U Penn Nursing's 'Sense4Safety' Shows Promise in Fall Prevention for Older Adults
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Nursing have made strides in autumn prevention for older adults. They've shown that 'Sense4Safety', an innovative intervention, can predict fall risk and enhance safety awareness.
Sense4Safety combines passive monitoring through an in-home depth sensor with active engagement through coaching. The study found that participants found it useful, providing a sense of safety and helping them navigate their home environment more confidently.
The next phase involves a clinical trial, where participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group or an intervention group. The intervention group will receive coaching, exercise, and educational components, including the Otago Exercise Program, which can reduce fall risk by over a third.
The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), which has provided funding. Falls pose a significant risk to older adults, often leading to injuries, decreased independence, and lower quality of life. They also place a substantial burden on the healthcare system, being one of the most expensive conditions to treat.
The University of Pennsylvania's School of Nursing is working towards making Sense4Safety available to high-risk populations, such as older adults recently discharged from hospitals. By preventing falls, they aim to improve quality of life for older adults and reduce healthcare costs.
