As the population ages, the risk of falls among the elderly continues to grow, bringing with it serious health implications and added pressures on healthcare providers. Currently, half of all residents in nursing and care homes experience at least one fall annually, often resulting in broken bones, hospital admissions, and significant lifestyle changes. These incidents impact not only the individuals involved but also place a substantial burden on healthcare professionals. Recognizing the urgency, the care organizations tanteLouise and Groenhuysen have partnered with Kinetic Analysis to develop a proactive solution aimed at reducing falls among elderly residents. Supported by the CrossCare project and Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland, this initiative utilizes innovative digital tools to assess and mitigate fall risks accurately, with a vision to expand its impact across other care organizations.
Understanding Fall Risk through Data and Technology
Falls among elderly residents stem from a range of complex factors, from balance issues and medication use to overall health and physical activity levels. To effectively address this challenge, Kinetic Analysis leverages a combination of new and existing data sources to provide a more accurate, personalized fall risk assessment. The innovative measurement approach uses advanced camera systems to assess balance, linking this information to additional health data such as fall history, blood test results, and electronic health records (EHR). This comprehensive data-driven approach allows for a more precise assessment of fall risk, tailored to each individual.
The system goes beyond simple data collection. It provides personalized recommendations based on individual fall risks, which may include balance improvement programs or assistive devices like walkers, canes, the BalanceBelt, or even WOLK hip protectors. “Our goal is to co-create a solution with tanteLouise and Groenhuysen that can meaningfully reduce falls among the elderly,” explains Maarten Gijssel of Kinetic Analysis. “By combining EHR data with our balance measurements, we can offer a holistic view of fall risk and develop specific, individualized prevention strategies.”
Testing and Co-Creation for Practical Solutions
This innovative fall prevention method is currently being piloted in the psychogeriatric wards of nursing homes managed by tanteLouise and Groenhuysen. The project includes co-creation sessions and live testing with healthcare professionals and residents to ensure the solution is user-friendly, effective, and adaptable to different care settings. Through this collaborative process, the team not only refines the technology itself but also develops practical guidelines to facilitate its use in other healthcare organizations.
Gijssel adds, “Using full body mocap data from clients allows us to offer more efficient care, which not only benefits the clients but also generates savings for the organization. Based on previous studies with Groenhuysen, we expect at least a 50% time savings for healthcare staff through more effective data use.” Such gains enable staff to dedicate more time to other essential care tasks, enhancing overall service quality and patient outcomes.
For healthcare providers, the early identification of fall risk is invaluable. Judith van Wijngaarden and Wendy Hendrickx from Groenhuysen underscore the importance of this project: “Our goal is to quickly and effectively identify each client’s fall risk, helping to reduce fall incidents in the future and improve quality of life for our residents.”
CrossCare: Supporting Healthcare Innovation
The fall prevention project receives essential financial support from CrossCare, an international initiative fostering healthcare innovation across the Netherlands and Flanders. CrossCare’s mission is to promote and accelerate healthcare solutions that benefit both patients and professionals, providing funding and resources to bring projects like this to fruition.
In a world where healthcare demands are growing, personalized fall prevention represents a promising way to improve the lives of the elderly, optimize resources, and create scalable solutions for long-term care. With the dedication of tanteLouise, Groenhuysen, and Kinetic Analysis, and the support of CrossCare, this project aims to pave the way for a safer, more dignified experience for older adults in care. As the technology matures, it will have the potential to extend its benefits far beyond its initial pilot locations, helping elderly individuals across regions live with greater independence and confidence.