Smart Floor is there for everyone in the social domain and healthcare who wants to make an assessment of someone's fall risk in an accessible way.
In the Netherlands, Smart Floor deployed by more than 200 municipalities and organizations within the chain approach to fall prevention. In doing so, Smart Floor used to reach older adults and assess their fall risk in an accessible way.
The result of a measurement is used to initiate a conversation about the topic and take any follow-up steps. This includes referral to sports activities, participation in physical activity/fall prevention interventions, or referral to a (geriatric) physiotherapist or general practitioner.
For carrying out a Smart Floor No specific medical knowledge is required for the measurement. This accessibility means that measurements can be performed by all the aforementioned parties. As a result, the largest possible target group is reached.
Well-being is usually central in the neighborhood and offers places where older adults come together. Based on the objective results of Smart Floor they can initiate the conversation, create awareness, and finally refer to the appropriate next steps within the chain.
Physiotherapists are the experts in the field of movement and therefore have an important function within the chain approach. Smart Floor The measurement takes little time, enabling the physiotherapist to speak with many people about the themes of fall prevention and vitality. Following this, appropriate follow-up steps can be determined, such as fall prevention interventions or muscle-strengthening exercises.
The objective result of a Smart Floor The measurement can be used to quickly gain an understanding of a person's fall risk and vitality. Furthermore, improvement or deterioration can be easily observed, and timely intervention can be taken if necessary.
Countries across Europe face the same challenge.
An aging society puts pressure on the healthcare system, resulting in people having to live independently at home for longer. Therefore, instead of reactive care, there is an increasing focus on preventive measures.
Currently, pilots are underway in several European countries involving the use of Smart Floor Testing is being conducted within the social and care domain.
In the event of a successful pilot, it will be investigated whether the Smart Floor can also contribute to reducing the number of fall incidents in other parts of the country and thereby support older adults living at home longer, remaining vital and independent.
