How our sensors can identify and prevent falls

By Care2Communities | May 11, 2023 | Technology

As our loved ones grow older, their needs and abilities naturally change. For many people, a change in mobility is not unusual. The natural ageing process can lead to an increased risk of having a fall. For example, balance problems, muscle weakness, loss of vision and brittle bones are all factors that can contribute to falls in older people. 

According to statistics, approximately one in 3 adults over 65 and half of people over 80 will have at least one fall a year. While most falls do not result in serious injury, they can lead to broken bones and a loss of confidence. As a person becomes more withdrawn, this can lead to reduced independence. 

Fortunately, thanks to the innovation of our Tec2Care device, it’s possible to know when your loved one has fallen even when you aren’t there. Read on to learn more about safely monitoring the elderly at home to prevent falls. If there is a change in activity, this can indicate a reduction in mobility and more support can be put in place (whether more in-person support or additional mobility aids) thus hopefully helping prevent falls.

Keeping your safe at home 

Our top priority is keeping you or your loved one safe at home without intruding upon your independence or privacy. As older people are more vulnerable to trips and falls, we recognise that it’s important to know when someone may have fallen without physically being in the same home or watching them with cameras and microphones. 

Our Tec2Care sensor is a discrete device that captures data to build up a picture of someone’s daily life. Instead of using cameras, microphones or motion sensors, it uses data points such as the humidity, temperature and atmospheric changes to understand a person’s daily routine and activities. If something out of the ordinary happens, our team and any nominated family members are alerted so that appropriate action can be taken. 

Providing peace of mind 

While wearable alarms are great and helpful, they come with a few pitfalls. For example, many people forget to wear them in the first place. If they do wear them and happen to fall, they won’t always push the button. Sadly, many people fear that they are a burden or perhaps feel undignified and this prevents them from seeking help when they need it.  With our Tec2Care sensor, family members can enjoy added peace of mind, knowing that help is readily available if their loved one falls. 

How does Tec2Care work?

The Tec2Care device will be installed and activated in the kitchen. Within 48 hours, it will have already captured enough data to develop a digital picture of a person’s daily activity and routine. For example, it will know when and how often a person boils the kettle or when a person typically does the washing up. When a change in behaviour occurs, the Tec2Care sensor will pick up that something may be wrong. This will allow us or family members to check in and, if necessary, contact emergency services. 

Get in touch 

If you or your loved one are interested in our care monitoring service, we would love to speak with you. Please get in touch or give us a call on 0115 758 8719 to learn more about how we can help identify and even prevent falls and provide peace of mind. Our friendly staff would be more than happy to provide more information or answer any questions you may have.