FALL PREVENTION & DETECTION
Where is the Technology that Truly Enhances Support?: The Emergency Call Button

The Emergency Call Button: Fall Prevention & Detection

The Emergency Call Button has long been a cornerstone of safety in assisted living facilities, offering residents a simple way to request help in times of need. With just a press of a button, help is supposed to arrive. While this system works well for less urgent situations, it comes with significant limitations—particularly in more critical moments.

Here’s why the Emergency Call Button may not always be the reliable safety tool it seems to be:

How Reliable is the Emergency Call Button?

1. Not all falls are detected

The most glaring issue with the Emergency Call Button is that it relies entirely on the user pressing the button themselves. In the case of a fall, if the person is unable to reach the button or physically press it due to injury or positioning, no alert is sent. Many falls, especially the subtle or less forceful kinds, may go unnoticed entirely. This leaves the individual at risk, as no help is summoned and they may remain on the ground until someone happens to find them.

2. Disorientation or Shock

When a fall occurs, it often results in disorientation, confusion, or shock. In such states, the person may not recognise the need for help or may be unable to summon the presence of mind to press the button—even if it’s within reach. These critical moments of distress make the Emergency Call Button ineffective when it is most needed, leaving individuals vulnerable in the aftermath of an accident.

3. No further support

While the Emergency Call Button does alert staff to the fact that help is needed, it offers no additional support beyond that. There’s no way for the system to track the individual’s condition or to continue monitoring their safety once the alarm is triggered. The button is a one-time signal, with no capacity for proactive intervention, health data tracking, or fall prevention. This means that, even after the alarm is sounded, the individual may still be at risk.

4. User refusal & inability to act

Cognitive impairments, such as those caused by Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, can further compromise the effectiveness of the Emergency Call Button. Some individuals may forget how to use it, or may not even recognise the need for help. Others may refuse to press the button altogether, especially if they are confused, disoriented, or unable to act due to physical or mental limitations. When immediate assistance is required, the button’s reliance on user action makes it a less reliable option.

5. The need for a more comprehensive solution

While the Emergency Call Button provides an affordable and basic layer of safety, it falls short when it comes to addressing the complex needs of fall prevention, detection, and continuous support. The system works well in certain circumstances but doesn’t account for all the potential challenges that individuals in assisted living facilities face.

In upcoming posts, we’ll explore more advanced options that go beyond just pressing a button—options that can provide more effective, reliable, and proactive fall detection and prevention.

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