Fall Alarms For Elderly People

Falling is a common and serious problem for elderly individuals. It can lead to bruising, hypothermia, and even death.

To help prevent falls, many seniors choose to use a medical alert system with a fall detection feature. Several medical alert providers offer a range of fall alarms for elderly people, including monitors with automatic call detection and a lanyard-style pendant.

Detecting a Fall

Fall alarms alert a monitoring service in the event of a fall. This allows help to be sent quickly and effectively. The user of the device may have to push a button, however most modern systems can detect falls without the need for the senior to do so manually.

Most medical alert providers now offer a range of systems that include fall detection with the majority offering this as standard across their landline and cellular at-home and on-the-go plans for no extra monthly charge. One of the best medical alert companies for fall detection is Bay Alarm Medical who are known for their customer-focused approach and affordable pricing.

The device itself can be a pendant that is worn around the neck or wrist, or even clipped onto a belt. It will typically have sensors that can sense sudden movements or changes in orientation, and can then activate an alarm or send an automatic call to a 24/7 response centre.

Providing Emergency Assistance

Fall alarms provide a way for elderly individuals to call for help in the event of a fall, which may be difficult for them to do on their own. This can prevent them from having to lie helpless for a long period of time, which can lead to complications such as dehydration and hypothermia.

For some elderly individuals, this can be a great source of comfort and reassurance. However, for some individuals the alarm can be startling and arouse negative emotions such as fear or anxiety. This could potentially increase the likelihood that they will fall again in an attempt to avoid the noise of the alarm.

Waterproof falls detectors allow you to wear them in the bath or shower, a common cause of slips and falls. Telecare24’s emergency alarms are also able to make calls for help without you needing to push your button, which can be helpful if you are unconscious after a fall.

Increasing Independence

Fall detection systems can help elderly people stay safe and active. They can help prevent serious injuries and even save lives. These devices are ideal for those who live alone, or have a condition that makes falls more likely.

Some of these alarms are portable, lightweight and can be worn around the neck or wrist or clipped onto clothes, while others are attached to a bed or chair rail. They can be used to contact a 24/7 monitoring service that will then call loved ones or emergency services depending on the situation.

In the study, volunteers who owned a personal alarm were divided into four subgroups; those who used their device effectively and were advocates for alarms, those who used their alarm but did not advocate for them, those who did not use their alarm but were receptive to them, and those who did not have an alarm but were planning to get one. Each group had different motivators for obtaining or not obtaining an alarm.

Providing Peace of Mind

Fall detection alarms give family members peace of mind, knowing that their elderly loved one can get help quickly if they fall. For many individuals, a fall can be a frightening experience and they may fear leaving the house or engaging in activities they enjoy. Fall alarms provide an extra level of security for elderly individuals and can give them the confidence to live independently.

Typically, these devices are worn on the neck or wrist as a pendant and have an emergency button that can be pressed. The device will then connect to a careline service who can call for assistance or contact emergency services, if necessary.

Some devices, such as those available from Telecare24, also include GPS tracking which can alert our care team if you fall whilst out and about. Medical Alert This can be a great option for people who want to keep up an active lifestyle and have the added peace of mind of knowing that they are protected wherever they go.