Larksfield Place Retirement Communities, Inc. (LFP) has partnered with VirtuSense Technologies™ to take a new step in proactive healthcare by adopting their innovative ecosystem through VSTAlert and VSTBalance. VirtuSense Technologies, an artificial intelligence (AI) company, offers innovative solutions to prevent falls in older adults. Their AI ecosystem utilizes infrared sensors and machine learning algorithms to provide actionable data for healthcare professionals before a fall occurs.

Larksfield Place is the first retirement community in Kansas to implement this revolutionary AI ecosystem. In addition, by enlisting the rehabilitation services of Select Rehab, LFP is able to better serve their residents and keep them healthy and active longer by proactively preventing falls in their community.

VSTBalance approaches fall prevention from a long-term perspective by providing in-depth data on resident strengths and weaknesses. The system takes in diagnostic information throughout a short, physical assessment guided by a clinician, and provides detailed data regarding balance, function, and gait, including a definitive Fall-Risk percentage. “The ability to stay in independent living longer by preventative measures is a happy consequence of VSTBalance screenings for our residents,” LFP President & CEO, Michael Hambley says.  “This is a very discerning community, and they are gratified to know this proactive approach reduces falls in our Assisted and Independent Living buildings by over 70%.”

To protect residents who are identified as a high fall risk, LFP took measures to ensure extra precautions were in place with VSTAlert.  LFP was able to reduce falls with injury by 80% in its short-term rehab unit.  VSTAlert identifies a resident’s intent to exit their bed or chair 30-65 seconds before they get up, notifying staff to prevent a fall. This allows staff to attend to the resident quickly and efficiently, reduces Fall-Risk, and creates a seamless and comprehensive way to monitor a care wing or floor from a centralized screen and on nurses’ smart phones.  

Select Rehab’s therapists, using VSTBalance, have helped LFP better manage its residents’ health communitywide, ensuring the healthiest residents age in place gracefully, while also determining interventions for those with greater needs.  Using VSTBalance and VSTAlert in tandem allows LFP to create an optimized and highly effect fall prevention plan.

Read the full Larksfield Place/VirtuSense Case Study.

Larksfield Place Retirement Communities, Inc. opened in 1988 as a charitable, nonprofit Life Plan Community.  Located on 60 acres in Wichita, Kansas, LFP is comprised of 191 independent apartments and villas, 72 assisted

living and memory support, and an 83-unit health center providing short-term and long-term skilled nursing.  ACHC Accredited Home Health and Hospice services are available in-house and off-campus. www.larksfield.org

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Nicole Schings is the Director of Member Services and Business Development. Nicole joined the association in 2018, and oversees our Member Services program, our Partnership and Associate Member relationships, and our online education system. A graduate of Washburn University, Nicole uses her 22 years of experience in the association world to enhance the support of our members, problem solve their issues and bring new partners into the LeadingAge Kansas family. Outside of work, Nicole is passionate about geocaching and moments spent with her dog, Blu. You can reach Nicole directly at 785.670.8048.