Falls remain one of the leading causes of injury among older adults, often resulting in hospitalization, loss of independence, and reduced quality of life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 14 million, or 1 in 4 adults, report falling every year. In recognition of Fall Prevention Month, Maplewood Senior Living is highlighting how advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technology are transforming fall prevention – and how our communities are incorporating these tools to help keep residents safe, confident, and independent.
According to the CDC, one in four adults over 65 experiences a fall each year. Factors such as changes in balance, vision, muscle strength, and reaction time can all contribute to increased risk. While traditional prevention strategies like proper lighting, clear walking paths, and supportive footwear remain essential, technology now enables us to move beyond reactive care into predictive, proactive prevention.
AI-driven systems are enhancing the way senior living communities monitor mobility, assess risk, and respond to incidents. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), several areas in fall prevention deploy technology, including predictive and prescriptive analytics using big data, video monitoring and alarm technology, wearable sensors, exergame and virtual reality, robotics in home environment assessment, and personal coaching. These innovations allow care teams to not only detect falls immediately but also identify patterns that may signal an increased risk – long before a fall occurs.
Key capabilities include:
At Maplewood, safety and dignity go hand in hand. Our partnership with SafelyYou, a leader in AI-powered fall detection and prevention, reflects our commitment to using the most effective tools available.
SafelyYou’s advanced system uses AI to detect falls in real time within private living spaces, immediately notifying associates so they can respond in moments. It also provides video review capabilities, helping our teams pinpoint the cause of a fall – whether it’s a mobility change, environmental factor, or other concern – so we can address the root issue and reduce the risk of recurrence.
As Tino Popescu, Senior Vice President of Clinical Services, explains, the value of SafelyYou extends beyond detection alone. “The implementation of SafelyYou has elevated our approach to fall prevention by empowering our teams with real-time awareness, the ability to intervene within moments, and actionable insights that inform truly individualized care,” he shares. “It’s a solution that safeguards resident safety while supporting independence, and it reassures families through clear, transparent reporting.”
Since implementing SafelyYou in our Memory Care apartments, our communities have experienced measurable improvements in both fall-related outcomes and response times. Today, over 430 residents across Maplewood and Inspīr communities are benefiting from this technology.
SafelyYou has helped identify nearly 200 silent falls – incidents where a resident self-recovers but may not recall or report the fall. For those living with dementia, this insight is especially powerful, as memory loss or confusion often prevents residents from communicating that a fall occurred. Without this knowledge, treatable injuries can go unnoticed, putting overall health and quality of life at risk. SafelyYou closes the gap, giving our care teams the information they need to provide timely treatment, prevent complications, and keep residents safer.
Of the silent falls identified, 28% involved potential head impact, enabling our teams to provide appropriate treatment and follow-up that might otherwise have been missed. The system also contributed to a dramatically lower emergency department send-out rate of just 2.58%, compared to the typical 17-20% seen without such technology. These numbers represent more than data points – they reflect increased peace of mind for our residents, their families, and our team members.
While AI and smart technology are invaluable, they work best when paired with the personalized care, attention, and expertise our associates provide every day. At Maplewood, data from SafelyYou is integrated into individualized care plans, helping us support residents in maintaining mobility and independence while reducing risk.
Our goal is not to restrict movement but to create an environment where residents feel empowered and safe to live life to the fullest.
As technology continues to advance, fall prevention will only become more proactive, precise, and personalized. Maplewood will remain at the forefront of these innovations, always to enhance quality of life and ensure that safety is never compromised.
This Fall Prevention Month, we invite families, caregivers, and healthcare partners to learn more about how Maplewood blends innovation and compassionate care to create safer environments for older adults.
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