Technology

Complementarity of bracelets and other fall detectors for the elderly

19 Aug 2021

The first research on the automatic application of fall detection systems dates back to the 1990s. Nowadays, there are more and more technologies on the market and they do not only deal with falls.

The first fall detection system was developed in the early 1970s. An alarm was triggered when a button on a transmitter was pressed.

Today, many technologies are available, some of which can be complementary to the ISA system.

For example, automated gait analysis can identify signs of frailty early on. Indeed, the University of Missouri has shown that computer vision technologies can analyse walking. A walking speed of less than 0.8 m per second indicates a high risk of falling.

What about anti-fall necklaces and bracelets for the elderly?

Wearables, small technological tools equipped with autonomous sensors, allow a lot of information to be collected. For example, GPS chips in the form of connected bracelets can be used to geolocate residents. This has a definite interest in the management of wandering.

Growing old means losing capacity and being exposed to new dangers. The use of these technologies allows us to guide our care of people, to propose the right actions early on in the ageing process in order to maintain the best quality of life.

More than detection, ISA also helps prevent falls

In addition to being able to be alerted, whether by the movement sensors integrated into the collars or bracelets, or via ISA fall detectors, the notion of prevention is now essential.

The anonymised films produced by the ISA system make it possible to document falls, with the aim of preventing them from happening again. It is this point in particular that makes all the difference with other systems, whatever they may be.

Identifying fragility and ensuring safety

Growing old is a constant in the human experience. Our capacities to adapt naturally allow us to live this reality more or less well.

Sometimes the process is accelerated when an illness appears or a fall occurs. We need a society that is able to reach out to people in difficulty.

In order to have the opportunity to act, one must be able to see the problem. Carers and doctors do not have enough eyes to see everything. Of course, we should be able to increase the supply of medical services, but we will be overwhelmed at some point. This is where fall detection technology comes into its own.

Preserving our health care system and improving quality of life

The increase in the comfort of our lives is accompanied by an inexorable ageing of the population. As a result, the number of dependent persons will increase greatly in the coming years.

As a result, our care system risks being saturated and will not be able to support all people as they age. We must therefore change the model. Let's get organised so that we can continue to grow old and enjoy life!

Seeing and perceiving better

"As the founder of Mintt and a carer, this year we have had more installations of our ISA device and for once I have had enough eyes for everyone.

I was able to see a whole new field of action as a carer. In 2020, we detected more than 1200 falls of elderly people in Belgium.
It is much easier to help a person when you have the data of the problem."

Jérôme Laurent, Nurse and Mintt Clinical Advisor