%0 Journal Article
%T It Is Always on Your Mind: Experiences and Perceptions of Falling of Older People and Their Carers and the Potential of a Mobile Falls Detection Device
%A Veronika Williams
%A Christina R. Victor
%A Rachel McCrindle
%J Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research
%D 2013
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2013/295073
%X Background. Falls and fear of falling present a major risk to older people as both can affect their quality of life and independence. Mobile assistive technologies (AT) fall detection devices may maximise the potential for older people to live independently for as long as possible within their own homes by facilitating early detection of falls. Aims. To explore the experiences and perceptions of older people and their carers as to the potential of a mobile falls detection AT device. Methods. Nine focus groups with 47 participants including both older people with a range of health conditions and their carers. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed. Results. Four key themes were identified relating to participants¡¯ experiences and perceptions of falling and the potential impact of a mobile falls detector: cause of falling, falling as everyday vulnerability, the environmental context of falling, and regaining confidence and independence by having a mobile falls detector. Conclusion. The perceived benefits of a mobile falls detector may differ between older people and their carers. The experience of falling has to be taken into account when designing mobile assistive technology devices as these may influence perceptions of such devices and how older people utilise them. 1. Introduction The term assistive technologies (AT) covers a wide range of aids and devices designed to support older people with chronic long-term health conditions, disabilities or cognitive impairments to live at home independently. Included within the remit of AT is a plethora of devices ranging from simple mobility aids to complex computer based medical devices. Contemporary technological developments mean that mobile assistive technology (AT) devices have considerable potential¡ªin theory at least¡ªto contribute to the goal of enabling older people to live independently for as long as possible within their own homes by providing a range of support and alert services such as falls detection [1, 2]. Falls are a major public health problem in terms of their prevalence, morbidity, and mortality: additionally falls and fear of falling can significantly compromise the independence and quality of life of older people [3, 4]. There are a range of studies examining the detailed epidemiology of falls, potential prevention of falls, and exploring older peoples¡¯ views on falls prevention advice [5¨C7]. In addition, previous research into falling has aimed to develop new interventions to detect those at risk of falling, rehabilitate those who have fallen, and
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/cggr/2013/295073/