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Fall Detection & Prevention

A study to advance fall detection devices for older adults   

Falls are a leading source of injury for adults as they age. We want to understand how innovative technology can detect falls in real time and document the circumstances around falls to help predict fall risk. Texas A&M University is partnering with Theora Care to advance wearable fall detection devices for adults ages  65 and older!   

Who we are looking for:  

We are looking for pairs who are familiar with each other . Specifically, we are looking for adults 65 years of age and older with noticeable changes in memory or cognition compared to younger ages , and their study partner should be someone that helps them with tasks as needed. Both persons will need to be part of the study, and either person can contact our team or fill out the first eligibility survey.  

If you’re interested in the study, you can fill out our eligibility form to see if you might be a good fit! Scan the QR code or click the link below.  

Theora Care Falls QR Code
http://bit.ly/theora1    

For more information, refer to our general information sheet or check out our FAQ’s below !   

* This study was approved by the Texas A&M University Institutional Review Board on 2/19/2025. IRB NUMBER: STUDY2025-0177

 

FAQs

Who can sign-up for the study?  

This study requires pairs/partners . Below is a table that explains what we are looking for in each pair/partner.   

If this information sounds like you and a loved one, we invite you to fill out the survey to see if you are eligible! If you don’t want to fill out the survey on your own, you can contact one of our team members to help you.   

 

Person 1 Person 2
  • Ages 65+ that has noticed a change in memory or cognitive abilities (compared to when you were younger).  
  • Live in one of the following areas:   
    Austin or Bryan/College Station   
  • Live in own home or place of independent living such as an apartment (i.e., not in a long-term care facility)   
  • A family member, spouse, or friend ages 18+ that helps person 1 with tasks as needed.  
  • Be in regular contact with person 1.  

What will each person do in the study?  

Each partner will do something different for the study. Below is a chart to show what each person will do based on their role.  

Person 1 Person 2
Ages 65+ that has noticed a change in memory or cognitive abilities (compared to when you were younger).   A family member , spouse, or friend ages 18+ that helps person 1 with tasks as needed.  
  • Schedule a home visit for the Theora Care team to install the system.   
  • Wear the tag or watch everyday for 12 months.  
  • Schedule up to three follow-up home visits with the Theora Care team.  
  • Share your experience with the tag or watch and system with the team.
  • Attend the home visit when Theora Care installs the system.
  • Complete a baseline survey about your partner.  
  • Attend home visits with the Theora Care team, and complete a follow-up survey at 3 month intervals.  
  • Receive monthly check-in phone calls from the team.   

 

How do I sign-up for the study?  

First, we need to see if you are eligible for the study. You can fill out the survey linked below to see if you are eligible. The survey takes about 5-10 minutes to complete.   

If you have any questions or concerns, or don’t understand any of the questions, let one of our team members know! You can call (512) 366-3765, or send an email to our team :   

Theora Care team at study@theoracare.com   or Christi Esquivel at c.esquivel@tamu.edu      

 

What happens after I fil out the survey?   

If you fill out the survey and are eligible, then we’ll need to see if your partner is also eligible. If you are eligible, you will automatically receive an email with a second survey for their partner to complete (person 1 must share with their partner – person 2!). Then, person 2 will complete their survey.   

If both of you are eligible, a study team member will send you consent forms to review, and schedule an enrollment session. Enrollment sessions can be completed virtually or in-person and will take between 30 min to 1 hour. This is a time for our team to go over all the information about the study and answer any questions you have.   

The last step is to schedule an installation and baseline visit. During this in-home visit, someone from Theora Care will install the technology and show partners how to use the device and mobile app.   

 

What will it cost me?  

If you are eligible, and commit to being in the study, there is NO cost to you or your partner ! We will cover all expenses for the technology. The only “cost” from you is your time and willingness to complete check-ins.   

 

Will I get to keep the device after the study ends?  

After the study ends, you may keep the smartwatch and the smartphone app. We will retrieve the rest of the system. Your smartwatch and smartphone app will continue to work once you have signed up for the monthly service plan. Current pricing is $39.97 per month. We will cover the first month of the service for you after the study ends. There are no service contracts, you may cancel your monthly service any time.  

 

Will I be compensated for participating?   

Yes. Each partner will receive up to $150 by the end of the study. Participants can choose whether they receive their payment via physical or digital gift card.   

 

What if I sign-up, and then decide I don’t want to do the study anymore?  

You can stop being in the study at any point in time if you change your mind. There will be no penalty. Just let us know, and we will send a team member to come pick up the technology from you/your partner.   

 

Can I recommend other people (friends or family) to sign-up?   

Yes! We invite you to share the study information with other people you know that may be interested and a good fit.   

 

Who can I contact if I have questions?   

If you have questions, you can contact us a few ways:  

Call: (512) 366-3765  

Email: study@theoracare.com or c.esquivel@tamu.edu