Like most aspects of health care, technology has taken a greater role in falls prevention and detection. Examples include wearable motion-detectors, alarms, sensors, microphones, and cameras.
• Fall detection video reviews.
• Virtual bed/chair rails based on motion-detection software that enables advance notice of a person’s intent to rise.
• Motion-detection monitors in rooms that identify
patients who are restless and moving more or moving less. As a result, staff can proactively intervene.
• Wearable devices that detect and report changes in gait, activity, and walking speed.
• Insole sensors that relay real-time information about walking patterns, balance, and sway.
• Multi-sensor smart wearable belts that detect impending falls and deploy “airbags” on the hips to cushion falls. These also offer functions such as sending alert notifications to caregivers.
• Wireless avatars that check in several times per day to confirm patient well-being.
• Voice-activated devices such as Alexa or Siri that can play music, make phone calls, and perform other functions that can keep residents engaged and less likely to wander inappropriately.
• Motion-activated lights and lighting around doorframes to help people navigate safely at night.

At the same time, Kevin O’Neil, MD, CMD, with Affinity Living Group, stresses the need to remember the value of low-tech tools, such as low beds, hip protectors, and devices such as canes and walkers, in helping to reduce falls and fall-related injuries. These might be especially valuable in the coming months, he says, as residents become more active and work on regaining strength and mobility.

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