Preventing Falls ACI Care is Raising the Bar

Falls are among the biggest risks faced by older people in care homes. According to Age UK, one in three adults over 65 will have at least one fall a year, and for those in later life, the consequences can be life-changing—fractures, loss of independence, and increased anxiety about mobility. For care home providers, the challenge is not only clinical but emotional: how to keep residents safe while maintaining dignity, confidence, and quality of life.

ACI Care has made falls prevention a cornerstone of its care ethos. By blending calculated risks with traditional practices, innovative technology and proactive wellbeing strategies, the group is introducing measures that reduce risks and help residents feel safer, without creating an institutional atmosphere. From mobile call bells, bed foam wedges, sensor-based lighting systems to low-profile beds, hydration support, and expert input from clinicians, ACI Care is investing in thoughtful solutions that recognise both the vulnerability and resilience of the people they support.

Why Falls Matter

For anyone unfamiliar with the devastation falls can cause, it is hard to overstate the negative impact of falls. A simple slip on the way to the bathroom at night can result in a hospital admission, surgery, and months of rehabilitation. Beyond the physical harm, there is the emotional cost: residents can lose confidence in walking, become more dependent on staff, and experience a decline in overall wellbeing. Families too feel the weight of worry.

As one ACI Care manager put it: “Preventing falls isn’t just about avoiding broken bones—it’s about protecting independence. Every resident deserves to feel safe moving around their home.”

Smarter Environments: Lighting the Way

One of the simplest yet most effective tools in ACI Care’s approach is motion sensors and smart night lighting. Rather than leaving residents to navigate dim corridors or fumble for a switch in the dark, these systems automatically illuminate pathways when movement is detected.

The benefits are twofold. First, they reduce the risk of trips by ensuring residents can clearly see their surroundings. Second, they provide reassurance—particularly for people living with dementia, who may become disoriented at night. A softly lit room helps avoid the panic of sudden darkness or harsh overhead lights, creating an environment that feels both safe and homely.

Beyond Traditional Mats: Ultraviolet Sensor Beams

Traditional pressure mats placed beside the bed or in front of the bathroom door have long been a staple of care home safety. They alert care teams when a resident is attempting to get up, ensuring help can arrive quickly if needed.

But ACI Care is going further by introducing ultraviolet (UV) sensor beams as an alternative. These unobtrusive beams, placed strategically around the bed area, detect when a resident is beginning to rise. Unlike mats, they don’t require physical contact, and they avoid the common problem of mats slipping out of position or creating trip hazards themselves.

The shift to sensor beams also reflects a deeper commitment to dignity. Residents often dislike the idea of stepping onto a mat every time they leave their bed. UV sensors, by contrast, are invisible to the eye, quietly doing their job without interfering with daily routines.

Keeping Mats in the Toolbox

That said, ACI Care recognises that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. For some residents, mats remain the most practical and reliable option. They are still part of the toolkit, and in one of ACI Care’s homes, wireless mats have recently been introduced.

Wireless mats offer greater flexibility, reducing the clutter of cables and allowing staff to reposition them easily depending on individual needs. This adaptability is crucial, as residents’ circumstances change over time. Falls prevention isn’t static—it must evolve with each person’s health, mobility, and preferences.

Beds That Lower the Risk

Another area of focus is the use of high-low profile beds. These beds can be adjusted to sit lower to the ground, minimising the impact if a resident does fall. Combined with cushioned flooring or crash mats, they create a much safer environment for those at higher risk.

ACI Care also makes use of soft foam wedges placed discreetly under the bedding. These wedges create a gentle raised edge to help prevent residents from rolling out of bed. Unlike bedrails, they are a least restrictive option—allowing residents to maintain independence while reducing the risk of injury. For people who find bedrails uncomfortable, undignified, or confusing, foam wedges provide a safe and comfortable alternative.

Importantly, both the adjustable beds and foam wedges support good care practice. Staff can raise beds to a comfortable working height for personal care tasks, reducing the risk of back injuries and ensuring carers can deliver support effectively. It’s a win-win: safer for residents, better for staff.

A Proactive Approach to Prevention

While technology plays a major role, ACI Care is keen to stress that falls prevention is never just about equipment. The organisation takes a holistic, proactive approach that considers the wider health and lifestyle factors contributing to falls risk.

Better Sleep

Poor sleep increases disorientation at night and can lead to more accidents. ACI Care supports restful bedtime routines, from calming environments to smart lighting, ensuring residents feel steadier and more alert during the day and more confident at night.

The Right Footwear

Ill-fitting slippers or shoes without grip are among the most overlooked causes of falls. ACI Care ensures residents have appropriate footwear, offering comfort, support, and safety in equal measure.

Hydration & Nutrition

Dehydration and malnutrition can cause dizziness, weakness, and low energy. Staff are trained to promote good hydration throughout the day—offering regular drinks, including decaffeinated options that are gentler in the evening—and provide balanced meals tailored to residents’ needs, helping to maintain strength and stability.

Expert Support

Falls prevention also relies on specialist input. ACI Care works closely with clinicians, occupational therapists, and dietitians to review care plans, adjust medications, and recommend mobility aids or environmental adjustments. These regular assessments mean issues can be addressed before they result in falls.

This proactive model ensures that residents are supported on every level: physically, emotionally, and clinically.

Residents at the Heart

Perhaps the most important feature of ACI Care’s strategy is its focus on resident experience. Technology can only go so far; what matters is how safe and supported people feel. Staff are trained to balance vigilance with respect for independence, encouraging mobility and confidence rather than creating a culture of fear.

Leading by Example

As the care sector grapples with rising demand, staffing challenges, and increasing expectations from regulators and families, providers are under pressure to do more with less. Yet ACI Care’s investment in falls prevention shows that safety and dignity don’t have to be compromised.

By piloting wireless mats, adopting sensor beams, improving hydration practices, and rolling out adaptive lighting, ACI Care is positioning itself as a forward-thinking provider that takes innovation seriously. More importantly, it is creating environments where residents can thrive, families can feel reassured, and staff can deliver care with confidence.

Looking Ahead

Falls will always be a risk in care homes—ageing inevitably brings frailty, reduced balance, and slower reactions. But how care providers respond to that risk makes all the difference. ACI Care’s work demonstrates that thoughtful design, smart technology, and compassionate practice can dramatically reduce incidents, protect independence, and improve quality of life.

As the organisation continues to test and refine its approach, it is helping to shape a culture where prevention is proactive, not reactive. And in doing so, it is not only protecting lives but also redefining what safe, dignified, and modern care should look like.