Taking care of senior loved ones often requires constant supervision. That can lead to extreme stress and burnout for caretakers. If you’re losing sleep because you’re worried and need to keep an eye on your elderly loved one, a bed alarm can help. The alarm warns you when your charge is off the bed, so you can sleep without worries or attend to chores and responsibilities while your loved one sleeps.
What is a Bed Alarm Monitor?
A bed alarm monitor is a warning system. Sometimes, they are small, wearable devices. However, those devices may be uncomfortable. A sensor pad with cushioned material is a better choice. It’s easy to wipe clean, and it sends you a warning when your charge tries to get off the bed. You can also choose the right size for the bed and find one that best fits your patient’s needs.
Why Use a Bed Alarm Monitor?
More flexibility. You won’t have to stand outside the bed anymore or constantly have your elderly loved one under your supervision when you have a bed alarm in place. That gives you and your patient more flexibility since you won’t have to supervise them all the time.
Effectiveness. Weight-sensing bed alarms are easy to use, and they’re effective at sending a warning signal. However, keep in mind the distance for the alarms to be effective. Some have a range of 300 feet, so the alarm and monitor can be in separate rooms. That allows you to look after your charge without intruding too much on their privacy. That also gives you more time and privacy.
Improves safety. Dementia patients have higher fall risks and exhibit wandering behavior. Also, one out of four senior adults in the US experience a fall every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. A bed alarm is useful, so you can protect your elderly loved one from wandering. It also tells you when they’re getting out of bed, so you can go to them and assist them as they move around. That prevents fall accidents.
Aids sleep. Many seniors in the later stages of dementia also begin to sleep during daylight hours, resulting in disrupted sleep patterns. That means they are more likely to wake up at night. Combined with wandering behavior, they can end up leaving home and getting lost. A bed alarm helps ensure their comfort, so they can sleep. It also warns you if they try to get off their beds in the middle of the night, so you can keep them safe at home.
How Do You Shop for Bed Alarm Monitors?
There are plenty of factors to consider when you shop for monitors. Consider the size. Is it big enough for the bed? Which system will work best for your patient? Will it be comfortable? What features does it have? Will it alert you to motion as soon as possible? Consider which choices suit your needs and budget the most before you buy a bed alarm for your patient.