Virtual reality, predictive analytics, sensors, and other artificial intelligence (AI) solutions are helping keep older adults from falling, according to a recent HealthTech article.  

Recent examples include:

• To find undiagnosed balance issues, North Carolina researchers are recording how older adults react to virtual reality systems that give the illusion of falling or swaying.
• A California hospital has reduced fall rates by 39 percent in six months by using predictive analytics drawn from the electronic health data of high-risk patients.
• A Missouri retirement community is using sensors to track changes in residents' gait speed and stride length.
• In the United Kingdom, wearable devices noted subtle indications of frailty a month before an incident.

In California, startups Cherry Home and SafelyYou are using AI systems with sensors, cameras, and analytical tools to identify warning signs in older adults. SafelyYou provides passive monitoring specifically for memory care residents, using real-time video and AI that notifies on-site caregivers when a resident falls, said recent Senior Housing News article “Carlton Senior Living Reduces Memory Care Falls 31% With AI Tech.“

SafelyYou also records the video, which can reduce Emergency Room visits and help providers know when and how the fall happened—because some memory care residents can't tell if they're hurt or can't tell their caregiver what happened.

SafelyYou is yielding positive results. Carlton Senior Living, where seven of the 11 communities are using SafelyYou, has seen a 61% drop in emergency medical services calls and a 31% reduction in falls among the approximately 175 memory care residents who participate. Carlton has also found that SafelyYou helps attract and retain residents.

For more information, check out the CAST Safety Technology Selection Tool.