Bedroom Monitors for Elderly: Best Types, Brands & How to Choose -

By Maurice

If you're like most adult children, you worry about your elderly parents living on their own. You may have concerns about their safety and well-being, especially if they live alone. One way to help ease your mind is to install a bedroom monitor for your elderly parents in their home. This type of monitoring system can allow you to keep an eye on them remotely, whether you're across town or across the country. But how do you know which one is right for your parents? And how do you go about choosing one? Read on for tips.

Table of Contents

What is a Bedroom Monitor?

Types of Bedroom Monitors (please include, at a minimum, bedroom door alarms for seniors and bed alarms for seniors)

Best Brands & Models of Bedroom Monitors

Where to Buy Bedroom Monitors (online & in-store)

How to Choose the Best Bedroom Monitor for your needs

Conclusion

What is a Bedroom Monitor?

A bedroom monitor is a type of home security system that allows you to remotely monitor your elderly parents' bedroom. Useful for when parents have dementia, mobility issues, or other issues that require supervision but may not yet necessitate the use of an in-home carer, bedroom monitors serve to bridge the gap in care needs between independent living and assisted living.

If you're worried about your elderly parents' safety and well-being, a bedroom monitor can give you some peace of mind. It can allow you to check in on them remotely, whether you're across town or across the country, so you know if they have an accident or otherwise need assistance.

Types of Bedroom Monitors (please include, at a minimum, bedroom door alarms for seniors and bed alarms for seniors)

There are several different types of bedroom monitors available on the market. Some common ones include:

Bedroom door alarms: These systems typically consist of a sensor that is placed on the doorframe and an alarm that sounds when the door is opened. They can be used to alert you if your parents leave their bedroom at night or if someone tries to enter their bedroom uninvited.
Bed alarms: Bed alarms are designed to detect when a person gets in or out of bed. They can be used to monitor your parents' sleep patterns or to ensure they don't fall out of bed.
Motion sensors: Motion sensors can be placed in your parents' bedroom to detect movement. They can be used to monitor activity levels or to ensure that no one is in the room when they shouldn't be.
Camera systems: Camera systems can be used to remotely monitor your parents' bedroom. They typically include a camera that is placed in the room and a monitor that you can view from another location.
Two-Way Communication Systems: Two-way communication systems allow you to talk to your parents through the monitor. This can be useful if your parents still have their mental facilities but perhaps struggle with mobility, as they can easily let you know when they need assistance.

The type of monitoring system you use will depend on your parents' independence level, mobility level, and mental state, as they may need more or less active monitoring to lead a healthy and happy life.

Best Brands & Models of Bedroom Monitors

The best brands and models of bedroom monitors will depend greatly on what needs you have for your bedroom monitor, so it's important to establish that before you go shopping for your new monitoring system. Here are a few of our favorite bedroom monitoring systems for seniors.

VTech DM221-2 Safe & Sound Digital Audio Baby Monitor - This monitor offers great audio quality, and comes equipped with a 2-way radio setting should you need to talk through the monitor. The units are lightweight and easy to use, with large buttons and an easy-to-understand interface. By keeping the batteries charged, you should be able to use this monitor system for several years, enjoying its simple yet helpful features.
Optics DXR-5 2.4 GHz Digital Video Monitor with Night Vision - If your loved one isn't vocal, this monitor allows for video display as well as auditory monitoring. It has a 150-foot indoor range, with an even wider range for outdoor reception. A night vision setting is available so that you can keep track of your loved one even in the dark, and a voice-activated power-saving mode ensures that the monitor won't overwork itself if there's no noise.
Wsdcam Wireless Remote Door Alarm - A door alarm such as Wsdcam can alert you to your loved one wandering out of their room. The remote control that comes with the alarm has a range of 45 feet, and both the remote control and the alarm itself have a slow battery consumption rate. This alarm is very easy to set up, and one remote can control all alarms in the house if need be.
Wireless Bed Alarm And Bed Pad - This alarm is triggered by the user getting out of bed, which alerts the alarm elsewhere to the movement. The alarm does not sound from the pad, so your loved one will not be startled by any sudden noise. The pad itself is both waterproof and easy to clean, and having one in their bed helps to keep them safe by alerting you to potential falls in the night.

Where to Buy Bedroom Monitors (online & in-store)

There are a number of places adult children can shop for bedroom monitors to put in their senior parent's bedroom. Here are some suggestions:

Online: Bedroom monitors can be purchased online from a variety of retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.

In-store: Bedroom monitors can also be purchased from brick-and-mortar stores, such as Walmart, Best Buy, and Target.

If you're looking for a specialized bedroom monitor for your elderly parent, you're more likely to need to shop online to find the best monitor for your needs.

How to Choose the Best Bedroom Monitor for your needs

When choosing a bedroom monitor for your elderly parent, there are several factors you'll need to take into account. These include:

Your parent's needs: This will be the biggest factor in choosing what type of bedroom monitor is right for you. If your parent has dementia or another disease that affects their cognitive function, they need a high degree of supervision as their condition deteriorates. Having a monitor that detects whenever the door is opened can help keep them from wandering off and getting lost.

Meanwhile, if your parent has their facilities but is prone to falls, a bed alarm can help you keep track of when they get up at night so you know if/when they don't return to bed after, for example, a late-night restroom trip.

Your parent's level of independence: This will determine how much monitoring they need. If your parent is fairly independent and just needs someone to keep an eye on them in case of an emergency, a camera system may be all that's necessary. You may even just be able to use an audio-only two-way monitoring system so your parent can speak to you if they need help.

On the other hand, if your parent is not very independent and needs help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing and dressing, a video camera and audio system can be used to provide assistance when needed and supervise around the clock.

Conclusion

Purchasing a bedroom monitor for an elderly parent can provide peace of mind for both the parent and their adult child. By taking the time to talk to your parent about these critical issues and think about their needs, you can plan a strategy with them that will help them stay happy and safe, you can find the best type of monitor to keep your loved one safe.