Monmouthshire County Council is proud to support Falls Prevention Week – September 23rd -27th.
Preventing falls is crucial, not only for avoiding injuries, but also for maintaining independence, dignity, and quality of life.
Falls are a significant concern, especially for older adults or people with reduced mobility. They can lead to serious injuries, hospital admissions, loss of independence, and a decline in overall wellbeing.
However, many falls are preventable with the right measures in place.
Our Assistive Technology service can offer innovative solutions to help people live safely, securely and comfortably in their own homes.
This includes:
Lifeline and Falls Detector
The Wrist-Worn Falls Detector is a dual-purpose sensor equipped with an accelerometer. If it detects a direct fall with significant speed and impact and does not sense the wearer getting back up within a short period, it will automatically send an alert to the lifeline monitoring centre. Here, the operator will check on the persons wellbeing and call for responders if necessary.
Bed Sensor and Chair Sensors
The bed and chair sensors are placed in the respective furniture and set to activate during a predetermined period. These sensors can alert as soon as they detect the person getting out of bed or chair, or after a set absence period ranging from two to 90 minutes. In either of these circumstances, it will automatically send an alert to the lifeline monitoring centre. Here, the operator will check on the persons wellbeing and call for responders if necessary.
Video Doorbell
The Video Doorbell can be linked to Alexa, allowing you to talk to someone at the front door through a screen from the comfort of your armchair. This reduces the need to get up to answer the door or rush to it, thereby minimizing the risk of potential falls.
Echo Show or Dot linked with Smart Light Bulbs, Smart Plug
Smart light bulbs can be installed in the bedroom, hallway, and bathroom to reduce the risk of falls during the night. These bulbs can be set to activate either on a timer or through voice commands.
Smart Light Bulb and Motion Sensors
When connected to a smart speaker, voice-activated light bulbs offer independence and reassurance. These lights can automatically turn on by integrating with motion sensors that detect movement.
GPS Tracking with Built-in Falls Detector
The GPS tracking device helps individuals maintain their independence while out in the community, providing reassurance to family members. It features a built-in falls detector that notifies the family if a fall occurs.
Canary Kits
Home monitoring kits that help family members and professionals monitor movements around the property day and night using sensors. Over time, this data enables them to determine the appropriate care package.
Cllr Ian Chandler, Cabinet Member for Social Care, Safeguarding and Accessible Health Services, said: “Assistive Technology like this can make all the difference in making sure people in Monmouthshire can retain their independence.
“This service helps people live comfortably, safely and securely in their own homes for longer.”
Please contact the Assistive Technology team on 01633 644466 or assistivetech@monmouthshire.gov.uk, or visit https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/care/assistivetech/falls-prevention-assistive-technology/ for more information.