Connaught Court among first in the UK to try cutting edge technology to prevent falls

Falls and fractures are a common and serious health issue faced by older people in the UK where around a third of people aged 65 and over, and around half of people aged 80 and over, fall at least once a year. Residents in care homes are on average three times more likely to fall, and 30-40% of these falls occur at night, often as a result of getting out of bed, and too quickly.

Residents at Connaught Court, in York, are among the first in the UK to trial a new cutting edge technology to help prevent falls. The bedside device, called Bide, detects when a person awakes at night and then lights up and plays them a gentle personalised voice message reminder from a loved one or carer. The Home was able to purchase 10 devices thanks to the generosity of The Association of Friends of Connaught Court.

A new technology called Bide to prevent falls amongst older people

A successful trial

The Home commenced a 12-week trial of the new device in September 2025 with five residents. Results have shown a reduction in night-time falls with the use of the new technology. One resident commented:

It did make me stop and think, and to wait for the carer to assist me. I found the recorded messages from the Deputy Home Manager comforting with gentle reminders to get up slowly.

Another resident mentioned:

This was a good idea! It made me stop and sit at the edge of my bed rather than rushing to get up.

Marinda Aydinalp, Home Manager said:

It’s amazing to see the impact of new technology to support older people. The reduction in falls has reduced residents’ discomfort, distress and the likelihood of a serious injury.

Our staff feel reassured that when they are called the resident genuinely requires their support, and it supports staff to prioritise residents’ needs. With the overall frequency of night time falls reduced, this has helped staff workload in relation to adverse events and record keeping.

Revolutionary technology

Bide has been invented by Dr Tom Adler, a family GP for more than 30 years, who also had the personal experience of caring for his mother who died after a succession of falls. With his cofounder Rob, they set up Peak Medtek Ltd and, having sought feedback from potential users, developed and launched the technology.

The device works by sensing a person’s movement, or a change in the light. This triggers it to light up, and to play a pre-recorded, personalised message reassuring them and reminding them to take whatever course of action is most likely to keep them safe e.g. to take their time getting out of bed.

Inventor Dr Tom Adler, commented:

This has been a brilliant opportunity to test the device in the care home setting and the management team at Connaught Court and I were excited to see residents responding so well

The device is simple to set up and use, and respects privacy thus greatly supporting those most at risk of night time falls. We are really happy with the results and thank Connaught Court and its residents for their time and commitment.

[Summary: Residents at Connaught Court, in York trial a new cutting edge technology to help prevent falls.]