FALLS - The Importance of Early Detection

According to government figures 1 in 3 over 65’s will fall each year in Australia. About 60% of these falls happen in or around the home. Depending on the population studied, between 22-60% of older people suffer injuries from falls, 10-15% suffer serious injuries and 2-6% suffer fractures. There is no available information on what proportion of falls lead to head injuries or how many people remain “undiscovered” for long periods following a fall. Falls are physically very costly. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisation in persons aged 65 years and over.

A publication by researchers at Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, reveals:

Another consequence of falling is the ‘long lie’, i.e. remaining on the ground or floor for more than an hour after a fall. The long lie is a marker of weakness, illness and social isolation and is associated with high mortality rates among the elderly. Time spent on the floor is also associated with fear of falling, muscle damage, pneumonia, pressure sores, dehydration and hyperthermia. It was found that half of those who lie on the floor for an hour or longer die within 6 months, even if there is no direct injury from the fall. This suggests that long lies are not uncommon. They found that more than 20% of patients admitted to hospital because of a fall had been on the ground for an hour or more. Such a figure could be expected as it was also found that up to 47% of non-injured fallers are unable to get up off the floor without assistance.

Falls can result in restriction of activity and fear of falling, reduced quality of life and independence. Even falls that do not result in physical injuries can result in the ‘post-fall syndrome’; a loss of confidence, hesitancy, tentativeness, with resultant loss of mobility and independence. It has been found that after falling, 48% of older people report a fear of falling and 25% report curtailing activities. 15% of nonfallers also report avoiding activities due to a fear of falling.

Finally, falls can also lead to disability and decreased mobility which often results in increased dependency on others and hence an increased probability of being admitted to an institution. Falls are commonly cited as contributing reason for an older person requiring admission to a nursing home.

Emergency Medical Services specialises in fall detection systems and monitoring with safeTwear, the world’s smallest-smartest fall pendant, weighing only 34 grams and around the size of a matchbox this remarkable technology not only detects a fall, it also connects directly to 24 hour monitoring with 2 way voice communication. Whether you are at home, in the garden, out for a walk or at the shops, slip, trip, fall or just push the panic button, you are connected directly with a trained specialist, talking with you directly through the pendant, help is quickly on the way, the built in GPS, gives them your exact location. In the event that you are rendered unconscious, we have your full medical history on file to share with responders and ensure you get the correct help in the quickest possible time.

Technology that is so smart yet so simple to operate, each unit is programmed to suit the customer’s needs, all you need to know is push the button in the case that you need medical help or if a fall is detected, help will be on the way. No more bulky base stations, limited voice distances, limits to in-home or connection to phone lines is needed. With safeTcare 24/7 professional monitoring, rest assured help will be with you immediately, absolute peace of mind for both you and your family.

You’re not too young to get started with safeTwear, live life, love independence, stay at home and out of care, call us today to see if you qualify for our limited time FREE system offer: 1300 699 159

Paul Joseph, Government licensed security adviser, monitoring specialist & fall prevention advocate.

Published with the permission of:

Lord SR, Sherrington C, Menz H, Close JCT. Falls in Older People: Risk Factors and Strategies for Prevention. Second edition Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 2007.