automatically called. This way, even an unconscious or incapacitated patient receives immediate help.

The advanced technology also ensures that the button won’t be triggered by everyday situations. Doing some gardening or lying down in bed won’t cause a false alarm because the sensors are smart enough to pick up signs of an innocent activity.

Beyond falls: uses for fall detection

Although fall detection is commonly associated with tripping or falling over something, there are many other factors that could lead to a person collapsing. People suffering from certain medical conditions live in constant fear of falling because a fall would render them helpless and unable to call for help. Not to mention the serious injuries elderly patients suffer from hitting the ground, which can lead to prolonged stays in the hospital.

Luckily, fall detection was specially designed for those who suffer from certain medical conditions that increase the risk of falling. Some of those conditions include:

• Parkinson’s disease: those who suffer from Parkinson’s disease often experience dizziness, slow movement, stiffness, and a loss of balance.
• Diabetes: even if diabetics have their diabetes under control, it’s not uncommon to experience diabetic shock or even fainting spells, both of which can lead to severe injuries should you fall.
• Multiple sclerosis: although MS causes many different symptoms, some of the most common symptoms include vision loss, impaired coordination, weakness, and muscle paralysis.
• Epilepsy: those with epilepsy experience frequent seizures, which often result in a loss of consciousness.

It doesn’t matter whether your beloved family member is an independence-seeking senior or is diagnosed with one of these serious medical conditions; equipping them with a fall detection medical alert system provides security and peace of mind for both you and your loved one.

The flaws of fall detection technology

Guardian angels in monitoring centers

Although it’s undeniably important, the ability to notify others about a seizure or fall isn’t all about the fall detection feature in a medical alert system. The real reason why it is recommended is because patients are connected to a team of professional monitoring agents, who ensure that the person in peril receives the right assistance. These agents have the user’s entire medical history on file, so when they receive an emergency signal, they’ll know what kind of medical conditions the patient suffers from.

In addition to sending paramedics, the monitoring staff also stays on the line, calming the patient down. Moreover, an alert button’s two-way communication capabilities allow the medical monitoring professionals to instruct bystanders on how to help someone suffering a seizure or who has fainted. In other words, they act as the wearer’s guardian angel from afar.