Fall Detection Devices for Older Adults Are Falling Short

A study by University of Alberta researchers published in the International Journal of Medical Informatics found fall detection devices used by seniors may be less effective than purported, and require more extensive investigation and testing outside lab settings, reports EurekAlert . Falls are responsible for 85 percent of hospitalizations for older adults in Canada, and 20 percent of seniors will die within a year after experiencing a serious fall. The researchers analyzed 118 peer-reviewed studies focusing on the development and assessment of fall detection devices. Ten types of monitors were noted, including wearable devices and in-home sensors. "Most of the studies didn't describe whether the technologies were ready for use in the real world," says University of Alberta Professor Lili Liu. The review also uncovered gaps in feedback from actual device users. Only three studies investigated user acceptance, and none concentrated on their preferences, leaving fall detection technology research out of step with the World Health Organization's recommendation to address seniors' wants. One study indicated that 80 percent of older adults were hesitant to push the button on their devices after a fall, either because they had problems activating it or because they did not want to disturb a caregiver. Moreover, 90 percent of the reviewed studies failed to include any input from professional or family caregivers. In addition, 80 percent of the studies did not address technology costs, while 15 percent mentioned it without specifying a cost.