Tag: Assistive technology

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What Are The P’s Of Fall Prevention?

What Are The P's Of Fall Prevention?
What Are The P's Of Fall Prevention?

What Are The P’s Of Fall Prevention?

Caring for our loved ones when they age is vital as they are more prone to experiencing falls, particularly those with chronic health issues who are more susceptible. Most do not result in serious injury, but there is always a risk that one could lead to broken bones, resulting in the individual becoming withdrawn or home bound, and feel as if they have lost their independence. Luckily there are ways to prevent falls from occurring while helping individuals to remain independent in the comfort of their own homes. What are the P’s of fall prevention? These are several steps caregivers and loved ones can take to help prevent accidents from occurring and in turn, minimising the risk of injuries.

Of older people living in the community, 30% fall each year.

What Causes A Fall? 

What Are The P's Of Fall Prevention?

There are many reason as to why a fall might occur. The most common ones are poor health conditions and physical ailments where medications might be required. These conditions may be present in the following ways:

  • Poor balance and strength.
  • Taking multiple medications that can cause dizziness or drowsiness.
  • Vision problems.
  • Foot pain or disorders, such as arthritis.
  • A long-term health condition, such as heart disease, diabetes or  low blood pressure can cause dizziness.

Using the 4 P’s For Fall Prevention 

The Centre for Effective Practice develop trusted, evidence-based tools, resources and programs to ensure healthcare providers have the information needed to deliver high-quality care. They created the 4 P’s approach to fall prevention which are Pain, Position, Placement, and Personal Needs.

They guide caregivers to assess the needs of the individual they provide care for.

  • Pain: Assessing the pain level of the individual in care is vital, allowing the caregiver to understand the level of monitoring they require. Higher pain levels require the issue to be addressed. 
  • Position: Offer assistance if the individual seems to be in an uncomfortable position. By demonstrating openness to helping them, it can ease their concerns and they are more inclined to ask for help.
  • Placement: The individual’s items being accessible to them is a huge factor in fall prevention. It prevents them from having to travel far and risking a fall.
  • Personal Needs: Asking upfront about personal needs is a must as it demonstrates good communication in relation to the 3 previous Ps outlined.

Technology to Help Those at Risk of Falling 

Our Isaac Fall Alarm 

Assistive technology can provide support and reassurance to the elderly and their families, to reduce their risk of falls, and provide them with immediate assistance. The Isaac Fall Alarm is a smart, easy to use, personal alarm which offers reassurance that your loved one can instantly access help whenever they need it. Isaac Care offers two packages with their alarm, Circle of Care Supported and 24/7 Call Centre Supported

The key benefits of the Isaac Fall Alarm includes:

  • Easy to use: It is a straightforward design and is easy to use for all, especially for those with little to no technological knowledge.
  • Mobile: Works both in the home and when out and about.
  • GPS Location: Location of fall alerts is instantly shared with relevant people through the Isaac Care app.
  • Two-way communication: In the event of an accident, the user can speak to their emergency contacts or our dedicated team directly through the device itself.
  • Isaac Care App: The seamless integration with the Isaac care app allows the entire family to be notified of any event, keeping everyone up to date.
  • No Set Up/Installation Required: It is pre-configured so it is ready to use straight out of the box.
  • No landline needed: The alarm has a built-in sim card, meaning there is no need for a landline connection.
  • Battery: Long battery life with voice prompts to alert you to low battery levels.

The Isaac fall alarm is connected to our free family caring app, Isaac Care. The app is designed around “Circles of Care” which are groups of people involved in the individual’s care. They are kept up to date with instant in-app notifications. The app sends out an instant notification of any SOS alert to the relevant circle of care, while the alarm itself initiates a phone call to the designated emergency contact.

By creating a space where the 4 P’s for Prevention can be successfully acted out, it provides a safe environment for individuals you are more prone to falls and can prevent serious injuries in the long run. Caregivers can communicate with the individual and support them by using these fall prevention methods. By providing the right care with the right skills and knowledge in the right place and reducing the risk of accidents, life can become more manageable for those at risk living alone.

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Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way. Contact us on (042) 936 8391 or fill in your details in the contact form and one of our team will be in touch.

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Blog

Protect Your Loved Ones from Fall Risks 

Assistive Technology: Protect Your Loved Ones from Fall Risks 

Falls can occur in people of any age, but older people are more vulnerable, especially if they have a long term health condition.

Around 1 in 3 adults over 65, and two thirds of them fall again within six months, indicating that the risk of falling increases with age. The number of falls and injuries in this age range will rise as our population ages.  Falls are a common, but often overlooked, cause of injury.

Most falls do not result in serious injury. But there’s always a risk that a fall could lead to broken bones, and it can cause the person to lose confidence, become withdrawn, and feel as if they have lost their independence. Assistive technology can provide support and reassurance to older persons and their families, to reduce their risk of falls, and provide them with immediate assistance if a fall occurs.

 

What Causes A Fall? 

Isaac Care Older people are more likely to have a fall

Older people are more likely to have a fall because they may have: 

  • Poor balance and strength
  • Taking multiple medications that can cause dizziness or drowsiness
  • Vision problems
  • Foot pain or disorders, such as arthritis
  • A long-term health condition, such as heart disease, diabetes or low blood pressure can cause dizziness

Home safety measures are important for reducing the risk of a fall for older adults. Some things that can be done to make a home safer include:

  • Installing grab bars in the bathroom and around the toilet
  • Making sure there are no obstacles on stairs or walkways
  • Placing nonslip mats in the shower and bathtub
  • Ensuring good lighting throughout the home

How To Prevent A Fall 


Falls are the leading cause of accidental death or injury in the elderly, so it is important to take steps to prevent them. Here are some tips on how to help protect yourself and your loved ones from a fall:

1. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help improve balance, strength, endurance and flexibility.

2. Wear sensible shoes: Wear shoes with good support and a non-slip sole. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers as they can be slippery.

3. Install handrails: Consider installing handrails in hallways and staircases to help steady your balance when walking.

4. Remove clutter: Remove any obstacles from pathways that could contribute to a fall. This includes furniture, cords, rugs and toys.

5. Use assistive devices: A cane, walker or other assistive device can help provide extra balance and stability when walking

6. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can cause dizziness, which could lead to a fall. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout

Technology to Help Those at Risk of Falling 

Isaac Fall Alarm 

The Isaac Fall Alarm is a smart, easy to use, personal alarm which offers reassurance that your loved one can instantly access help whenever they need it. Isaac Care offers two packages with their fall alarm, Circle of Care Supported and 24/7 Call Centre Supported

The key benefits of the Isaac Fall Alarm includes:

  • Easy to use: The Fall Alarm’s straightforward design is easy to use for all, especially for those with little to no technological knowledge.
  • Mobile: The fall alarm works both in the home and when out and about.
  • GPS Location: Location of fall alerts is instantly shared with relevant people through the Isaac Care app
  • Two-way communication: In the event of a fall the user can speak to their emergency contacts or our dedicated team directly through the device itself.
  • Isaac Care App: The seamless integration with the Isaac care app allows the entire family to be notified of any fall/event, keeping everyone up to date.
  • No Set Up/Installation Required: The fall alarm is pre-configured so it is ready to use straight out of the box.
  • No landline needed: The alarm has a built-in sim card, meaning there is no need for a landline connection.
  • Battery: Long battery life with voice prompts to alert you to low battery levels

The Isaac fall alarm is connected to our free family caring app, Isaac Care. The app is designed around “circles of care” which are groups of people involved in the persons’ care. Each circle of care is kept up to date with instant in app notifications.

The app sends out an instant notification of any SOS alert to the relevant circle of care, while the alarm itself initiates a phone call to the designated emergency contact.

Get in Touch

Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way. Contact us on (042) 936 8391 or fill in your details in the contact form and one of our team will be in touch.

Contact Us
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News

Isaac Care attends Age Friendly Tipperary

Isaac Care attends Age Friendly Tipperary

The Isaac Care team were delighted to attend the Age Friendly Expo in Tipperary. It was a great event showcasing the wide range of supports available – from assistive technology to local support services and national support services like Alone.

We enjoyed speaking to the other exhibitors and members of the public who stopped by our stand to have a chat about assistive technology and how Isaac Care can help them to remain in their homes safely and independently for as long as possible.

Thank you to all the organisers, exhibitors and speakers on the day!

Get in Touch

Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way. Contact us on (042) 936 8391 or fill in your details in the contact form and one of our team will be in touch.

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Blog

How Assistive Technology can help those at risk of falls

How Assistive Technology can help those at risk of falls

Falls are one of the biggest problems which occur in advancing years, because of their high frequency and adverse health consequences. According to a study conducted by TILDA, approximately one in five older adults in Ireland (17% of men; 21% of women) experienced recurrent falls in the last four years.

A falls risk factor is something that increases an older person’s chance of falling. Falls commonly result from a combination of risk factors as the risk of falling increases with the number of risk factors that are present. The number of risk factors also increases as a person ages. Falls can put older people at risk of serious injury including fractures, cuts, bruises and even serious brain injuries so it is therefore vitally important to reduce the risk of falls in the home.

Even if there is no serious injury because of a fall, it can still be a frightening experience and may cause an older person to avoid certain activities due to the fear of falling again. As you get older, health conditions, physical changes and sometimes medication can make falls more likely to occur.

Where Isaac Care Can Help

At Isaac Care, we are here to support people to live their lives to the fullest in the comfort of their own homes. The Isaac pendant is the next generation of technology in fall alarms and is a lightweight, discreet and an easy-to-use device. The pendant allows the user to easily call for help and speak directly to a loved one and can be used both at home and out and about. The Isaac pendant connects to our family caring app giving your circle of care real time updates via the app thus providing reassurance that someone is always on hand to help at the push of a button.

Mobility – Keep Moving

Physical activity can assist greatly with preventing falls. Regular physical activity makes you stronger and improves your balance and coordination.

Most adults over 65 should try to keep active if possible. There are activities suitable for people with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis or diabetes. Activities can improve flexibility greatly, if you avoid physical activity as you are afraid of the risk of falling talk to your doctor or physiotherapist who will recommend a carefully monitored exercise programme.

  • Begin slowly with exercise you feel comfortable doing.
  • Start with walking and increase the distance gradually.

Step trackers like Fitbits can be great motivators to keep moving, at Isaac Care we allow you to sync your Fitbit to your Isaac Care Profile. Allowing you to keep an eye on your activity levels.

Health Monitoring Equipment

Keeping an eye on your overall health is another way to minimise your fall risk. At Isaac Care we also provide simple easy to use health monitoring equipment where all readings feed directly into our app. Easily manage your blood pressure, weight, heart rate, temperature, blood glucose levels, pain levels, steps and blood oxygen readings. This empowers you to always be in control of your own health and wellbeing and to provide accurate readings and insights to your GP.

Get in Touch

Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way. Contact us on (042) 936 8391 or fill in your details in the contact form and one of our team will be in touch.

Contact Us
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