Fall detection
Fall detection alarms: useful, but not magic
Fall detection can be helpful, especially for people with a known falls risk, but it should never be treated as guaranteed detection. The best setup combines a wearable button, sensible routines and a clear response plan.
Simple safety decisions, explained clearly.
Compare pendant alarms, GPS devices, panic buttons, fall detection and response pathways before you commit.
- Plain-English buying advice
- Family and carer-friendly guidance
- Practical alarm and duress options
How fall detection usually works
Most fall detection devices use motion sensors to detect sudden movement followed by stillness. That means some falls may not be detected and some non-falls may trigger alerts.
- Hard falls may be detected
- Slow slides may be missed
- False alarms can occur
- Wearing position matters
- Battery level matters
When fall detection is worth considering
It may be useful for people who live alone, have a recent fall history or may be unable to press a button after an incident.
- Recent fall
- Balance issues
- Post-surgery recovery
- Living alone
- Shower or night-time risk
Manual alerts still matter
A person may feel unwell, frightened, dizzy or unsafe without falling. A manual button remains important.
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Intruder concern
- Carer needed
- Feeling unsafe
Need help choosing a medical alarm?
Tell us who the alarm is for, where it will be used and what type of response is needed. We’ll help narrow the options without confusing jargon.