Specialist Services

Dynamic Wrist Worn Falls Detector

The dynamic wrist worn falls detector can automatically raise an alarm if it detects a fall, helping to provide reassurance and access to assistance when needed.

Because falls detectors are not suitable for everyone, they are only available following a discussion with the Careline team. Before a falls detector can be provided, a member of the Careline team will discuss your circumstances and support needs to help determine whether a falls detector or a standard pendant alarm is the most appropriate option.

Interested in a falls detector after reading the below information? Call us on 01453 766321 or email careline@stroud.gov.uk to discuss your requirements.

Is a Falls Detector Right for Me?

The Dynamic Wrist Worn Falls Detector is designed for people who may be at risk of falls and who spend much of their day sitting, resting or undertaking lower levels of activity.

A falls detector may be suitable if:

• You are at increased risk of falling.
• You may not always be able to press an alarm button following a fall.
• You spend a significant amount of time seated or undertaking low levels of physical activity.

A standard pendant alarm may be more suitable if:

• You are able and likely to press an alarm button yourself when assistance is needed.
• You maintain an active lifestyle around the home, such as regular housework, washing up, gardening, exercise or other physical activities.
• Frequent calls from the monitoring centre would cause you distress, anxiety or frustration.

Experiencing a fall does not automatically mean a falls detector is required. For many people, a standard pendant alarm remains the most appropriate option.

Please note: Information about suitability is based on the information you provide and is intended to help identify the most appropriate Careline equipment. It is not a clinical assessment or medical advice.

How the Falls Detector Works

The Dynamic Wrist Worn Falls Detector uses intelligent technology to monitor movement patterns that may indicate a fall has occurred.
The falls detector is worn on the wrist and can still be used as a standard alarm button. In addition, it monitors day-to-day activity and automatically adjusts its sensitivity to help optimise fall detection.
The device looks for:

• A change in acceleration associated with a trip, stumble or loss of balance.
• An impact consistent with a fall.
• A period of little or no movement following the impact.

If a fall is detected, the device can automatically trigger an alarm to the Careline Monitoring Centre (see information on the main Careline page for information on how calling for help works).

Important Limitations

No Falls Detector Can Detect Every Fall
Falls are complex events and no falls detector can identify every type of fall.

Some falls may not be detected, and some everyday movements may be interpreted as a fall.

For this reason, the falls detector should be seen as an additional layer of support rather than a guarantee that every fall will be automatically identified.
If assistance is required and you are able to do so, you should always press your alarm button.

False Alarms
Falls detectors can occasionally generate false alarms.
This is most common during the first few days of use while the device learns your normal movement patterns and adapts to your daily activities. During this period, you may receive more calls from the monitoring centre than usual.

Some everyday movements and activities can also result in accidental activations.
Frequent false alarm activations can cause distress for some individuals, particularly those living with dementia or cognitive impairment. In these circumstances, and where the individual remains reasonably active, a standard pendant alarm is often a more appropriate option.

Costs and charges
If a dynamic wrist worn fall detector is considered suitable, an additional one-off equipment charge of £52.00 + VAT* applies at sign up.

Cost of a lost, damaged, or additional dynamic wrist worn fall detector is £131, or £110 for those with VAT exemption.

Wearing the Device

To help reduce false alarms:

• Wear the fall detector on the least dominant wrist
  Right handed users: wear on the left wrist
  Left handed users: wear on the right wrist
• Wear the fall detector continuously for the first several days.
  This allows the device to learn your individual movement patterns so the algorithm can adjust and operate more accurately.

Further information

Testing & Cleaning

• Test monthly to ensure it is working correctly
• Clean using a damp cloth
• Do not use solvents or harsh cleaning fluids

Key Features

• Portable alarm trigger device
• Water resistant – suitable for showering and bathing
• Emergency alarm button

Further Information

• Red LED – confirms alarm transmission
• Green LED – confirms alarm received
• Low battery warning
• Digital heartbeat signal
• Operating temperature: -10°C to +55°C
• Weight: 29g
• Dimensions: 49mm (H) x 30mm (W) x 9mm (D)
• Available on watch strap setting only
• Battery can be changed by removing panel at back of device