A tech-based pilot program has helped Allegro Senior Living reduce resident falls by 42%, the company announced Thursday. As a result, the St. Louis-based firm plans to expand the program to more of its 16 communities.
For the pilot, Allegro partnered with SafelyYou. The tech-based firm uses a blend of AI video technology and around-the-clock remote clinical support. The combination helps detect falls and identify underlying causes.
The test revealed that one-quarter of falls were silent falls. That’s when the resident may be injured, but self-recovers and does not report the incident. Those unreported mishaps can put both the resident and the community at risk. The resident may have injuries that go unknown and untreated, and the community can be exposed to unfounded abuse or neglect claims from injuries of unknown origin.
“We’re proud of our success with Allegro and excited to deliver results for more of their residents, families and communities with this expansion,” SafelyYou founder and CEO George Netscher said.
Fall-related injuries are a significant source of pain, disability and loss of independence among older adults, according to the World Health Organization.
In fact, more than 14 million Americans aged 65 or more years report falling every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the rate is likely to keep rising, along with the nation’s aging population.
As a result, numerous fall awareness and prevention innovations have entered the market lately. Among them is a new smartphone app that helps older adults control their balance by monitoring a user’s body sway while he or she is standing still. The app, which also includes fall prevention exercises, is intended to help older adults adjust body coordination to prevent falls from occurring, the researchers said.
Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group, the agency says.
