Falls Detection Guide
Understanding Fall Detection in MePACS Personal Alarms
Enhancing safety with falls detection
Falls can occur unexpectedly, especially among seniors or people with chronic medical conditions. They can have serious consequences, including broken bones, head injuries, and loss of confidence, which can impact the person's independence and quality of life.
In Australia, falls account for more than 30% of hospitalisations for people aged 65 and over, which is a significant concern for seniors and their families.
It is therefore important to be aware of the increased risk that falls present and to take proactive measures to prevent further injury.
A personal alarm equipped with falls detection technology can be a lifesaver in such situations. In this article, we will explore how falls detection technology contributes to your personal safety.
In Australia, falls account for more than 30% of hospitalisations for people aged 65 and over, which is a significant concern for seniors and their families.
It is therefore important to be aware of the increased risk that falls present and to take proactive measures to prevent further injury.
A personal alarm equipped with falls detection technology can be a lifesaver in such situations. In this article, we will explore how falls detection technology contributes to your personal safety.
How does fall detection work?
Falls detection uses a combination of sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes and altimeters, to monitor the user’s movements and detect sudden changes. By detecting sudden changes in acceleration, rotation and altitude, the system can determine if a fall has occurred.
When a fall is detected, the alarm is immediately activated and sends an alert to our 24/7 emergency response centre, allowing for prompt assistance and potentially preventing serious injuries or complications.
When a fall is detected, the alarm is immediately activated and sends an alert to our 24/7 emergency response centre, allowing for prompt assistance and potentially preventing serious injuries or complications.
Falls detection sensors
These are the most common sensors used in falls detection:
Accelerometer
Measures the rate of change in velocity to help identify sudden movements.
Gyroscope
Measures the orientation and rotation of the device, providing additional data to confirm a fall event, reducing false alerts.
Altimeter
Measures changes in altitude. By tracking vertical movement, it can detect a sudden drop in height.
Depending on the type of personal alarm, other sensors, such as barometers and shock detectors, can also be used in falls detection.
Accelerometer
Measures the rate of change in velocity to help identify sudden movements.
Gyroscope
Measures the orientation and rotation of the device, providing additional data to confirm a fall event, reducing false alerts.
Altimeter
Measures changes in altitude. By tracking vertical movement, it can detect a sudden drop in height.
Depending on the type of personal alarm, other sensors, such as barometers and shock detectors, can also be used in falls detection.
Why a fall may not be detected
Some types of falls are less likely to trigger the fall detection sensors. These include a slump to the floor, falling from a sitting position, or if the fall is broken by an object, such as a chair.
Wearing the alarm inside clothing can also restrict the sensor's functionality. The alarm needs to move freely to detect a fall and clothing can restrict the movement of the alarm.
Despite all the benefits, it’s important to note that falls detection technology is not completely foolproof. For this reason, we recommend to always manually press the button after a fall to make sure the alarm has been activated.
Wearing the alarm inside clothing can also restrict the sensor's functionality. The alarm needs to move freely to detect a fall and clothing can restrict the movement of the alarm.
Despite all the benefits, it’s important to note that falls detection technology is not completely foolproof. For this reason, we recommend to always manually press the button after a fall to make sure the alarm has been activated.
False alerts
Despite the smart sensors and advanced technology, false alerts can still sometimes be triggered by sudden movements or an impact to the alarm, such as it being accidentally knocked against an object.
Rest assured, our Emergency Response team will answer every call and a false alarm is a good opportunity for our team to test that the device is working and the alarm user is well.
In some devices, such as our Solo Connect watch alarm, the user can manually cancel the device activation to prevent a false alert.
Rest assured, our Emergency Response team will answer every call and a false alarm is a good opportunity for our team to test that the device is working and the alarm user is well.
In some devices, such as our Solo Connect watch alarm, the user can manually cancel the device activation to prevent a false alert.
MePACS Falls Detection Alarms
MePACS offers three personal alarms with hard fall detection. While each device may use different sensors, they all work in a similar way to detect falls.
Solo Connect Watch Alarm
The Solo Connect is a discreet and stylish personal alarm watch designed for active individuals who want to maintain their independence with added safety and peace of mind.
The Solo Connect features advanced falls detection sensors, including gyroscope, accelerometer, altimeter, shock detector and barometer. It also has built-in GPS, hands free communication with MePACS and handy wellness apps.
When the watch detects a fall, it produces an alarm sound and displays a screen asking if you are OK.
If you tap to confirm that you are OK, it will cancel the alert. If you do not cancel the alert, an alarm will sound after 30 seconds, and the watch will automatically send an alert to MePACS.
The Solo Connect features advanced falls detection sensors, including gyroscope, accelerometer, altimeter, shock detector and barometer. It also has built-in GPS, hands free communication with MePACS and handy wellness apps.
When the watch detects a fall, it produces an alarm sound and displays a screen asking if you are OK.
If you tap to confirm that you are OK, it will cancel the alert. If you do not cancel the alert, an alarm will sound after 30 seconds, and the watch will automatically send an alert to MePACS.
Mobile Alarm
The Mobile Alarm is a lightweight and convenient device that can be used to call for assistance when out and about.
As well as fall detection, the Mobile Alarm features GPS location, 4G technology and hands-free communication allowing the user to speak directly to our 24/7 monitoring team.
The Mobile Alarm features several sensors that work together to detect hard falls, including a gyroscope that detects sudden changes in angles.
If a fall has been detected, the alarm will produce a series of beeps to confirm an alert has being sent. You will then be able to communicate with our 24/7 response team through the device.
Once the alarm is activated, the falls alert on the mobile alarm cannot be cancelled.
As well as fall detection, the Mobile Alarm features GPS location, 4G technology and hands-free communication allowing the user to speak directly to our 24/7 monitoring team.
The Mobile Alarm features several sensors that work together to detect hard falls, including a gyroscope that detects sudden changes in angles.
If a fall has been detected, the alarm will produce a series of beeps to confirm an alert has being sent. You will then be able to communicate with our 24/7 response team through the device.
Once the alarm is activated, the falls alert on the mobile alarm cannot be cancelled.
Falls Pendant
Enhance the safety of your MePACS Home Alarm with the addition of a Falls Pendant. This user-friendly device provides added peace of mind for individuals at risk of falls.
The Falls Pendant is designed to detect sudden, unbroken falls to the ground from a height of approximately one metre (3 ft.). If a fall is detected, the pendant will send an alert to MePACS, indicated by a flashing light and a series of beeps.
Following the fall detection alert, a MePACS operator will contact you through the Home Alarm base unit, not the pendant itself.
For optimal performance, the Falls Pendant should be worn around your neck over your clothing. Wearing it under clothing may restrict its movement and prevent accurate fall detection.
The Falls Pendant should not be worn on the wrist. Wearing it on the wrist will prevent accurate fall detection.
The Falls Pendant is designed to detect sudden, unbroken falls to the ground from a height of approximately one metre (3 ft.). If a fall is detected, the pendant will send an alert to MePACS, indicated by a flashing light and a series of beeps.
Following the fall detection alert, a MePACS operator will contact you through the Home Alarm base unit, not the pendant itself.
For optimal performance, the Falls Pendant should be worn around your neck over your clothing. Wearing it under clothing may restrict its movement and prevent accurate fall detection.
The Falls Pendant should not be worn on the wrist. Wearing it on the wrist will prevent accurate fall detection.
Choosing the right personal fall detection alarm
Falls detection personal alarms can significantly enhance safety and provide valuable peace of mind for individuals and their families.
Choosing the right device is important, as it should be tailored to the user's unique needs and circumstances. Consider factors such as living arrangements, health conditions, lifestyle, and individual risk factors when making your decision.
For expert guidance and personalised recommendations, contact our friendly team on 1800 685 329. We'll help you understand your options and select the best fall detection solution for your specific needs.
Choosing the right device is important, as it should be tailored to the user's unique needs and circumstances. Consider factors such as living arrangements, health conditions, lifestyle, and individual risk factors when making your decision.
For expert guidance and personalised recommendations, contact our friendly team on 1800 685 329. We'll help you understand your options and select the best fall detection solution for your specific needs.
Funding for falls detection alarms
In Australia, several government funding programs may be available to assist eligible clients with the cost of a MePACS falls detection alarm and monitoring fees. These include:
