On November 7, 2016, legendary Canadian songwriter and artist, Leonard Cohen, died after falling in his house in the middle of the night.
His manager has since suggested the fall contributed to the singer’s unfortunate death, further highlighting the risk of falling in seniors.
Every year, one in four seniors reports experiencing a fall. However, the actual figure may be much higher, since if they self-diagnose as unharmed, more than 50% won’t even mention it to their doctor.
That is both unfortunate and dangerous, given how a fall can cause a whole host of medical problems that might not be immediately apparent.
A sudden loss of balance can be a sign of a previously undiagnosed medical problem.
What’s more, certain medications can interact with each other in such a way as to increase the likelihood of falling.
Head injuries as a result of falling may lead to neurological problems or internal bleeding.
Falls among the elderly also frequently cause soft tissue damage or broken bones.
If you have fallen, then your doctor needs to be aware
If you are a senior reading this, we urge you to report any fall you may have had regardless of how trivial you think it was.
If you are family or caregiver, particularly of someone who lives alone, it’s crucial to discuss this information with your loved one's medical professional.
What Causes Senior Falls?
There are numerous conditions alone, and in conjunction with each other, that can lead to senior falls. Some neurological conditions in seniors, especially in combination with the sedentary lifestyle of a retiree, can provoke balance problems.
Low blood pressure due to diabetes or medications can also cause seniors to faint. Other common conditions include bad depth perception, glaucoma, cataracts, or just poor vision.
How Medical Alert Systems Help Seniors
Also called personal emergency response systems (PERS), fall monitors, or medical emergency response systems (MERS), medical alert systems make the press of a button a possible life-saver.
There are two main types of systems: monitored or non-monitored. Both work in very similar ways—either the consumer or a technician sets up a medical alarm base in the home, which connects directly to their service provider and the medical alert itself (usually a necklace, bracelet, wristband or watch worn by the senior).
Should anything happen, such as a fall or other emergency, the push of a button sends a signal to the base, which then triggers the system.
This is where the difference between monitored and un-monitored system kicks in. If the system is monitored (which we recommend in most cases), the button connects you to trained personnel through two-way intercom—they speak with you, assess the magnitude of the situation, and call or send for the necessary help.
Depending on the type of problem, the monitoring service may get in touch with your designated contact, or with emergency personnel such as the fire department, police, or ambulance service. For this two-way communication, you must be within range of your device’s base, though some newer systems function through cellular instead.
This makes the devices completely mobile (given a good signal, of course). Most monitored systems include fall alert technology either as a given or optional add-on feature, which we’ll get into more a bit further down.
Non-monitored medical alerts work similarly, though instead of putting you in contact with personnel from a service center, the system usually calls pre-programmed phone numbers for contact people you’ve already selected. These numbers can be neighbors, family members, or even 911—playing pre-recorded messages. Some non-monitored systems have fall detection, calling the numbers in the contact list as soon as a fall is registered.
Regarding pricing, most companies work in very similar ways, with different monthly costs for in-home landline services, in-home cellular service, or mobile GPS tracking. Some systems charge for fall detection as an optional add-on, and have additional fees for activation or cancellation.
Finally, consumers should be aware that they may have to make a commitment by signing a contract for 24 months or more, though many companies don’t require this, or offer to void the contract should the senior enter a nursing home or pass away.
How Automatic Fall Detection Works
Medical alert systems with fall detection features are programmed with an algorithm that can sense sudden or abnormal changes in movement and direction through accelerometers, gyroscopes, and algorithms.
This same technology is responsible for getting your smartphone screen to rotate when you turn your handset, adjusting the image. Once a fall detection device senses a fall, it will automatically alert the monitoring center after a period of inactivity.
This is crucial, since falls can have severe consequences, leaving you confused, gravely injured or unconscious, and thereby incapable of pressing the help button on your device.
The first few minutes after a fall are typically the most important, since the longer it takes you to get up, the higher the risk of complications and lengthier recovery times.
Is Medical Alert Fall Detection Effective?
Fall detection technology has improved considerably since its early iterations, and can now discern between a fall and ordinary gestures with greater accuracy and speed, (some companies even claim up to 95% accuracy).
Current hardware used by the most popular medical alert providers offers effective fall detection features that may prove extremely useful for seniors as an additional security measure.
If you’re looking for a product that can allow you or your loved one to maintain an independent lifestyle and provide you with peace of mind, Philadelphia-based Medical Guardian has fall detection technology that's among the most accurate in the market.
Fall Detection Costs
Medical alert companies tend to offer fall detection as an add-on feature for most mid-range and premium packages.
Monthly costs for base units and mobile systems can range between $35 and $50 a month, depending on the features and devices selected, with some companies charging additional fees for activation or secondary pendants.
The price of medical alert systems can seem quite reasonable when compared to the immeasurable value of a human life and the exorbitant costs of hospital stays and medical bills.
Moreover, these systems may be the best option for those suffering from life-threatening health conditions that could make them more likely to faint or lose consciousness.
Additional Ways to Prevent Falls
To minimize the chance of falls, make sure your home is well lit and uncluttered, and that carpets and rugs are secure and flat on the ground.
Additional measures could include installing grab bars in bathrooms, handrails on stairways, and non-slip adhesive strips or rubber mats on slippery surfaces such as steps or kitchen floors.
If you’re looking for comprehensive protection, however, consider how new technologies could provide you with peace of mind, even in a worst-case scenario.
A medical alert device with fall detection could be an excellent additional security measure for those who may not be able to call for help in the event of an emergency.