Falling is a serious risk for seniors, especially for those who live alone. The fear of falling can also have a negative impact on their quality of life.Standard personal alarms have a button that seniors can press to connect with a 24/7 monitoring team who can contact loved ones or even 911. However, not all personal alarms come with a fall detection feature.What is a fall detector?A medical alert system with fall detection provides peace of mind and can help prevent accidents in the home. The device can also help your loved one get assistance if they suffer from a fall even if they can’t press their pendant or wristband to call for help.Traditional at-home fall detectors consist of a wearable sensor that is wirelessly paired with a base unit. The sensors can be worn around the neck, on a wristband, or on a lanyard and are small enough to be discreet. Most systems have a button that is pressed to initiate a call for help, which can be triggered when the device senses that a fall has occurred.Some systems, such as Peoplesafe, allow users to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor so that it can be tailored to specific needs. This ensures that the device is able to distinguish between an actual fall and simply a tug on the pendant from another source, such as when washing or getting dressed.Whether the device is triggered by an actual fall or simply a push on the emergency button, it will automatically contact a central monitoring station. The representative at the monitoring centre will ask how you are and if there is any indication that you have been injured in some way, such as not responding to the two-way communication device or a lack of movement from your body, they will contact EMTs on your behalf.Why do I need a fall detector?A medical alert device that includes a fall detector can help you or your loved one get assistance quickly in the event of a fall. While not all falls result in injury, many do and can have a serious impact on quality of life. According to the NHS, one in three over 65’s and 50% of people over 80’s fall each year. gps tracker dementia If you or a loved one is prone to falling, a fall detection device can be a great investment for your safety.Some medical alert companies offer fall detection as a standalone feature, while others incorporate it into a system’s base unit. If you choose a device with built-in fall detection, be sure to test it out before using it to make sure it doesn’t trigger accidental movements or movement that aren’t actually a fall. It’s also a good idea to test it monthly with a friend or family member so you can make sure the sensor works correctly.Some medical alert systems, like Bay Alarm Medical and LifeStation, include fall detection as part of their At-Home plan for an extra $10 per month. medical alarms nz Other systems such as Aloe Care Health offer it as an add-on. Look for a device that has a long battery life and offers two-way communication so you can speak with a professional at the monitoring center to see if a fall did occur or if it was a false alarm.How does a fall detector work?Whether they’re unconscious or not, falls can have a serious impact on quality of life. Fall detection technology can help keep seniors safe by reducing their fear of falling and the associated injury, which can cause them to restrict their activities.Medical alert systems with built-in fall detection typically come as necklaces or bracelets and use an accelerometer to monitor your movements. They’re programmed to look for the quick downward acceleration that typically occurs in a fall, followed by a lack of movement. If this pattern is detected, the device will send an emergency signal to a monitoring center. The operator will then call you through your device’s two-way speaker to determine if you need assistance.While these devices are designed to detect a fall, they’re not 100% accurate. They may also sometimes send false alerts if you move your arms quickly, wave at someone, or swing a tennis racket. To prevent this, make sure the device is positioned correctly on your body, and always push the button if you can.Some companies recommend testing your device monthly to ensure the sensors are working properly. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific information on how to test your fall detector. If you’re concerned about false alarms, many medical alert systems offer the option to cancel an emergency call if it’s triggered by accident.What are the benefits of a fall detector?We've all heard the horror stories of elderly people waiting for help in the aftermath of a fall, and it can be a devastating experience. A medical alert device with a built-in fall detection system can help avoid these circumstances by sending an automatic call to emergency services or a designated carer if it detects that you've fallen. elderly gps tracker This can prevent complications that may arise from being left in a position for a long time, such as a broken bone or head injury.The best medical alert systems with fall detection offer a range of features that provide peace of mind for those at risk of falling, including a mobile pendant that is lightweight, discreet and comfortable to wear. The device has a button that you can press in the event of an emergency, and some even have GPS functionality to track your location should the alarm activate. Some devices also feature voice extension, allowing you to talk to the monitoring representative through your pendant even if you can't reach the base unit for two-way communication.While most people who purchase fall detection devices are over the age of 65, anyone could benefit from one if they take medication that can cause dizziness or suffer from a medical condition that increases their risk of falls. These systems are especially useful for lone workers who are more likely to be injured when working alone, as they can help ensure that someone is notified in the event of an accident.