Project R-4617

FallRisk: Intelligent services in view of prevention, risk evaluation and detection of fall incidents (Research)

For elderly people fall incidents are often a life-changing event that might lead to degradation or even loss of autonomy. More than half of the elderly living in a nursing home and about one third of the elderly living at home fall at least once a year, denoting the high prevalence of falling Of those who fall, 10 to 15% suffer severe injuries. The lack of timely aid can lead to further complications, e.g. dehydration, pressure ulcers and even death. Although not all fall incidents lead to physical injuries, psychological consequences are equally important (fear of falling, losing self-confidence and fear of losing independence). Due to the high impact of falling, both fallprevention and reliable falldetecting are necessities. To support this, technologies in 'closing the loop' from the elder at risk towards the (in)formal caregiver network needs to be optimized in view of the changing demographics (more elderly people, less caregivers).

01 January 2013 - 31 December 2014