Hello, my name is Dr. Tom Adler, the founder of Bide, a revolutionary night-time fall prevention device that uses both light and motion-sensing technology to alert users with a pre-recorded message from their loved ones to reduce falls at night.  

This simple yet effective action is often enough to reduce the risk of a night-time fall occurring because when Bide users are made aware of their surroundings and set off correctly, they are less likely to fall, injure themselves, and require medical care. 

Over the years, I have seen first-hand the devastating impact that falls can have on patients and their loved ones and it was this experience that inspired me to become part of the solution.  

Every fall that can be prevented makes a difference because falls are an increasing problem as we age. For example, according to the NHS, around 1 in 3 adults over 65 and half of people over 80 will have at least one fall a year. Bide wants to be part of the solution to this problem and make a difference to the lives of my patients. 

It is not only the fall that is serious but the consequences that can be permanent or long-lasting. Did you know that falls are the most common reason for an ambulance being called to an older person? If these falls can be prevented, the impact on the NHS can also be reduced. It won’t just be time that can be saved, but also money and resources too as falls are estimated to cost the NHS more than £2.3 billion per year. 

While Bide was first envisioned as a fall prevention device to support the elderly, I’ve been pleasantly surprised to see the positive feedback I’ve been receiving which shows that Bide can be used to prevent falls in a wide variety of people of all ages. With this in mind, the potential of this device is yet to be discovered and I’m excited to come across new ways that it can help those at risk of falls or those who would be impacted by a fall in the short-term. 

The data shows that there are many reasons why a person may fall or benefit from access to a Bide device at night, here are just four of them: 

 

1) Dementia/Alzheimer's Disease 

Dementia and similar conditions can sometimes lead to confusion, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. This in itself can lead to falls at night as those experiencing confusion may be unable to take the time to set off correctly.   

Research reveals that those with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia are often at a higher risk of falling. In fact, they are more than three times more likely to fracture their hip when they fall, which leads to surgery and immobility. 

With the established link between dementia and falls, having devices like Bide around to support your loved ones is an effective way to reduce the risk of falls by preventing them from happening. 

 

2) Injury/Recovery 

Injuries such as broken legs or the need to recover after certain surgeries can leave patients confined to their beds for portions of the day in order to rest and heal. This can lead to issues at night as mobility is reduced and the correct amount of care won’t be taken to get out of bed safely and securely.  

A gentle reminder from a loved one via a Bide device is a great way to ensure safety at night in a way that isn’t obtrusive.  

 

3) Old Age  

As we age, it’s normal for our strength and mobility to gradually decline which leaves us at an increased risk of falls and the consequences of these can be more serious than falls in the young. 

In fact, according to NHS Inform, in Scotland, more than 18,000 older people are admitted to hospital after a fall each year. 

With the serious impact of falls in the elderly including medical complications, long hospital stays and an increased risk of future falls, it’s important that we prevent as many falls as we can, rather than simply detecting them. 

A simple reminder to reach for a mobility aid, take your time or that you’re safe at home is often all it takes to prevent a fall occurring at night. When the solution is so simple, investing in the safety of our loved ones is so important. 

As we grow older, it is so important that we are able to maintain our independence because this in itself will help to improve confidence and how our elderly loved ones feel about themselves. Bide empowers elderly people to live independently as this discrete safety device will be there when carers can't be. 

 

4) Travelling  

Traveling with elderly friends or loved ones can put them at an increased rate of falls as they find themselves feeling uncertain or unsure in new environments. It can be as simple as not being sure where their mobility aid is or whether there is a big step from the bed to the floor, these things can all put our loved ones at risk of a fall at night. 

Bide is a reassuring presence which can be moved from their bedrooms at home to wherever they are staying so that they feel safe at night. 

 

Fall Prevention Advice 

With the consequences of falls being serious for our elderly loved ones, it’s safe to say that we will all do what we can to prevent them. From being aware of the risks to certain medications to adapting environments to support fall prevention, there are a range of things that can be done to reduce the risk of falls. 

Here are some fall prevention tips to try for your loved ones; 

  • Remove obstacles which become trip hazards at night 
  • Make sure that there is adequate lighting around 
  • Ensure that your loved ones are familiar with their spaces 
  • Create space for mobility aids by the bed 
  • Make yourself aware of side effects of certain medications 
  • Speak to a Doctor or healthcare provider if you have any concerns   

 

I’m very excited to see first-hand the positive impact that the Bide device is having on users and their families. At the core of what we do is help people and their families and Bide is on a mission to help prevent as many falls as possible because we understand the devastating consequences of these falls, from medical complications to the loss of independence.  

While Bide is a fall prevention design aimed at supporting the elderly, it has become clear during the product development process that Bide has the potential to support many different types of individuals in a variety of situations.  

Ultimately, Bide can be whatever you want it to be. If you’re traveling with an elderly loved one, Bide can be a reassuring voice to bring the comfort of home or for those moments when injury strikes, it can aid healing and rest. 

What to do now  

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Learn more about us, our mission and how we’re supporting independent living at home here.