Non-Contact Sensor-Based Falls Detection in Residential Aged Care Facilities: Developing a Real-Life Picture

Few studies of sensor-based falls detection devices have monitored older people in their care settings, particularly in Australia. The present investigation addressed this gap by trialling the feasibility and acceptability of a non-contact smart sensor system (NCSSS) to monitor behaviour and detect falls in an Australian residential aged care facility (RACF).

This study used a mixed methods approach: a) Pilot study implementation at a RACF, b) Post-pilot interviews, c) Analysis and review of results.

Data was collected for four RACF participants over four weeks of the NCSSS pilot. No falls were recorded during the uptime of the system. Numerous feasibility challenges were encountered, for example in the installation, configuration, and location of sensors for optimal detection, network and connectivity issues, and maintenance requirements. These factors may affect NCSSS implementation and adherence.