Taking care of a senior can be very challenging and stress-inducing, especially if your loved ones or ward has the habit of wandering around at night. Walking around unattended in dimly-lit settings is a potential safety hazard and can produce serious consequences. Installing a bed safety alarm system can help take some of the stress off your shoulders.
A bed alarm system is a safety device that monitors movement via an infrared sensor, a pressure sensor, or a string system. It usually consists of a bed pad with pressure sensors, or an infra-red or string movement monitoring system that is connected to an alarm.
The bed alarm notifies the caretaker of any unexpected movements made by the patient. So if your loved one is about to embark on a midnight adventure, you will know of it and be able to prevent them from taking a tumble.
This article will review the best bed alarms for seniors and will include a brief description of each product, followed by its features, pros, and cons, and buying advice.
Best Bed Alarm for Elderly
Below we provide detailed reviews for 10 of the best bed alarm systems available on the market. Make sure you find out the features of each before you make a purchase decision. The bed alarm you buy should have the features that will help you take care of the elderly you are in charge of.
The Secure MAG-3 magnet pull-cord alarm system is an ideal safety tool for bedridden individuals. It will notify the caretaker of any movement that is strong enough to pull at the cord. It is made of break-resistant durable plastic, so you don't have to worry about it breaking even if it does fall.
Another functional feature of the alarm system is that the user can adjust the volume setting to suit their preference and setting. They can increase it if they are at a distance or lower it for public spaces.
Features include:
Pros
Cons
Who is the model best for?
The model is ideal for patients with limited mobility or those suffering from partial or full paralysis.
The Secure 14BSET-1Y bed alarm system is a functional safety tool ideal for a patient suffering from partial or full paralysis. If the patient is not supposed to be out of bed without assistance, this is the alarm to use.
You can also convert it to a pin-pull-style alarm system to use when seated in a chair, adding to its functionality. It is comfortable to use, skin-friendly, portable, and multi-functional.
Features include:
Pros
Cons
Who is the model best for?
The model is ideal for people with a large house. The alarm rings loudly enough to be heard from quite a distance. It is particularly useful for bedridden individuals who should not be moving without assistance.
The Secure 45BSET bed alar system offers similar functionality to the 14 BSET. The only difference is that it cannot be turned into a pin-pull alarm system. If you aren't particularly keen on that feature, then this may be an excellent alternative to try. It features the same highly-responsive sensor alarm system and is just as comfortable to use.
Features include:
Pros
Cons
Who is the model best for?
The model is ideal for bedridden patients. It immediately notifies the caretaker of movement that can be potentially dangerous for the elderly.
If you're loved one needs monitoring but likes maintaining their personal space boundary. The Sammons Preston magnet alarm system is easy to use and is ergonomically designed. It comes with a functional clip allowing you to securely attach the monitoring device on the patient and give them the distance they need while also ensuring their safety.
Features include:
Pros
Cons
Who is the model best for?
The model is ideal for patients with a limited range of motion. It can help the caretaker keep track of their movements from a safe distance.
The Smart Caregiver Fall Monitor chair/bed is a functional safety tool ideal for seniors with a limited range of mobility. The pad features pressure sensors that trigger the alarm when the pressure is reduced. They can help the caregiver ensure the patient doesn't fall when getting in and out of bed.
Features include:
Pros
Cons
Who is the model best for?
The model is ideal for aged adults who have a limited range of motion and are at high risk of falling out of bed or from the chair/wheelchair.
The Smart caregiver alarm system features a mat, a corded light, and a cordless alarm system that makes for a functional set up. The cordless alarm removes the alarm from the senior's vicinity but also alerts the caregiver. The pressure sensor mat connects to the light, which automatically lights up as the senior steps on it, illuminating the room for late-night trips to the bathroom.
Features include:
Pros
Cons
Who is the model best for?
It is ideal for seniors who want to include an additional safety measure in their day-to-day lives. The automatic light is also an additional safety feature that can prevent the risk of falls for seniors who want to live an independent life but safely.
The floor mat by Smart Caregiver is another functional safety tool that allows the caregiver to monitor the senior's movement remotely. It can help prevent the senior from exiting the room unsupervised. It can also double as a bed/chair sensor pad, making it multi-functional.
Features include:
Pros
Cons
Who is the model best for?
The model is ideal for those seniors who tend to wander off at night. It can immediately alert the caregiver as the patient/ward tries to exit the room.
The smart caregiver bed and chair exit system set is ideal for those with limited mobility but enjoy outdoor excursions. They separate chair system provides optimal functionality as it reduces the need to remove the bed pad every time the senior has to use the chair.
Features include:
Pros
Cons
Who is the model best for?
The model is ideal for those with dementia or Alzheimer's as it allows the caretaker to monitor the patient and be alerted of their movements without disturbing the patient. It also helps prevent the risk of falls by alerting the caregiver of all movements.
The Smart Caregiver wireless and cordless weight sensing pad is ideal for bedridden patients. It alerts the caregiver of movement when the user attempts to get up from the bed, and the pad picks up on the reduced weight. It is a completely wireless and cordless mechanism that ensures optimal safety for the user.
Features include:
Pros
Cons
Who is the model best for?
The model is ideal for adults who are at high risk of falling off the bed at night. It is also ideal for those who spend a major portion of their day in the bed and cannot move without assistance.
FAQs – Bed Alarms for Seniors
A bed alarm is a safety tool that allows caretakers to prevent falls from the bed and ensure the patient or ward's safety at all times. It usually comes with a bend sensor alarm or a bed pad with an attached alarm that monitors the movement of the user.
The alarm is triggered when the user moves, or the pressure on the bed pad or sensor is reduced. It can help prevent falls but also help caretakers prevent late-night wanderings by the elderly.
A bed alarm can help the caregiver or loved ones of a senior keep track of their movements even when asleep. It can alert them of potential falls or late-night wandering, making it particularly beneficial for patients who have dementia or other illnesses.
It can also help the caretaker prevent major accidents by timely discovering the patient in case they do fall from the bed. With a working bed alarm, the caretaker doesn't have to monitor the elderly during the night physically.
It is particularly beneficial for seniors who tend to wander during the night as it can help the caretaker prevent them from falling down the stairs or leaving the house.
A bed alarm consists of a triggering mechanism such as a string, a pressure bed pad, or an infrared signal. They also vary by the type of signal they emit, the maximum volume, wireless or corded, and additional features such as a paging device, etc.
When choosing one for your seniors, you will have to understand what the reason is for you wanting to buy one. Is your loved one suffering from limited mobility, or are they suffering from a mental illness such as dementia?
The reason will guide your choice. If the senior has a habit of sleepwalking, then you may need to act quickly and should probably look at alarms with sensitive sensors and loud alarms. You will also have to choose between wireless or corded. Wireless may be a better option for seniors with limited mobility as wires can be a safety hazard.
Conclusion
The right bed alarm system can be a lifesaver. It not only helps the caretaker take optimal care of the patient but also ensures the senior is safe and protected at all times. In this article, we have reviewed 10 of the best bed alarm systems available in the market.
Before you make a purchase decision, we suggest you note down your requirements and read through our reviews to familiarise yourself with the value each bed alarm offers. Do not make a haphazard purchase decision because a bed alarm is critical for the safety of your loved ones.
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