Feasibility of Non-contact Smart Sensor-Based Falls Detection in a Residential Aged Care Environment

Abstract

Few studies of sensor-based falls detection devices have monitored older people in long-term care settings. The present investigation has addressed this gap by trialing the feasibility and acceptability of a non-contact smart sensor system (NCSSS) to monitor behaviour and detect falls in an Australian residential aged care facility (RAC). Methods This investigation was undertaken using a mixed methods approach, comprising three phases: (1) Pilot study design and implementation at a RAC, using a purposive sampling approach; (2) Study evaluation and post-pilot interviews; and (3) Analysis and review of results. Results Data was collected for four RAC participants over four weeks of the NCSSS p..