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Originally published January 2023. Updated August 2024.
Falls are a major concern for older adults, not only due to the risk of physical injury but also because of the potential impact on their independence and quality of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of four older adults report falling each year, making fall prevention a public health priority.
While fall prevention itself is a crucial aspect of maintaining the safety and well-being of older adults, fall risk analysis is an equally important piece of the puzzle. Many solutions on the market offer either prevention or analysis, but few offer both.
The Power of Combining Fall Analysis with Proactive Prevention
When fall analysis and proactive fall prevention are used in tandem, the results are notably more effective. Fall risk analysis can be easily conducted in various ways, such as installing cameras in residents' rooms, using in-room sitters, or employing more advanced technology. Each method has its pros and cons. For instance, cameras can continuously monitor a resident's movements but may feel invasive and infringe on their privacy. If families don't understand the importance of monitoring for analysis, they may try to cover the camera in their rooms to increase privacy. In-room sitters provide real-time human intervention but can become costly.
However, the combination of analysis and prevention through advanced technology like AI and machine learning enables a more holistic approach. By identifying potential risk factors through analysis, care providers can implement targeted interventions to prevent falls before they happen. This dual approach not only reduces the incidence of falls but also promotes a higher quality of life for residents by addressing their specific needs.
AI's Role in Enhancing Privacy and Reducing Costs
Many post-acute care facilities are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) as a more private and cost-effective solution. Unlike traditional cameras, AI systems often utilize infrared technology, which significantly enhances resident privacy by monitoring movement patterns without capturing detailed images. Unlike traditional camera-monitoring systems, AI-powered technology maintains patient dignity and respect.
AI-driven systems can continuously analyze vast amounts of data, identifying subtle changes in movement or behavior that may indicate an increased risk of falling. These systems can operate around the clock, providing constant vigilance without the need for multiple staff members to be present. This not only reduces operational costs but also frees up staff to focus on more personalized care.
VSTAlert: Proactive Fall Prevention at Its Best
One of the primary benefits of using AI in fall prevention is its ability to employ proactive measures. For example, VirtuSense's VSTAlert sensor learns patterns in resident movement and can detect when a bed exit will occur up to a minute before the resident attempts to get up. This advanced warning provides nurses with valuable time to respond to high-risk moments, resulting in a significant reduction in falls. On average, VSTAlert decreases falls by 75% in skilled nursing facilities.
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The predictive nature of VSTAlert is further enhanced by its ability to adapt to individual resident behaviors. Using machine learning capabilities, the system continuously learns and refines its understanding of each resident’s movement patterns, making it increasingly accurate over time. This personalized approach to fall prevention ensures that interventions are timely and effective, reducing the likelihood of falls and improving overall resident safety.
Analyzing Falls to Improve Outcomes
VSTAlert's fall analysis capabilities go beyond just preventing falls — it also helps identify the underlying causes of falls. This includes analyzing factors such as gait abnormalities, balance issues, and environmental hazards that may contribute to a resident's fall risk. With this information, staff can quickly determine appropriate intervention paths for frequent fallers, such as adjusting medications, modifying the living environment, or implementing targeted physical therapy programs.
For example, if VSTAlert identifies that a resident frequently falls during nighttime bathroom visits, the care team might consider installing nightlights or adjusting the resident’s sleep schedule to reduce disorientation. These data-driven insights enable care providers to address the root causes of falls, leading to more effective prevention strategies and better long-term outcomes.
The Non-Invasive Advantage of VSTAlert
One of the major strengths of VSTAlert is that it's a non-invasive solution. Unlike other systems that require wearable devices or intrusive cameras, VSTAlert uses infrared technology to detect a resident’s location and movement within their room without gathering any identifiable personal information. This approach not only respects residents' privacy, it enhances their comfort and willingness to participate in monitoring programs.
The non-invasive nature of VSTAlert is particularly important for residents with cognitive impairments, such as those with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. These individuals may be confused or distressed by wearable devices or cameras, leading to non-compliance or increased anxiety. By implementing a system that operates discreetly in the background, VSTAlert ensures that residents receive the protection they need without feeling intruded upon.
A Comprehensive Solution for Fall Safety
Both fall analysis and fall prevention are essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals at risk of falls. VirtuSense's VSTAlert offers a comprehensive solution by integrating both features, providing a more effective approach than products that only offer one or the other. With VSTAlert, caregivers can prevent falls, identify the causes of inevitable falls, and take the necessary steps to address them.
By combining fall prevention with detailed analysis, VSTAlert not only reduces the frequency of falls but also improves the overall quality of care provided to residents. This holistic approach ensures that residents can maintain their independence and dignity while receiving the highest level of protection possible.
The Future of AI in Fall Prevention and Analysis
The potential for AI to revolutionize fall prevention is immense, and as more facilities adopt these technologies, the benefits will only continue to grow. For care providers, staying informed about the latest advancements in AI and fall prevention is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge and ensuring the best outcomes for their residents.
To discover more about how VSTAlert can enhance fall prevention and safety in your facility, click here.