The prevention of falls between the elderly is a matter of public health, and aging with autonomy is the desire of many. Fortunately, this reality becomes increasingly common. With the advancement of technology and a closer look from society to the needs of the elderly population, intelligent solutions come that help maintain safety and quality of life without harming independence.
Technological innovations for silent care
One of the biggest risks for those who get old at home, even with good health, is the falls. They can occur silently, in apparently safe environments like the bedroom, the living room or the bathroom. What few know is that today there are discrete, often almost invisible technologies that can prevent these accidents or ensure a quick response when they occur.
In this article, we will explore some of these innovations – from intelligent sensors to integrated features in furniture and wearable devices – that are helping elderly people to live with more safety, tranquility and freedom within their own home.
What are the discrete technologies used in the prevention of falls?
These are intelligent solutions that integrate the elderly routine almost imperceptibly, without causing stigmas or any discomfort. They were created to adapt to the routine and environment of the elderly, respecting their autonomy and, above all, their privacy. These are often small, quiet and easy to use devices that play an essential role in preventing falls or quickly responding.
Some practical examples include:
· Virtual assistants with voice command (like Alexa or Google Nest) – In addition to controlling lights, remembering medications or calling emergency contacts, these devices allow the elderly to ask for help without moving. Advantage: Facilitate communication and offer continuous support.
· Presence and movement sensors – Installed in corridors, bathrooms or near the bed, detect unusual changes in movement standards, such as a prolonged absence, which may indicate fall.
· Smart rugs or floors – With embedded sensors that perceive abnormal pressures or lack of movement, or non -slip ribbons for stairs and bathrooms, avoid slips in wet or inclined areas. Advantage: They are discreet, cheap and easy to install.
· Vestible devices – Bracelets or necklaces with fall sensors. There are simple models, with a button that sends a warning to a family member in case of fall or discomfort, while others already bring automatic fall sensor. Advantage: They are discreet, looking like common accessories.
· Automatic lighting – Lightly lights up when detecting movement at night, reducing the risk of stumbling blocks in the dark. It can be installed in corridors, bathrooms and next to the bed. Advantage: does not require the elderly to seek switches in the dark.
· Smart cameras – They detect behavioral patterns and send alerts in case of anomalous situations without the need for constant surveillance.
· Support bars – They can be installed on the box, next to the toilet or near the bed. Advantage: They help in mobility without compromising the aesthetics of the environment.
These technologies act as a silent support network, without invading the elderly space or taking their freedom, allowing many of them to live alone, but with more efficient supervision. Thus, they guarantee safety for those who get older and tranquility for family members who continue their routines. As for investment, despite the common concern about complexity and costs, there are simple, effective and affordable solutions that can be applied without drastically modifying the environment or routine.
How to choose the best technology for each profile?
Just as each person is unique, the aging process is also. Therefore, the choice of falling technology must be personalized, taking into account the lifestyle, degree of independence, physical or cognitive limitations and preferences of the elderly. When technology is well chosen, it becomes a natural ally with daily routine.
· Fully independent seniors who live alone and have good mobility can benefit from movement sensors, voice assistants and weather, without the need for constant supervision. In these cases, discrete technologies are more accepted as they do not change the environment or make the elderly feel vigorous or sick.
· Elderly with reduced mobility or increased risk of falls may need support bars, sensor rugs and strategically positioned automatic lights.
· Elderly with some degree of cognitive impairment (such as dementia) require more automatic solutions, which do not depend on direct interaction, such as presence or remote monitoring sensors with alerts to family members.
Some changes are welcome regardless of the elderly profile:
· In houses with a lot of stairs or unevenness, non -slip floors and well -installed handrails are priority.
· Little light environments benefit a lot of automatic light systems.
· Bathrooms and rooms should be the first places to receive adaptations.
However, above all, whenever it is necessary to make changes in the house or routine, whenever possible, it should include the elderly himself in the decision process. This increases the acceptance and correct use of technology, and reinforces its autonomy and dignity.
National innovations and the future of home care
If all this was familiar to you, it is worth knowing that, currently, in Brazil, several startups and innovative initiatives are developing practical and thoughtful technologies for everyday at home, not just hospitals. This is the case of Techbalance, which offers a simple kit platform – a cell phone -equipped cell strap and a smart application – capable of assessing the risk of falling and suggesting personalized interventions, even used by cooperatives such as Unimed. Also noteworthy is the Fallr1 sensor, created by a Brazilian engineer, who uses a discreet radar technology to detect 90%accuracy, preserving privacy and integrating with residential automation systems by the Matter Protocol. Another promising advance is Senseshoes, developed in partnership between university and health companies, with smart insoles capable of analyzing marching and balance patterns to anticipate fall risk using artificial intelligence.
These solutions demonstrate how national entrepreneurship has been able to apply technology in a way accessible and oriented to the domestic life of the elderly, valuing security, autonomy and dignity. In short, there is no universal technology for all; The most important thing is to observe, listen and adapt – respecting the individuality of each one. With the proper choice, technology is no longer an obstacle and becomes an instrument of freedom, safety and quality of life.
Dr. Julianne Pessequilo – CRM 160.834 // RQE: 71.895
Geriatrics and Medical Clinic – Healthy Longevity
