We have written extensively about medical alert systems that include fall detection for seniors. Some companies refuse to offer it, saying the technology has not been perfected to the point of reliability. Other companies think the technology is just fine and are proud to offer the potentially live-saving service. Putting those arguments aside for now, do you actually even need fall protection?

Fall detection for seniors would most benefit extremely frail people who live alone. While a third of all seniors will suffer a serious fall every year, it is the elderly in poor health who are most at risk for a fall.

The “live alone” part of that sentence is crucial. If you live either with a spouse or with a caretaker, you probably do not need fall protection. After all, if you fall there is someone there to call for help. However, if you are alone and are unable to reach a phone to make that call, you would be in dire straits. Research shows that the longer it takes for help to arrive following a fall, the less likely it is that you will fully recover. And if help never comes? Well, let’s not even think about that.

People who have suffered a previous fall might also want to think about getting fall detection for seniors.  Even if you have fully recovered, there is a chance your body has weakened and you could be liable to fall again. The old adage, “Fool me once, shame on you, Fool me twice, shame on me” is at play here.

Even companies that offer fall detection for seniors admit that there might be false alarms. If you are the type of person to be annoyed by this, then fall protection might not be for you.

It is important to weigh both sides of the argument before making a  decision. But it is nice that fall detection for seniors has advanced to the point that there even is an argument.