The HurryCane Praises Development of New Device That Detects Falls

PHILADELPHIA, PA, October 10, 2012 (Press-News.org) An article released by BBC News highlights a new "magic carpet" that works to detect falls, and may even have the ability to realize mobility problems in seniors. The carpet was unveiled at the Photon12 conference in the United Kingdom. The makers of the HurryCane, a cane-like device with a unique pivot-head design, praise this new technology.

The article explains that the carpet is made up of a complex design of optical fibers that are able to detect and track movement as pressure bends and contorts them. These light patterns help track walking styles of the elderly and "learn" if the individual exhibits deteriorating behaviors. These fibers are the same type that works to transmit data to homes, and even across oceans. Sensors at the edge of the carpet change the light into electrical signals, which then get analyzed by a computer system. This analysis is similar to the technology that's inside medical scanners.

The device's creators, based out of the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, explain that they see the system getting used in nursing homes or in hospitals as a way to attract immediate attention in the event of a fall. The creators go on to say that eventually the carpet could get be introduced in private homes, too.

The article explains that the large amount of falls among the elderly population is part of the reason for the carpet's creation. Falling is the leading cause of mortality for adults over 70. The equipment's creators believe that this new system can develop a movement profile for an individual, thus highlighting any deterioration in mobility. This may have the ability to act as an early warning system if an elderly individual becomes at-risk of falling.

Chris Todd, a professor of primary care and community health, says, "Falls are a really important issue for our aging society. More than a third of older people fall each year, and in nursing and residential homes it is much more common than that. So being able to identify changes in people's walking patterns and gait in the natural environment, such as in a corridor in a nursing home, could really help us identify problems earlier on."

The makers of the HurryCane agree with this sentiment. In a press statement they said, "Falls and mobility problems are always something that seniors and families of elderly individuals worry about. Any additional measures that can help protect seniors from falls are positive. This innovative technology has the potential to aid seniors and their families as it boosts safety in nursing homes, hospitals, and private residences."

ABOUT:

The HurryCane is the latest development in mobility solutions for seniors and those who have trouble walking due to injury, illness, and disability. With a design similar to the traditional cane, The HurryCane has a pivot-head structure that gives users greater flexibility and range of motion. It also offers a strong base so users can accomplish tasks with both hands free without having to worry about their cane falling over. With total approval ratings at a reported 98 percent, many consumers are already sharing their success stories after using this innovative product.

To learn more about The HurryCane, visit www.thehurrycane.com.