Fortunately, we now have wireless fall sensor equipment, which implements early detection, as well as getting rid of trailing cables!
Avoid hazards and positioning near plugs
With no wires there are no trip hazards on the wireless equipment, plus they don’t need to be positioned by a plug socket – meaning chairs or beds are often placed in less convenient places for residents.
Prevention – proactive rather than reactive
Wireless fall sensors prevent falls. We have noticed that some patients may fall slowly; slipping down a chair rather than falling off it. When a patient slips down - depending on where the sensor is positioned - once the resident have reached a certain point the sensor will go off, allowing the care giver to reposition the patient rather than picking them up off the floor.
With the bed mat, if it is positioned by a residents head, or feet, once they start getting up, the sensor will go off, allowing you to help them out of bed.
The wall sensor has a 180 degree sensor, so you can position this under the bed and it will sense feet hitting the floor. Or you can place in a bathroom – a frequent place for falls – so once they enter the bathroom you are able to go in and help.
Halt late night wanderings
This could either be for the wanderer or the resident disturbed by the wandering. The floor mat or motion sensor can detect the wanderer leaving their room, or detect someone entering.
Discreet
This is really important, as for some residents see the fall sensors as a hinderance rather than a help. It can mean they feel their independence is compromised, and some patients will remove the sensors or turn the alarms off. We have heard of one patient who turns the sensor off, or sets it off if they want a cup of coffee!
The wireless sensors are discreet – with no wires or receivers attached to them, they can be hidden from the patient, so they are unaware they are sitting or lying on one.
