According to Age Concern New Zealand, about one in three of those over the age of 65 have had at least one fall in the last year (1). A report by the Health Quality and Safety Commission of New Zealand notes falls also account for 74 percent of trauma admissions in older people in New Zealand(2). It is no wonder then that fall detection is under the microscope for those caring for our elderly, governments and technology companies alike.
The concern is not just the fall itself. The health risks of an elderly person increase if they spend an extended period of time lying on the ground having had a fall.(3)
At Miracle Electronics we understand the importance of the work in this field and remain focused to finding the best solutions and working with leaders in this field for our clients. It is our work to stay as up to date as possible on current and emerging technologies to ensure we can support you to make informed decisions that work best for you.
That is why we are pleased to be working with Vayyar, one of the leading Falls Detection systems in the world.
In this our second article on Falls Detection we are pleased to be able to share a recent case study from Vayyar as published in Care Home Magazine in the UK detailing one of the largest single installations of 4D imaging fall detection technology in the UK.(4)
Established in 2011 Vayyar started developing a more effective way of screening for early-stage breast cancer using radio frequency technology. Since then it has created additional solutions in multiple industries including Falls Detection.
Vayyar Case Study
In partnership with Essex County Council more than 316 Vayyar Care 4D imaging sensors have been installed in across the county in care homes, sheltered accommodation and in the private homes of people most vulnerable to falls in the project’s first phase.
Phase one of the installation, which began in 2023, included the largest single deployment of its kind in the UK. With 69-bed Colchester residential care home, Foxburrow Grange, having a total of 138 4D imaging sensors installed throughout the property to help better monitor residents and increase the speed of fall detection.
Once the project is complete Essex County Council hopes the fall detection technology will benefit more than 435 people most at risk from falls.
Positive results already
The Council has already seen positive results from the early stages of the project, with no fall related hospital admissions recorded in the last 12-months by the properties who have taken part so far.
And there have also been no incidents of residents being grounded following a fall for an extended period of time – commonly known as a ‘long lie’.
Vayyar Care’s fall detection system uses smart sensors utilising 4D imaging technology.
The sensors are installed throughout a property to walls and ceilings to discreetly monitor a person’s movements via radio frequency waves. The system can detect even the most subtle signs of a fall – including in pitch darkness – and their use eliminates the need for cameras to be used for monitoring falls. A particular benefit around privacy concerns.
As the technology automatically raises an alarm when a fall takes place, residents do not have to press an emergency button, shout for help or pick up the phone. When a fall happens the sensors detect it and set into motion an emergency response.
The system is even capable of operating in areas of dense steam, such as the bathroom where the risk of falls significantly increase.
Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health and Integration at Essex County Council said: “The negative physical and mental health implications of a person being left on the floor after a fall cannot be understated, which is why this project is so very important.”
Falls, and the subsequent health risks associated to long lies, remain one of the biggest challenges those caring for elderly people face.
Each year it’s estimated that around half of people over 80-years-old will experience a fall, with 40% of all care home hospital admissions linked to a fall related incident. Of these, 1 in 10 results in a serious injury.
While a fall can be hugely detrimental to a person’s health and wellbeing, long lies pose an even bigger risk to the elderly. A study has revealed that 20% of people over 65 who have been admitted to hospital after a fall have been on the ground for an hour or more. And tragically, half go on to die within six months – even if they were uninjured by the fall itself.
People who stay on the floor after a fall may also suffer a wider range of complications, such as dehydration, pressure injuries, muscle and tissue damage, hypothermia, psychological harm and in some cases long lies can be linked to fatalities.
James Webb, Director of Sales in the UK for Vayyar Care adds: “The early results achieved through the project with Essex County Council go to show the life changing impact 4D imaging technology can play in early fall detection.
“When an elderly person falls, every minute they remain on the floor can have an impact on their physical and mental health. Speed of response is vital.”
Vayyar Care’s fall detection sensors were integrated with a third party dashboard and fed through to care team handsets, allowing a fast fall response. Monitoring data is also collected to provide care insights, such as changes in patterns of behaviour which may indicate a future risk of fall or help to identify other medical conditions which may impact a person’s balance, such as a urinary tract infection
Technology saves more than costs – it saves lives
At Miracle Electronics, our team has the expertise to help you understand the right technology needed for your situation.
If you’re exploring fall detection solutions, talk to us first. Together, we can craft a tailored approach that prioritizes safety, peace of mind as well as costs.
Call today to speak with one of our team and uncover how we can find the best solution to meet your needs.
New Zealand 0800 80 64 72 / Australia 1800 80 64 72
For more information about Vayyar Care visit www.vayyar.com
3. https://eurapa.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s11556-023-00326-3
