Falls are one of the most significant health concerns for older adults, often leading to injury, hospitalization, and a decline in independence. According to the CDC, one in four adults over the age of 65 experiences a fall each year, yet many falls are preventable with the right strategies in place. This Fall Prevention Month, we are shining a light on how advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technology are transforming fall prevention – and how Inspīr is leading the way with innovative solutions.
Why Fall Prevention Matters More Than Ever
As adults age, changes in balance, vision, muscle strength, and reaction time can increase fall risk. While environmental adjustments such as proper lighting, clutter-free spaces, and supportive footwear remain essential, technology has opened new doors for proactive, data-driven prevention. Rather than relying solely on reactive measures after a fall has occurred, AI-powered systems are now helping predict, detect, and even prevent incidents before they happen.
AI and Smart Technology: A New Era of Safety
Smart technology in fall prevention is revolutionizing how care teams monitor, respond to, and protect older adults. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), several areas in fall prevention deploy technology, including predictive and prescriptive analytics using big data, video monitoring and alarm technology, wearable sensors, exergame and virtual reality, robotics in home environment assessment, and personal coaching. AI-powered solutions can analyze movement patterns, identify changes in mobility, and alert associates when residents can be at heightened risk – all without compromising privacy or independence.
Some of the most impactful innovations include:
- Continuous, unobtrusive monitoring that detects unusual movements or patterns associated with falls.
- Real-time alerts that enable caregivers to respond within moments, significantly reducing the time between a fall and assistance.
- Predictive analytics that assess mobility trends over time, helping identify residents who may need additional support, physical therapy, or environmental modifications.
Inspīr’s Partnership with SafelyYou
At Inspīr, we are committed to integrating the most advanced safety technology available. Our partnership with SafelyYou, a leading AI-powered fall detection and prevention solution, represents a significant step forward in safeguarding our residents.
SafelyYou utilizes AI-enhanced cameras in private living spaces to detect falls in real-time, immediately alerting care staff so they can respond promptly. In addition to fall detection, the system provides video insights that help identify root causes – such as environment hazards or risky behaviors – allowing our team to address them proactively.
As Tino Popescu, Senior Vice President of Clinical Services, explains, the value of SafelyYou extends beyond detection alone. “The implementation of SafelyYou has elevated our approach to fall prevention by empowering our teams with real-time awareness, the ability to intervene within moments, and actionable insights that inform truly individualized care,” he shares. “It’s a solution that safeguards resident safety while supporting independence, and it reassures families through clear, transparent reporting.”
Since implementing SafelyYou in our Memory Care apartments, our communities have experienced measurable improvements in both fall-related outcomes and response times. Today, over 430 residents across Maplewood and Inspīr communities are benefiting from this technology.
SafelyYou has helped identify nearly 200 silent falls – incidents where a resident self-recovers but may not recall or report the fall. For those living with dementia, this insight is especially powerful, as memory loss or confusion often prevents residents from communicating that a fall occurred. Without this knowledge, treatable injuries can go unnoticed, putting overall health and quality of life at risk. SafelyYou closes the gap, giving our care teams the information they need to provide timely treatment, prevent complications, and keep residents safer.
Of the silent falls identified, 28% involved potential head impact, enabling our teams to provide appropriate treatment and follow-up that might otherwise have been missed. The system also contributed to a dramatically lower emergency department send-out rate of just 2.58%, compared to the typical 17-20% seen without such technology. These numbers represent more than data points – they reflect increased peace of mind for our residents, their families, and our team members.
Technology and Human Connection Working Together
While technology is a powerful tool, it is most effective when combined with compassionate, human-centered care. At Inspīr, our highly trained team uses insights from AI systems like SafelyYou to develop individualized support plans, collaborate with healthcare providers, and empower residents to maintain mobility and independence.
Fall prevention is not about limiting activity – it is about enabling safer, more confident movement. By blending advanced technology with personalized care, we can create an environment where residents thrive, secure in the knowledge that support is always close at hand.
Looking Ahead
As AI and smart technology continue to evolve, their role in senior safety will only grow stronger. Inspīr remains committed to staying at the forefront of innovation, ensuring our residents benefit from the most effective tools for wellness, independence, and peace of mind.
This Fall Prevention Month, we encourage families and caregivers to explore the possibilities that AI and technology offer – not just as a replacement for human care, but as an essential partner in creating safer, more supportive living environments for older adults.
