Latest news with #FallPreventionAI
The Independent
05-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
9 effective ways to reduce the risk of falls at home
An AI platform designed to reduce hospital admissions by predicting when elderly individuals are at risk of falling or becoming ill at home is set to be introduced nationwide. Developed by private company Cera, which provides social care for the NHS and local authorities, pilot tests of the technology revealed it can predict falls with 97% accuracy. The Fall Prevention AI platform analyses data logged by carers through a smartphone app to assess a patient's fall risk. Currently in use across 29 of the UK's 42 integrated care systems, the platform's use is set to expand further. The goal is to prevent up to 250,000 falls annually, which is the equivalent of 675 falls per day. Since falls at home are a leading cause of injury among older adults, prevention is crucial. From making adjustments to your living environment to staying active and using the right tools, here are several effective strategies to reduce fall risk at home… 1. Keep active 'Keeping active really helps,' says Samantha Shann, occupational therapist at Oak Tree Mobility. 'Gentle, regular movement improves balance, develops muscle strength, improves stamina, and your tolerance to exercise.' 2. Clear walkways 'You can also make changes to your environment, like ensuring hallways and routes between rooms are tidy, well-lit, and easy to navigate,' suggests Shann. 3. Install some grab handles around the house 'There will be areas where we may be more at risk of slips, trips or falls, so rather than avoiding these areas, we can look to make them safer,' says Shann. 'Grab handles placed by porch steps or in the shower can offer support to steady your balance when accessing your home or the bathroom.' 4. Consider a rise and recline chair 'If you are worried about falling when getting up and moving about, furniture such as rise and recline chairs can make it easier to transfer from sitting to standing and vice versa,' says Shann. 'The mechanics of rise and recline chairs also aid you in standing at a slow and comfortable pace.' 5. Light up your hallways 'Install good lighting throughout your home, especially the stair and hallways,' advises Kate Sheehan, occupational therapist at Stannah. 'Low-level nightlights on your route to the bathroom are also a good idea.' 6. Check floors Rugs can lead to falls because they can easily slip or bunch up underfoot, creating a tripping hazard. 'Remove rugs and repair all loose carpets,' suggests Sheehan. 7. Wear well-fitted slippers 'Having well-fitting slippers with slip-resistant soles will assist in reducing falls risk,' says Sheehan. 'Never walk around in tights or socks as they are slippery and can cause an unexpected fall, especially on wooden or vinyl flooring.' 8. Buy some slip-resistant mats 'Use slip-resistant mats in the bath and shower,' recommends Sheehan. They significantly decrease the risk of falls, as they provide added traction on a wet surface, which is a major contributor to slips and accidents in the bathroom. 9. Install two banister rails on the staircase 'Make sure your staircases have two banister rails on them to provide support when using them,' says Sheehan. 'Never carry items in one hand – if you need to take items upstairs use a rucksack.'
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Use of AI software that predicts falls and illnesses to be scaled up nationwide
An artificial intelligence (AI) platform designed to reduce hospital admissions by predicting when an elderly person is likely to fall at home or become ill is set to be rolled out nationwide. It comes after pilots of the technology, developed by Cera, found it can predict falls with 97% accuracy. The software will also be used to detect the symptoms of winter illnesses like Covid-19, flu, RSV, and norovirus to allow care teams to intervene earlier. Officials said the software 'has the potential to be a real game-changer' for community care. Cera is a private company, but the majority of its business is providing social care on behalf of the NHS and local authorities. Its Fall Prevention AI platform takes information about patients logged by carers on a smartphone app and assesses their risk of having a fall. Based on the information, the visiting carer can then ensure the patient is hydrated, assistive devices are in place, and that paths to toilets and the kitchen are clear. They can also take further steps such as visiting more frequently or contacting a patient's family members. The software is being used across 29 of the UK's 42 integrated care systems with use set to be scaled up. Pilot schemes were carried out in July and September 2023, involving 800 and 2,254 patients respectively, with ongoing tests showing a 20% reduction in falls, according to Cera. It is hoped the further rollout will help prevent up to 250,000 falls a year, the equivalent of 675 day. Cera is also using AI to monitor patients' symptoms to help predict illnesses before they occur, which it hopes will lead to the prevention of 500,000 hospital admissions a year. Dr Ben Maruthappu, founder and chief executive of Cera, said: 'Many of us will have had a loved one experience a fall, a urine infection or the flu, and seen how, for an older person, those events can be life-changing, often leading to long-term health deteriorations. 'Our technology is saving lives by preventing these health emergencies from happening – reducing avoidable hospitalisations, freeing up beds in wards, and drastically easing pressures on the healthcare system.' Dr Vin Diwakar, national director of transformation at NHS England, said: 'This new tool now being used across the country shows how the NHS is harnessing the latest technology, including AI, to not only improve the care patients receive but also to boost efficiency across the NHS by cutting unnecessary admissions and freeing up beds ahead of next winter, helping hospitals to mitigate typical seasonal pressures. 'We know falls are the leading cause of hospital admissions in older people, causing untold suffering, affecting millions each year and costing the NHS around £2 billion, so this new software has the potential to be a real game-changer in the way we can predict, prevent and treat people in the community.' The Government's forthcoming 10 Year Health Plan has outlined three major shifts for the NHS, one of which is the greater adoption of technology. Dr Diwakar added: 'This AI tool is a perfect example of how the NHS can use the latest tech to keep more patients safe at home and out of hospital, two cornerstones of the upcoming 10-year Health Plan that will see shifts from analogue to digital, and from hospital to community care.' Dr Maruthappu said described home care technology as a 'game-changer' for the health service, claiming it 'has the power to save countless lives while also saving the taxpayer billions'. 'We're excited to partner with the NHS and local authorities to roll out our AI tools, transforming health outcomes for high-risk and vulnerable individuals and empowering people to live longer, healthier lives, in their own homes,' he added. Health minister Stephen Kinnock said: 'Around a third of adults over 65 will experience a fall each year, which can be devastating not just physically, but also for their confidence and independence. I am determined that we harness cutting-edge technology to help our most vulnerable citizens receive expert care at home. 'This is smart, preventative healthcare in action, and exactly the kind of transformation we're championing in our 10 Year Health Plan – shifting from treating sickness to preventing it, from hospital to community care, and from analogue to digital solutions.' Sign in to access your portfolio
The Independent
05-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Use of AI software that predicts falls and illnesses to be scaled up nationwide
An artificial intelligence (AI) platform designed to reduce hospital admissions by predicting when an elderly person is likely to fall at home or become ill is set to be rolled out nationwide. It comes after pilots of the technology, developed by Cera, found it can predict falls with 97% accuracy. The software will also be used to detect the symptoms of winter illnesses like Covid-19, flu, RSV, and norovirus to allow care teams to intervene earlier. Officials said the software 'has the potential to be a real game-changer' for community care. Cera is a private company, but the majority of its business is providing social care on behalf of the NHS and local authorities. Its Fall Prevention AI platform takes information about patients logged by carers on a smartphone app and assesses their risk of having a fall. Based on the information, the visiting carer can then ensure the patient is hydrated, assistive devices are in place, and that paths to toilets and the kitchen are clear. They can also take further steps such as visiting more frequently or contacting a patient's family members. The software is being used across 29 of the UK's 42 integrated care systems with use set to be scaled up. Pilot schemes were carried out in July and September 2023, involving 800 and 2,254 patients respectively, with ongoing tests showing a 20% reduction in falls, according to Cera. It is hoped the further rollout will help prevent up to 250,000 falls a year, the equivalent of 675 day. Cera is also using AI to monitor patients' symptoms to help predict illnesses before they occur, which it hopes will lead to the prevention of 500,000 hospital admissions a year. Dr Ben Maruthappu, founder and chief executive of Cera, said: 'Many of us will have had a loved one experience a fall, a urine infection or the flu, and seen how, for an older person, those events can be life-changing, often leading to long-term health deteriorations. 'Our technology is saving lives by preventing these health emergencies from happening – reducing avoidable hospitalisations, freeing up beds in wards, and drastically easing pressures on the healthcare system.' Dr Vin Diwakar, national director of transformation at NHS England, said: 'This new tool now being used across the country shows how the NHS is harnessing the latest technology, including AI, to not only improve the care patients receive but also to boost efficiency across the NHS by cutting unnecessary admissions and freeing up beds ahead of next winter, helping hospitals to mitigate typical seasonal pressures. 'We know falls are the leading cause of hospital admissions in older people, causing untold suffering, affecting millions each year and costing the NHS around £2 billion, so this new software has the potential to be a real game-changer in the way we can predict, prevent and treat people in the community.' The Government's forthcoming 10 Year Health Plan has outlined three major shifts for the NHS, one of which is the greater adoption of technology. Dr Diwakar added: 'This AI tool is a perfect example of how the NHS can use the latest tech to keep more patients safe at home and out of hospital, two cornerstones of the upcoming 10-year Health Plan that will see shifts from analogue to digital, and from hospital to community care.' Dr Maruthappu said described home care technology as a 'game-changer' for the health service, claiming it 'has the power to save countless lives while also saving the taxpayer billions'. 'We're excited to partner with the NHS and local authorities to roll out our AI tools, transforming health outcomes for high-risk and vulnerable individuals and empowering people to live longer, healthier lives, in their own homes,' he added. Health minister Stephen Kinnock said: 'Around a third of adults over 65 will experience a fall each year, which can be devastating not just physically, but also for their confidence and independence. I am determined that we harness cutting-edge technology to help our most vulnerable citizens receive expert care at home. 'This is smart, preventative healthcare in action, and exactly the kind of transformation we're championing in our 10 Year Health Plan – shifting from treating sickness to preventing it, from hospital to community care, and from analogue to digital solutions.'
