Smart Home Tech for Fall Prevention: Senior Safety Guide

Falls remain one of the top health risks for people over 65. In fact, according to the program director at the Mount Sinai Light and Health Research Center, “falls are the number one reason that older adults are institutionalized.” For older adults who want to continue leading active, independent lives at home, this fact makes fall prevention a top priority.

Thankfully, with the rise of smart home technology, there’s never been a better time to be a senior citizen living at home. From easy lighting swaps to full remote patient monitoring systems, smart tech is empowering more seniors to stay safe and comfortable in their preferred living environment. Let’s explore some of the top ways technology is helping seniors prevent falls.

The Role of Smart Home Technology in Fall Prevention

Smart Lighting Systems

A home’s lighting can really set the ambiance, contributing to a sense of comfort, coziness, and aesthetic appeal. However, many homeowners don’t realize the implications that lighting can have for their safety. 

Multiple studies over the last several years have confirmed that improved lighting decreases the risk of falls. A few thoughtful changes can make a big difference, from brightening dark areas to subtly influencing alertness and sleep.

• Motion-activated lights or voice-controlled systems can illuminate pathways to prevent tripping in dark areas.
• Smart nightlights allow for remote-controlled brightness or automatic illumination when surrounding light levels are low.
• LED strip lights under furniture or around doorframes can emit gentle light, reducing nighttime falls.
• Smart bulbs with adjustable hues can promote alertness during the day (by incorporating blue-enriched white light) and improve sleep at night (with lower-intensity light), lowering the overall risk of falls by up to 43%.

Smart Door Locks & Doorbell Cameras

While staying mobile and active is crucial for all older adults’ health, certain everyday movements carry bigger fall risks than others. For instance, rushing to answer the door. Smart door locks and doorbell cameras are great tools that reduce the need for rushed physical movement.

Doorbell cameras allow seniors to see and speak with any visitors at their door before standing up to let them in, minimizing unnecessary movement. With smart locks, they could even let visitors in remotely, if they choose! Plus, they won’t have to get up in the middle of the night after wondering if they locked the door. Instead, they can simply check the app on their phone and go about their nightly routine in peace.

Voice-Activated Assistants

In the same way that smart doorbells reduce unnecessary movement, voice-activated assistants provide hands-free control over home appliances. This is especially useful for lighting systems and thermostat settings, where a simple voice command can take the place of groping through a room in the dark. 

Another important function of voice-activated assistants is the ability to call for help if a fall does occur. When a loved one can make emergency calls by voice command alone, you can enjoy greater peace of mind knowing help is available even if they can’t physically reach a phone.

Wearable Activity Monitors

Today’s activity monitors aren’t limited to strictly elderly care technology like LifeAlert buttons (though these devices certainly can still be an important tool!). With health advancements in technologies like Fitbits and Apple Watches, staying connected and protected can be fashionable, too.

The biggest smart watch fall prevention benefits for older adults include:

Daily activity monitoring

Seniors can set daily activity goals to keep them active. Maintaining physical health is proven to reduce the risk of falls, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, mental health issues, and more!

Health data tracking

The latest smart watches are packed with leading-edge medical technology, including electrocardiogram apps, stress level detectors, heart rate and blood pressure monitors, sleep tracking, and blood oxygen readings, among others. 

Seniors can use this information to keep track of their health conditions and coordinate care plans with their care team, all while keeping their patient data secure.

Communication features

Like voice-activated assistants, smart watches allow seniors to make SOS calls in the case of a fall or other health crisis. They may also encourage communication with loved ones through their suite of call and text messaging apps.

Real-time reminders

Wearers can set up smart watches to remind them of important appointments, daily medications, and other events. When seniors stay on top of medication management, they’re less likely to experience disorienting side effects like dizziness, which puts them at high risk for a fall.

GPS tracking

For seniors with early stages of dementia, wandering behaviors may be a concern. When a person with dementia finds themselves in an unfamiliar environment, the risk of falling increases sharply. With GPS, they can always access directions home, and if they have location sharing turned on, family members or caregivers can find them as well.

Smart Fall Detection Systems

When it comes to everyday comfort, not everyone wants to wear a device 24/7. There will always be moments—particularly when bathing or sleeping—when a person takes an activity monitoring device off. And even with smart improvements incorporated into the house, falls can still happen.

If they do, smart fall detection systems are crucial. These wireless sensors are installed in strategic places throughout the home. They monitor patient movement and send immediate alerts to emergency services and caregivers in the event of a fall.

Many ComForCare locations throughout the US now offer Connected Care, an industry-leading 4D radar system that improves response times to falls. Research shows that the quicker a person receives medical attention after a fall, the better their health outcomes.

Support a Loved One Living at Home the Smart Way

Smart technology is a powerful tool that is allowing older adults to continue living at home for longer. Of course, it’s just one piece in a larger puzzle of comprehensive care. In conjunction with the services of an in-home caregiver, these upgrades can protect seniors against the serious, long-term consequences of a fall. 

If you’re ready to start protecting your aging loved ones, download ComForCare’s FREE guide on fall risk management. And when you’re ready, reach out to learn more about our remote patient monitoring and in-home caregiving services!

ComForCare: On a Mission to Help Seniors Live Their Best Life Possible

At ComForCare, we’re passionate about helping people lead safe and secure lives in the comfort of their own homes. If you’re concerned about an aging loved one, reach out to your nearest ComForCare location to discuss your caregiving options! We offer flexible schedules and services to meet your needs, from occasional respite service to 24-hour care.