How Fall Detectors Work
How Fall Detectors Work
Falls are among the most common types of serious injuries for the elderly accounting for 77% of hospitalisations among people aged 65 and above, as reported by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. A study on the risk factors for injuries among older adults in New Zealand also showed that fall-related injuries have worse outcomes in older adults because of complications caused by ageing. These injuries sustained by seniors can affect their quality of life as the fall may cause chronic pain, long hospital stays, and even disability.
Although falls contribute to a high number of injuries among seniors, they should not live in fear of falls and fall-related injuries. There are various physical activities to help reduce the risk of falls and an elderly person can even explore different balance exercises for seniors to prevent these injuries. But devices like fall detectors can also help save older people from accidents. These devices are designed to support older people so they can live independently knowing that help is available when needed.
What is a fall detector?
A fall detector is a smart device that can automatically detect if a person has fallen. There are three main types of fall detection systems: wearable, fixed, and mobile. Wearable fall detection systems consist of a sensor attached to a person’s body, such as a pendant or a wristband. Fixed fall detection systems consist of multiple sensors placed around a room or home. Mobile fall detection systems are small enough to carry around in a pocket or purse.
These fall detectors can raise an alarm call for help if the user has fallen and stopped moving. Aside from the automatic fall detection technology, these detectors also allow the user to manually call for help from emergency contacts or responders. Cancelling the call in the event of false alarms or false fall detection is also possible. At Tunstall, we offer a range of fall detector pendants and fall detection devices that are lightweight and discreet. These devices also offer several styles and functionality options that can suit a person's needs and lifestyle.
How do fall detectors work?
Fall detection systems work by observing any sudden changes in acceleration and altitude using accelerometer sensors and other types of sensors depending on the device. As a person falls or loses balance, the sudden movement will be picked up by the device's intelligent sensors. Accelerometer sensors are sensitive and sophisticated tools used to measure acceleration. This detection capability is often found in smartphones, tablets, laptops, fitness trackers, smartwatches, cars, drones, robots, and many other devices. An accelerometer measures how fast something moves up, down, left, and right. If it detects movement, it knows someone has fallen. Accelerometer-based fall detection systems are effective because they don't require a lot of power. This makes them ideal for wearables.
Tunstall's fall detectors can automatically trigger an alert when it detects that the wearer has experienced a fall. This alert will go directly to our Customer Care team which you can talk to at any time of the day. They can call for the appropriate help to assist you in emergencies.
How do emergency services know where to find you?
Tunstall mobile personal alarms with fall detection are equipped with GPS so emergency responders can accurately locate the wearer anytime. There are also fall detectors that are connected to your in-home personal alarm so emergency services can go directly to your listed address.
Are fall detectors 100% accurate?
No technology is perfect. Automatic fall detection technology can never be 100% correct all the time because slow and soft falls may not be detected and in these situations the device sensors wouldn’t be triggered. That's where the manual emergency buttons of the Tunstall fall detectors come in handy. The wearer can push the buttons after an undetected fall to make sure they can still get the emergency care needed.
Who needs fall detectors?
With falls as the largest contributor to hospitalisations, especially among the elderly, it is important to provide the best possible support to prevent any fall-related injuries. If a loved one is prone to fall and injury, the best way to protect them is by providing an automatic fall detection device that can get much-needed help as soon as possible, especially when they are alone. Fall detectors are also ideal for people with limited mobility or disabilities, individuals just discharged from hospitals who require additional support, and people with other medical conditions including diabetes and epilepsy.
Fall Detectors by Tunstall Healthcare's range of fall detectors
Tunstall offers a range of fall detectors in the form of pendants, wristbands, and in-home alarms.
The Smartfall pendant is an intelligent device that allows wearers to raise an alert by pressing the emergency button. If enabled, the automatic fall detection features can also be used. This pendant can be used when linked to the user's in-home alarm. Tunstall's in-home alarms are all designed with compatible fall detection pendants so you can stay safe at home.
The Smartfall is recommended to be worn around the neck to ensure accurate fall detection. When the device detects a fall, it will show three rapid beeps and red LED flashes indicating that it is sending alerts to the home alarm or mobile device. To deactivate any false detections, the user just needs to tap the case three or more times rapidly.
The Vibby Fall Detector is a fall detection device that can be worn as a wristband or pendant. Like the Smartfall Blue, this device has fall detection capabilities and it sends an automatic alert in the event of a fall. Vibration and LED lights confirm that the automatic alert has been triggered. The Vibby Fall Detector is also a waterproof and shock-resistant device designed with hypoallergenic plastic and replaceable batteries.
The Tunstall Gem4 is a stand-alone medical alert device which means it is a fully self-sufficient personal alarm equipped with accurate fall detection features. This wearable device, typically worn around the neck, allows users to call for assistance even when they are out and about. The Tunstall Gem4 connects users to Tunstall's 24/7 Customer Care Centre and its personal alarm GPS features ensure wearers can be accurately located at all times.
To manually trigger the alarm, the user just needs to press the medical alert button for approximately two seconds. A voice prompt will be heard confirming the activation. This device has an open voice communication feature so wearers can speak directly with a Customer Care Consultant.
False detections can be cancelled by pressing the SOS button again.
Get a Tunstall fall detector today
Fall detectors can save lives. Tunstall Healthcare prides itself on being able to provide world-class elderly care and service to our clients and our fall detectors are a testament to what we can do for you. We want to support our clients in having a better quality of life and living as independently as possible, and we ensure that we go the extra mile to provide you with the highest standards of service and products. Our range of fall detection devices can fit various needs depending on a person's lifestyle and risk factors. If you need help in determining which solution suits you the best, reach out to Tunstall's team today and we'll be more than happy to provide you with solutions tailored to your needs.
Keep reading: Meet the Tunstall Gem4, Our Newest Innovation in Connected Care
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