Falls among older adults are a leading cause of injury and hospitalisation with significant health, economic, and operational impacts.
As we move into another new year we look back across 2025 where we have looked at a range of options to address falls in the care environment.
Here are some key insights from the series to help guide decision-makers in selecting effective fall detection alongside tried and tested Miracle Electronics solutions.
Key Statistics
- Around 30% of adults over 65 experience at least one fall annually.
- Falls account for 74% of trauma admissions in older adults in NZ.
- Hospital bed demand due to falls is projected to double by 2051.
- Economic burden in Australasia expected to exceed NZ$1.5 billion by 2051.
- Long-lie incidents (extended time on floor) significantly increase mortality risk.
Fall Detection Technologies
Radar-Based Systems:
- Pros: Non-intrusive, wide coverage, no wearables.
- Cons: High cost, interference risk, professional installation.
Wearable Devices:
- Pros: Portable, affordable, detects movement changes.
- Cons: Requires consistent use, charging, may be uncomfortable.
Pressure Sensor Mats:
- Pros: Simple, cost-effective, non-intrusive.
- Cons: Limited coverage, false alarms possible.
Intelligent Light Monitors:
- Pros: Integrates with lighting, minimal user interaction.
- Cons: High cost, low-light limitations, professional setup.
Solution providers we work with
- Vayyar 4D Imaging Sensors: Eliminated fall-related hospital admissions in UK pilot.
- Cura1 Pressure Mats: Affordable, ideal for dementia care and home settings.
- SmartFall Wearable: Combines manual and automatic detection, waterproof.
- Nobi Smart Lamp: AI-powered, reduced response time from 57 minutes to under 2 minutes.
- Phoenix Hip Wear: Hip protection to reduce injury severity.
- CareCall EDGE + Elsi® Smart Floor: Invisible monitoring integrated with alert management.
Conclusions
There is no one-size-fits-all solution; selection of an appropriate technology can be guided by a Miracle Electronics reseller and depends on environment, budget, and user needs. The industry continues to demand largely invisible, dignity-preserving monitoring systems integrated with intelligent alert platforms to ensure rapid response alongside ease of use, privacy, and cost-effectiveness.
It is possible today to achieve integration of varying detection, prevention, and protection technologies into a comprehensive fabric by leveraging Miracle EDGE and CareCall systems to ensure a comprehensive critical safety system is in place.
Want to Learn More?
Visit Miracle Electronics to explore the full CareCall range, including the latest CareCall 4 system or get in touch with our team at Miracle Electronics. New Zealand 0800 80 64 72 / Australia 1800 80 64 72 team to discuss your needs.
