The chance of falling increases as we get older and sadly falls are the main cause of fatal injuries among older people. Even non-fatal falls can have far-reaching consequences for people by reducing confidence and increasing dependency. For instance, many individuals recovering from a broken hip will need assistance with activities of daily living more than a year after the fracture.

At TASK Community Care we focus on technology which lessons the distress when a fall occurs and which increases the opportunity for continued independent living. We do this through providing monitored fall detection and related telecare products. This means that help can be summoned much more promptly, relieving some of the anxiety for the individual and increasing the chance of a faster recovery. There is no doubt that fall detection products also save lives. 

Our telecare products for people at risk of falling include:

Automatic Fall Detector - This waterproof unit automatically detects when a person has suffered a trip or fall and places a uniquely identifiable alarm through to our Response Centre.

Bed/Chair Occupancy Sensor  - will alert staff at our Carelink Response Centre if a person exits a bed or chair and does not return within a specified time.

Social Alarm - One touch of a simple button on the Social Alarm pendant, wristband or clip links to our 24/7 Response Centre, where we will communicate with you through the two way speech facility of the telecare base unit and summon help if necessary.

Pull Cord - Can be located anywhere mobility problems exist. Often installed in the bedroom or bathroom as a precaution in addition to a mobile pendant.

Inactivity (Passive Monitoring) Detector - Can be used to automatically detect unusual periods of inactivity within the home.

You can view our complete product listing here which includes  items for those at risk of falling. To find out more about socially monitored alarms and telecare click here. 

And remember that many falls are preventable...

The chances of falling in the home can be greatly reduced by following some simple preventative steps and we recommend you follow these to reduce your risk of falling:

• Remove things you could trip over from floors and stairs.

• Remove small mats from the floor, or use heavy duty, double-sided tape to keep them from slipping.

• Keep items you use often within easy reach, don’t stand on a chair or stool to reach them.

• Wear shoes that give good support and which have thin non-slip soles.

• As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Improve the lighting in your home and have your vision checked on a regular basis.

• Have grab bars fitted next to your toilet, bath or shower and use a non-slip bath mat. Handrails should also be fitted on all staircases.

• Wear a personal alarm or fall detector, and consider using emergency assistance buttons around the home.

If you do have a fall you should always tell your doctor. You should also ask him or her to review your medications, as some medicines can make you feel light-headed leading to a greater likelihood of a fall.