2023 Fall technology guide - what’s out there and how does it work?

With so many fall detection products out there, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you. Global fall statistics show that more people die annually from a fall than from a drug overdose, so naturally, there are many available options designed to help close this gap. So what detection and monitoring technologies exist and how do they compare?

What’s out there:

There are several products that assist with fall monitoring, fall detection, alert escalation and emergency help. Here’s a quick guide to the different categories and what they do: 

• Duress buttonsThese stationary buttons are normally installed around the home in key risk areas (like in the bathroom where slips may happen), and can be pressed during an incident.

• Wearable alarmsThese small mobile buttons are usually worn on a lanyard around the neck and need to be manually activated when someone has fallen or is in distress.

• SmartwatchesMany smartwatches monitor generic and basic health factors (like steps taken and heart rate), but do not always come pre-configured to assist with falls or raise automatic alerts.

• Fall matsThese are often installed in a single area in the home (oftentimes near the bed). Fall mats measure pressure and activity which can alert carers in an Aged Care or Disability care facility if a patient is leaving their bed or has fallen.

• Infrared sensorsThese sensors emit a short infrared beam that monitors and reacts to movement. You may notice these outside your door at an Aged Care facility, for example, so nurses and carers can be made aware if you’ve left your room.
• Artificial IntelligenceThis technology is the newest of the bunch, with the capacity to learn what is and is not normal in an environment, and process an alert within two seconds of an acute incident (like a fall).

What’s the difference? 

The most important thing to remember about these products is that they each do different things.  

Some products are designed to remain in one stationary area, others are designed to be manually activated in the event of an incident, some have health monitoring capabilities, and others have automatic escalation capabilities. 

Here’s a visual to help you understand some of the core differences

DownloadHomeGuardian has been specially designed with state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence technology to monitor your environment and automatically alert up to three emergency contacts within two seconds of fall/incident detection.The device is also able to detect an increased frequency of coughing and sneezing; while remaining 100% private and secure, with no images or video footage sent outside your home on any occasion.

The HomeGuardian difference 

HomeGuardian is a world-first, patented assistive technology device that uses artificial intelligence to monitor and alert for unseen falls, absence and wandering, a decline in health and changes in behaviour. HomeGuardian is suitable for anyone but is especially vital for the elderly and people with disabilities who live independently at home or in care facilities. Our friendly Care team are happy to answer any questions you may have about the technology that's currently out there.

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