Falls Are Preventable: How CareFall™ Is Transforming Aging and Healthcare

Title: Predicting and Preventing Falls: How CareFall™ is Changing the Future of Aging 

Author(s) & Credentials: Jim Closs, CXO of CareTech Solutions, National Director at Age Safe Canada, President at Live Easy Inc, BSc. Kinesiology, University of Waterloo and Cassy Hemphill, Communications and Engagement Coordinator, 

Affiliated Institution(s): AGE-WELL National Innovation Hub: Advancing Policies and Practices in Technology and Aging (APPTA), AGE-WELL 

What is CareFall™, and how is it transforming fall prevention for older adults?

Falls are a devastating and often life-changing event, particularly for older adults. A single fall can drastically impact an individual’s health, independence, and quality of life. CareFall™ is an innovative solution that aims not just to prevent falls but to predict and intervene before they happen. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and clinical expertise, CareFall™ provides a portable assessment suite that objectively screens for gait, cognitive, and hearing health. The insights gained from these assessments enable targeted interventions, reducing care costs and improving overall well-being. 

CareFall™ has already been implemented in long-term care (LTC) homes and is now part of a community-based initiative through an Alternative Level of Care (ALC) project. This initiative integrates CareFall™ assessments into hospital-to-home transition programs, ensuring that individuals receive the right care at the right time and in the most appropriate setting. 

What inspired the development of CareFall™, and what challenges in fall prevention does it address?

The increasing prevalence of falls among older adults presents a significant challenge to individuals, families, and the healthcare system. Falls often lead to serious injuries, hospitalizations, and increased care needs, placing a heavy burden on healthcare resources. In many cases, falls are preventable, but existing approaches to fall prevention often lack personalized insights and proactive strategies. 

CareFall™ was developed to address these gaps. The project was inspired by the need for an evidence-based, data-driven approach to identifying and mitigating fall risks. By incorporating objective assessments of cognitive, gait, and hearing health, CareFall™ provides a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s risk factors. Additionally, recognizing the role of medications in falls and cognitive health, CareFall™ has introduced pharmacogenetic testing to optimize mental health prescriptions and minimize adverse effects. 

How does CareFall™ work, and what makes its approach to fall prediction and prevention unique?

CareFall™ is a comprehensive, technology-driven assessment tool designed to identify and mitigate fall risks in older adults. It is administered by trained clinicians and takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The assessments focus on three key areas: 

• Gait analysis to detect mobility issues, 

• Cognitive screening to identify early signs of decline, and 

• Hearing health evaluation to determine if hearing impairments contribute to fall risks. 

Results from the assessment inform personalized interventions and enable better allocation of healthcare resources. CareFall™ also offers follow-up assessments at 30, 90, or 180 days, depending on the individual’s environment and care plan. This ongoing data collection ensures that care strategies remain effective and adaptable. 

Another unique aspect of CareFall™ is its integration of pharmacogenetic testing. Since inappropriate medications can increase fall risks, social isolation, and cognitive impairment, this genetic testing helps determine which mental health prescriptions are most effective for an individual. Given the concerns around overprescribing in Canadian LTC homes, this approach ensures safer, more effective medication use. 

CareFall™ operates on a per-patient/client fee model or, for larger healthcare systems, a subscription-based approach that covers multiple individuals. This model makes the technology accessible while reducing the financial strain on healthcare providers. 

Why is it important to integrate research-driven solutions like CareFall™ into healthcare systems?

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury-related hospitalizations among older adults and are a significant contributor to healthcare costs. Research in fall prevention and prediction is crucial to reducing these risks and enhancing the quality of life for aging populations. CareFall™ represents a step forward in this area by utilizing standardized data collection and evidence-based interventions. 

By integrating gait, cognitive, and hearing health assessments, CareFall™ allows for a more holistic approach to fall prevention. The inclusion of pharmacogenetic testing further highlights the importance of personalized medicine in reducing risk factors associated with cognitive impairment and adverse medication effects. This kind of research contributes to more efficient healthcare resource allocation, supports aging in place, and ultimately helps prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and long-term care admissions. 

What policy implications does CareFall™ have for improving fall prevention strategies and healthcare resource allocation?

CareFall™ has significant policy implications for healthcare funding, long-term care strategies, and fall prevention programs. Given the growing aging population, policymakers must prioritize cost-effective and proactive solutions to manage healthcare demands. Some key policy considerations include: 

• Integration into healthcare systems: CareFall™ could be adopted into national or provincial healthcare frameworks to standardize fall risk assessments and interventions. 

• Investment in preventive care: Policymakers can allocate funding to innovative solutions like CareFall™ to reduce hospital admissions and long-term care costs. 

• Medication management regulations: With overprescribing being a known issue in LTC settings, pharmacogenetic testing could be incorporated into medication review policies to ensure safer prescribing practices. 

• Data-driven decision-making: The objective data collected through CareFall™ assessments can inform broader healthcare strategies, workforce planning, and personalized care models. 

By implementing policies that support proactive, technology-driven approaches to fall prevention, healthcare systems can improve outcomes while managing costs effectively. 

CareFall™ is more than just a technology; it is a shift in how we approach aging and fall prevention. By prioritizing early detection and intervention, we can empower older adults to maintain their independence, reduce caregiver burden, and enhance the overall efficiency of healthcare systems. 

Through its ongoing expansion and integration into healthcare settings, CareFall™ aims to set a new standard for fall prevention in Canada and beyond. As we continue to refine and improve our approach, we invite collaboration with healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers to ensure that aging populations receive the best possible care and support. 

CareFall™ is redefining fall prevention by harnessing the power of technology and data-driven insights. By proactively assessing and mitigating risk factors, this innovative solution is paving the way for a future where falls are no longer an inevitable part of aging but a preventable event. 

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