Abstract: According to embodiments of the invention, a protective device is used for preventing injuries to an elderly person. In an embodiment, the protective device is a garment assembly having an outer portion defining an inside area and an inner portion defining an outside area. The device is adapted to decide whether a fall has occurred with respect to the elderly person. When a fall is detected, gas is supplied from the inside area to the outside area to inflate the outer portion. Upon inflation, the outer portion provides a soft surface for dampening the impact of the elderly person with a hard surface, thus minimizing the chance of injury.