Plymouth Place Among First to Offer ‘Tango Belt’ Technology to Help Prevent Injuries from Falls

For older adults, few risks are as life-altering as a fall. A single misstep can change everything — independence, confidence, even longevity. Falls are the number one reason older adults move from independent living to assisted living, and hip fractures often mark a dramatic turning point. In many cases, people never fully recover.

At Plymouth Place in La Grange Park, Ill., the response to this reality has been forward-thinking, strategic and grounded in one clear philosophy: if you can’t completely prevent falls, let’s prevent serious injury.

Spotting What’s Next—Years Before It Arrives

Three years ago, Michelle Hart Carlson, vice president of Plymouth Management Services and Clinical Strategies, encountered the Tango^® Belt at the LeadingAge Chicago conference, while the fall-injury prevention wearable device was still undergoing rigorous FDA clinical trials. Designed to work like an airbag for the hips, the Tango Belt deploys during a serious fall, cushioning impact and helping prevent devastating injuries.

Hart Carlson immediately recognized its potential.

“I thought, ‘This will be life changing,’” Hart Carlson said. “I knew right away this was something we needed to bring to Plymouth Place.”

Rather than waiting on the sidelines, Plymouth Place stayed closely connected to the Tango Belt team throughout the FDA approval process. When the device received FDA approval this past April, Plymouth Place was ready — moving quickly to become one of the first communities in the country to offer this breakthrough technology.

A Breakthrough in Fall Injury Protection

In a major FDA clinical study, the Tango Belt demonstrated a 91 percent reduction in fall induced hip fractures, along with significant reductions in emergency department visits and hospitalizations.

This is critical because hip fractures are often catastrophic — many older adults who experience a severe fracture never regain their prior level of mobility, and outcomes can be life shortening.

Jay Biere, CEO of Plymouth Place, sees this innovation as a pivotal shift in how aging is supported.

“This technology changes the conversation,” said Biere. “Instead of reacting after a devastating injury, we’re taking a proactive approach that helps people stay independent, active and confident for longer.”

From Vision to Reality at Plymouth Place

One of the first continuing care retirement communities in the country offering this innovative technology, Plymouth Place will introduce the Tango Belt to residents this January. Representatives from ActiveProtective^®, the creators of the Tango Belt, will host an on-site information session and Q&A event.

Six Plymouth Place team members will serve as Tango Belt Champions, completing advanced competency training to become in-house experts and trusted resources for residents and families. The device will also be offered to participants in Plymouth Place’s Rock Steady Boxing program, where balance, strength, and mobility are essential to everyday progress.

“You can’t completely prevent falls,” Hart Carlson said. “So, let’s prevent injuries. That’s where this technology is truly transformative.”

Impact Beyond Our Campus

While the Tango Belt is being rolled out at select senior living communities across the country — including partnerships with the VA and other Chicago-area organizations — Plymouth Place is proud to be among the early adopters helping to bring this innovation to people right now.

More than a decade in the making, the Tango Belt underwent intense FDA scrutiny before approval—a level of validation that aligns with Plymouth Place’s commitment to evidence based innovation and leadership.

Importantly, access to the Tango Belt is not limited to Plymouth Place residents. Individuals throughout the broader community may contact Plymouth Place to learn more and be connected with appropriate medical and prescribing professionals.

Leading by Looking Ahead

Innovation at Plymouth Place has never been about chasing trends. It’s about identifying solutions that preserve dignity, independence and possibility—and acting early when something truly meaningful emerges.

“This is exactly the kind of advancement people have been waiting for,” said Biere. “We’re proud to help lead the way.”