Is Fall Detection For Seniors Worth It?

Being a senior means you have ample experience and know what is good for your body and what is not. As a part of this, it also involves making decisions to take good care of yourself and yet maintain autonomy.

For instance, seniors are quite prone to falls, but you want to make sure you get instant help and are not dependent on anyone. This is where fall detection for seniors comes in.

These are worthy devices that come in varying shapes and sizes and can offer you emergency help in case of an accident. With these systems, you will have a mental assurance that help will reach you no matter what.

Why Are Seniors Prone To Falls?

Now, you may ask why seniors face more accidents and risk of falls than others. While it can be summed up in one word, i.e., “age,” let us take a deeper dive into it:

Loss of Important Muscle Functions

As we age, it becomes quite evident that our muscle strength starts weakening. This is referred to as sarcopenia in medical terms. There is also loss in important limb nerves which can make things worse. Hence, our muscles become weak as a result of we become prone to falls.

Consequences of Illnesses and Conditions

There are certain conditions, like Parkinson’s, which can affect the nervous system of the body. Since it impacts both motor and non-motor systems, a person with the condition faces symptoms such as loss of balance or intense and frequent shakiness.

Now, since Parkinson’s develops mostly after the age of 60, seniors are the most prone to it. Other conditions like low blood pressure or general weakness can also make seniors prone to falls. As a result, they become prone to falls.

Loss of Memory Function

Our memory power also weakens with age and is nothing to be ashamed of. As a result, seniors may need clarification on leveled walkways and staircases.

If they choose to walk on staircases, they can be very easily prone to falls. They may also forget to carry essential objects like their canes and can trip over due to the lack of them and the steady support they provide.

Vision Impairment

Many seniors experience worsening vision as they progress with age. This can be very challenging as partial blindness may obstruct vision.

Again, some seniors report blurring vision, and they are not able to identify objects that stand as obstacles. This can be one of the major reasons why they are so prone to falls.

Effect of Medications

Similar to developing illnesses and conditions, we see that seniors have to take more medications than adults in their 30s or 40s do. Now, excessive medications can have some side effects on the body, and they can induce drowsiness.

Some people can also experience fainting if they feel excessively unwell. Hence, seniors become very prone to falls.

How Does Fall Detection System Prove to Be Worth it for Seniors?

Fall detection for seniors can literally act as life-saviors. A fall detection system works because it has smart sensors attached to it that can identify if a senior has fallen or faced an accident, minor or major.

Once it is identified, it triggers an alarm and sends the signal to the monitoring center. After the center receives the signal, they quickly dispatch help and reach the affected or wounded senior. This is how they prove to be worth your money.

It Gives the Right to Autonomy to Live Independently

With a fall detection system in hand, the seniors will have the independence to live on their own. This can be mentally reassuring and provide a sense of dignity to the senior.

Yet, they, along with their loved ones and family members, will have the assurance that they are not completely alone if something unfortunate happens. They will know that help will reach them under any circumstance.

Brings Help to You Quicker than Manual Intervention

With a fall detection alert, there would be no time-gap between triggering the alarm and dispatching medical service. This is essential, especially, if the senior has faced a high-risk accident and needs to be wheeled to a hospital urgently.

Whereas, without a fall detection system, someone has to find the senior and then place an emergency call manually. This can take a lot of time and even more time for medical services to be dispatched.

Reduces Anxiety for Both Seniors and Their Families

Living with anxiety and constant fear can greatly reduce the quality of life, and hence, enough mental stimulation and confidence is needed for a senior.

A fall detection system does exactly that, as it takes away your anxiety instantly by providing you with mental assurance that you aren’t alone.

Moreover, seniors will feel more confident while going out and can even go long distances and take walks in the park or community halls without the need to worry.

Even if they drift far, fall detection systems generally have GPS systems attached to them that can trigger alarms. So they won’t face the risk of getting lost.

Cost-Effective in the Long Run

Investing in a fall detection system can be cost-effective over time. Now, the initial setup and monthly monitoring fees might seem like an expense and can feel heavy on the pocket.

However, if you consider the cost of emergency hospital visits, long-term rehabilitation, and potential complications from untreated falls, the expenses will be far higher. Early detection and immediate intervention prevent minor falls from turning into major health issues.

That way, it reduces medical bills and the need for extended care. Moreover, it can delay or even eliminate the need for assisted living facilities.

This will allow seniors to stay in their own homes longer. This not only saves money but also maintains their comfort and familiarity with their surroundings.

Conclusion

In short, yes, a fall detection system is worth all your money, and you should definitely consider investing in one if you are a senior or a loved one.

Being cost-effective in the long run and acting as a life-saver that can bring help quickly, fall detection for seniors is an efficient device that is a marvel of modern-day science.