Well nice ideas but many hips break causing a fall not the other way around. It is true that many people do not survive for a year after a fall. I have just made my one year anniversary. I wonder how much these blow up garments actually blow up. I don't want to walk around looking like the michelin man after I bump into something. They should probably be issued with integrated "I've fallen and can't get up" alarms. It is hard enough to get up anyway so what would happen blown up like a balloon. As far as the infection control underwear is concerned sounds like expensive over kill to me. At most a simple pad stuck into a regular Depends would work just as well or dip stick the urine every so often. If worried about a gut infection there will be other clues to suggest a Dr visit is in order.
This is a vital technology for the dignity and safety of our elder generation.
There are ridiculous "Right to Fall" policies that are in place for post-op and elder care centers. Bedrails are considered a restraint, therefore prohibited, because In the past they were poorly designed and used inappropriately, even causing death. Unfortunately the solution was worse than original problem as elderly fall, break hips and results in significant increase of dying within a year. Mother with Alzheimers, broken hip, had no safe place to go, so I have to become unemployed and find a way to take care of her 24/7, until the money runs out.
Elderly can't afford this new product yet we can't afford to be in inadequate care centers either. Impossible dilemma, but at least this product gives me hope for future.
Our biggest caregiving supply expense is generic depends, How costly will these new goodies be?
Padded underwear is not new. HIPS Women * * * HIPS Women Complete 3 UNIT KIT 1 pair of HIPS hip protectors, 3 pairs HIPS underwear with inside special pockets, instructions Price: $174.95
I have been a medical supplies professional with RKF Medical for many years and always looking at new technology. I will definitely be checking these out to see if they would be good for our patients.
I think these both are great ideas but I'm not sure if either will be affordable to the target market. Elderly people are usually on a fixed income, and having a smart phone is unlikely. Not all elderly folks have a caregiver and stubbornly live alone until a serious fall forces them into a senior's home. Unless there can be a more affordable version of a smart phone that can use apps, that is easy to learn how to use, with big buttons and text, the creators of this wonderful product will only be helping the rich who can afford lengthy hospital stays and treatments anyway.
In terms of the body product (APT), it would be great to have gloves that also covers the wrists, or booties that also cover the ankles. Fractures in these areas happen often. Maybe a long sleeved type of shirt or pants/shorts.
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Next-Generation Undergarments Defend Against Falls, Infections
I wonder how much these blow up garments actually blow up. I don't want to walk around looking like the michelin man after I bump into something.
They should probably be issued with integrated "I've fallen and can't get up" alarms. It is hard enough to get up anyway so what would happen blown up like a balloon.
As far as the infection control underwear is concerned sounds like expensive over kill to me. At most a simple pad stuck into a regular Depends would work just as well or dip stick the urine every so often. If worried about a gut infection there will be other clues to suggest a Dr visit is in order.
There are ridiculous "Right to Fall" policies that are in place for post-op and elder care centers. Bedrails are considered a restraint, therefore prohibited, because In the past they were poorly designed and used inappropriately, even causing death. Unfortunately the solution was worse than original problem as elderly fall, break hips and results in significant increase of dying within a year. Mother with Alzheimers, broken hip, had no safe place to go, so I have to become unemployed and find a way to take care of her 24/7, until the money runs out.
Elderly can't afford this new product yet we can't afford to be in inadequate care centers either. Impossible dilemma, but at least this product gives me hope for future.
Padded underwear is not new. HIPS Women * * * HIPS Women Complete 3 UNIT KIT 1 pair of HIPS hip protectors, 3 pairs HIPS underwear with inside special pockets, instructions Price: $174.95
Amazon has pads : hip protector for elderly
it would be great if the UTI detection was available in a pad for the sort of incontinent...would help head off problems before they get too bad.
Cost and access to technology to "read" the results is a real issue.
In terms of the body product (APT), it would be great to have gloves that also covers the wrists, or booties that also cover the ankles. Fractures in these areas happen often. Maybe a long sleeved type of shirt or pants/shorts.