What Is Fall Detection?
Fall detection is a technology built into personal alarm devices that can automatically detect when the wearer has fallen. When a fall is detected, the device triggers an alert without the wearer needing to press a button. This is critically important because many falls result in the person being unable to reach or activate a manual alarm, whether due to injury, confusion, or loss of consciousness.
Falls are the most common cause of injury-related death in people over 75 in the UK. Around one in three people aged 65 and over will fall at least once a year. Fast response after a fall dramatically improves outcomes, which is why automatic fall detection can be life-saving.
How Does Fall Detection Work?
Fall detection devices use a combination of sensors to identify when a fall has occurred:
- Accelerometers measure sudden changes in speed and direction, detecting the rapid downward movement of a fall
- Gyroscopes measure changes in orientation, detecting when the wearer has gone from upright to horizontal
- Barometric pressure sensors (on some devices) detect changes in altitude, which helps distinguish a genuine fall from sitting down quickly
The device’s software combines data from these sensors to determine whether the movement pattern matches a fall. If it does, the alarm is triggered automatically after a short delay (usually 30 seconds), giving the wearer time to cancel a false alarm if they are fine.
Types of Fall Detection Devices
Fall Detection Pendants
These look and work like a standard personal alarm pendant but include fall detection sensors. They connect to a base unit at home and are monitored by a 24/7 call centre. This is the most common type for home use.
Fall Detection Watches
Smartwatch-style devices with built-in fall detection and GPS. These work both at home and outdoors, making them more versatile than pendant-based systems. Many also include heart rate monitoring and step counting.
Fall Detection Wristbands
Simpler than smartwatches, these are lightweight wristbands focused purely on fall detection and alerting. They suit people who find smartwatches too complex or bulky.
Smartphone Fall Detection
Some smartphones (including recent iPhones and Samsung Galaxy models) have built-in fall detection that can automatically call emergency services. However, this only works if the person has their phone with them and charged, which is not always reliable for elderly users.
How Accurate Is Fall Detection?
No fall detection system is 100% accurate. There are two types of error to be aware of:
- Missed falls (false negatives) – the device fails to detect a genuine fall. Slow, controlled falls (like sliding off a chair) are harder to detect than sudden, hard falls
- False alarms (false positives) – the device triggers when no fall has occurred. Vigorous movements like clapping, banging a table, or dropping the device can sometimes trigger false alerts
Modern devices are significantly more accurate than early models, but you should not rely on fall detection as your only safety measure. It works best as an additional layer of protection alongside a manual alarm button.
Costs
- Home pendant with fall detection (monitored): £20 to £30 per month
- GPS watch with fall detection (monitored): £25 to £40 per month
- Council telecare with fall detection: often available for £5 to £10 per week
- One-off purchase devices (unmonitored): £80 to £250
Fall detection is usually offered as an optional add-on to a standard personal alarm package, adding £2 to £5 per month to the base monitoring cost.
Who Should Consider Fall Detection?
Fall detection is particularly recommended for people who:
- Live alone and are at risk of falls
- Have a history of falls or near-falls
- Have conditions that increase fall risk, such as Parkinson’s, epilepsy, low blood pressure, or balance disorders
- May not be able to press an alarm button after a fall due to injury, confusion, or loss of consciousness
- Have dementia or cognitive impairment that might prevent them from using a manual alarm
Tips for Getting the Most from Fall Detection
- Wear the device at all times, including in the shower and at night, as these are high-risk times for falls
- Choose a waterproof device so it can be worn in the bathroom
- Keep it charged and establish a regular charging routine
- Test it regularly by pressing the manual button to confirm it connects to the monitoring centre
- Understand that it is not perfect and continue to take other fall prevention measures such as removing trip hazards and using grab rails
Sources & Useful Resources
Official Resources
- NHS: Personal Alarms, Monitoring Systems and Key Safes
- GOV.UK: Find a Telecare Provider – directory of local council telecare services
Charity & Advisory Resources
- Age UK: Personal Alarm Service – includes fall detection pendants and GPS trackers
- Independent Age: Technology to Keep You Safe at Home
Product Comparisons
- Careline Compare: Top 5 Fall Detector Alarms – independent comparison