How the products work and other information about fall detection systems are detailed in the report by RatingLab, a consumer website that reviews medical alert systems and other products for senior citizens. The report evaluates and compares the technology, features, accuracy rates, pricing and monitoring centers of several major fall detection systems.
Fall Detection Technology
According to RatingLab, today’s fall detection devices have built-in sensors that measure the body’s acceleration -- or change in acceleration - and position, using accelerometers and gyroscopes. “The technology is sophisticated enough to recognize various postures and can determine whether the person's motions are intentional (as in lying down) or not (as in falling),” the report says. When a fall is detected, a signal is sent to a response center and the call center associate will try to communicate with the elderly person through a speakerphone. If there is no response, the center will contact someone from a predetermined emergency list or an ambulance or both.
Choosing a fall detection system
Until now, it was difficult to shop for a reliable fall detection system because there was virtually no objective comparison information on them, like what is found on Consumer Reports. Consumers who are interested in acquiring a fall detection system for themselves or their family members should make sure that any system they consider provides accuracy rates and should be aware of any long-term contract or cancellation fees.
Of products reviewed, Philips Lifeline with AutoAlert claims a 95% accuracy rate and myHalo(TM) alarm system claims a rate of 98% accuracy for catastrophic falls. Reviews of each product and a Ratings Chart are available at http://www.ratinglab.com/