Cantley Medical: Balancing safety and independence. Fall prevention in the elderly
- Australian Health & Aged Care
- May 1
- 5 min read
Staying steady on your feet is key to preserving independence, but for many older adults, the risk of falls poses a serious threat to their health and confidence.
Falls, which are a leading cause of injury in older adults, can result in serious consequences, including fractures, hospitalisations, and a reduced quality of life. Fortunately, advancements in technology are offering new ways to prevent falls and enhance balance in the elderly.
The growing need for fall prevention
Falls are a major concern for older adults, with one in three people aged 65 and older
experiencing a fall each year. Factors such as muscle weakness, decreased bone
density, poor balance, and environmental hazards contribute to these incidents. Injuries from falls, especially hip fractures, can result in long recovery times and a loss
of mobility, which further increases the risk of future falls.
The fear of falling also impacts many elderly individuals, making them hesitant to
engage in physical activity, which can worsen balance and strength issues. Addressing the root causes of falls is crucial for promoting health and independence in
older adults.
The role of balance and strength in preventing falls
Balance and strength are key in reducing fall risk. Balance allows the body to stay stable during movement, while strength provides the support needed for activities like standing up from a chair or walking down stairs. Ageing often leads to a decrease in muscle mass and slower reaction times, which can make maintaining balance more difficult.
Regular exercise focusing on balance and strength can significantly reduce the likelihood
of falls. Exercises that improve coordination, flexibility, and body awareness, such as standing on one leg or walking heel-to-toe, are particularly effective. These exercises help improve stability and reduce the risk of falls.
Tecnobody's Homing Professional: A key tool in fall prevention
Tecnobody's Homing Professional is an innovative device that can play a crucial role in
fall prevention and rehabilitation for the elderly. Using advanced AI technology and markerless motion tracking, the system provides real-time feedback during balance and strength exercises. This feedback ensures that elderly individuals are performing movements correctly and safely, reducing the risk of injury during rehabilitation.
The system’s personalised approach to exercise allows healthcare providers to create tailored programs that target the specific needs of each elderly individual, whether it’s improving muscle strength, correcting posture, or enhancing coordination. With the ability to monitor progress remotely, Homing Professional offers a
convenient and effective solution for elderly individuals, whether they are in a care facility or receiving home-based care.
Improving engagement and confidence with real-time feedback
The fear of falling often prevents elderly individuals from engaging in exercise. Technologies like the Homing Professional can boost confidence by offering immediate, actionable feedback. Elderly individuals can track their progress, see tangible improvements in balance and strength, and feel more secure in their ability to move independently. Additionally, real-time monitoring by healthcare professionals ensures that exercises are safe and effective, giving both the elderly individual and their
caregivers peace of mind.
Fall prevention and balance improvement are crucial for elderly individuals to maintain independence and overall well-being. By incorporating personalised exercise programs and utilising technology to monitor progress, elderly individuals can reduce their risk of falls and lead safer, healthier lives. Tools like Tecnobody’s Homing Professional offer
innovative ways to ensure that older adults stay active, safe, and confident as they age, ultimately promoting greater independence and a higher quality of life.
Cantley Medical: Empowering minds through play: The role of gamification in cognitive rehabilitation for people with neurological disorders
As we age, our bodies and minds may face challenges that can impact
our daily lives, particularly for those with neurological disorders.
Common neurological disorders among the elderly include Alzheimer's disease, which involves memory loss and cognitive decline; Parkinson's disease, characterised by tremors and movement difficulties; and stroke, which can lead to sudden impairments in speech, mobility, and cognitive abilities. Cognitive rehabilitation is essential for
recovery and maintaining quality of life, especially in preventing rapid cognitive deterioration. New technologies are making this process more engaging and effective. One such innovation is the use of gamification, particularly through devices like Tyromotion, which turns rehabilitation into an enjoyable and interactive experience.
What is gamification?
Gamification is the process of incorporating game-like elements into non-game contexts, making activities more engaging and motivating. In cognitive rehabilitation, gamification can transform traditional exercises into fun challenges that encourage participation, progression, and the maintenance of cognitive function.
For elderly patients with neurological disorders, this approach can be particularly beneficial to generate neuroplasticity (make new connections in the brain), and it can reduce the frustration often associated with rehabilitation tasks while actively working to slow cognitive decline.
How tyromotion devices help
Tyromotion devices exemplify how technology enhances cognitive rehabilitation. These devices utilise motion sensors and interactive software to create a dynamic rehabilitation environment. Patients can engage in various activities that not only challenge their cognitive abilities but also promote physical movement, which is crucial for overall recovery and maintaining cognitive health.
1. Interactive engagement: Tyromotion devices use colourful graphics and immediate feedback to keep patients engaged. For instance, patients might play games that require them to reach for targets or follow moving objects, stimulating both cognitive and physical skills. This interaction can make therapy feel less like a chore and more like a fun exercise, encouraging consistent participation that is vital for cognitive maintenance.
2. Personalised programs: One of the great advantages of gamified rehabilitation is that it can be tailored to the individual needs of each patient. The Tyromotion games can adapt the difficulty level based on performance, ensuring that everyone is challenged just enough to promote growth without causing overwhelming frustration. This personalised approach helps maintain cognitive function by providing just the right level of challenge to keep the brain engaged.
3. Social connections: Many Tyromotion activities can be done in groups, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among participants. This social aspect is vital, as loneliness can significantly impact cognitive health, leading to quicker deterioration. Engaging with peers while participating in rehabilitation can boost motivation and create lasting friendships, all while supporting cognitive function.
4. Tracking progress: Another benefit of using devices like Tyromotion is the ability to track progress over time. Patients and their caregivers can see measurable improvements in cognitive function and physical abilities.
This feedback can be incredibly motivating, reinforcing the idea that rehabilitation is working and that every effort counts toward maintaining cognitive health.
Getting started
Tyromotion devices are sensor-based devices used in a clinical setting such as a gym or rehab clinic. For clinics offering modern cognitive rehabilitation options, it is time to explore gamification technologies such as Tyromotion devices in your clinic. These tools not only provide cognitive training opportunities, they also provide motor training so patients can improve their cognition by ‘doing’ daily tasks.
Tymo: Balance plate for assessment and training.
Pablo: Motion sensors for range of motion, coordination and strength assessment and training
Myro: Interactive touch screen table with inbuilt force sensors for cognitive and motor assessment and training.
Health professionals and patients can speak with our in-house Occupational Therapist at Cantley Medical to learn more about how these tools can enhance therapy, support recovery, and help prevent rapid cognitive deterioration. Embrace the power of play, and take a step toward a more stimulating and fulfilling rehabilitation journey! Remember, every little bit of progress counts, and with the right tools and attitude, your patients can make strides in reclaiming independence and joy in everyday life while safeguarding their cognitive health.
02 9923 2369
