Best Bed Alarms For Elderly (A Comprehensive Guide)

by Kim Davies June 14, 2022

One of the most challenging aspects of caring for people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia is the anxiety created by a complete loss of self-sufficiency. Their memory is fading, and they may not be able to remember how to get safely to their bed. This is why an elderly bed alarm can put your mind at ease while you sleep.

These alarms are not used to stop older adults from getting out of bed; they are intended to notify caretakers when assistance is needed. Bed alarms are designed to let caretakers know if someone in bed is attempting to get out of bed. Without proper assistance, this could lead to a dangerous fall. Monitoring motion while the patient is in bed, may help prevent falls.

In a hospital setting, preventing falls is the primary purpose of a bed alarm system. A patient’s motion is monitored electronically, and if the system detects motion, it sounds an alert. After that, the patient’s carer must help the patient get up or lie down.

Factors to Think About Before Making a Purchase

Before purchasing a bed alarm for elders, you should consider a few key factors. You can ensure that your senior's bed alarm is long-lasting and reliable by paying attention to these specifics.

Alarm Sound Selection

If you're going to get an alarm clock, be sure it provides a variety of sound selections. Seniors, especially those with Alzheimer's and dementia, are particularly sensitive to loud and distracting noises. Because of this, it’s best to check to see whether the bed alarm for elderly you buy can adjust the volume and tone.

Durability

The bed alarm's lifespan is comparable to that of other pieces of equipment, which means that it will eventually need to be replaced. It's very uncommon for manufacturers to make it apparent how long they think your gadget will survive before it has to be replaced. Even if you take exceptional care of them, it's necessary to keep an eye on their longevity when it comes to bed alarms. Depending on how long the device is expected to last, you may also make sure you have a backup.

Wired and Wireless Options

There are various methods to go about deciding between wireless and wired choices. Wired bed alarms sync up sound and movement more rapidly and are generally less costly than wireless alarms. There are, however, certain disadvantages. To be heard in another room, wired alarms must be audible. Using a wireless bed alarm can allow you to keep an eye on your senior loved ones without waking or disturbing them.

Inclusion of Batteries

Inquire whether or not batteries are included with the bed alarm you want to purchase before you make your final decision.

Medicated Sleep or Hearing Loss Makes It Hard to Wake Up

Getting out of bed in the morning might be a challenge for the elderly who are deaf or elderly who are on sleep medicine. Their daily routine, medicine intake, and ability to get a good night's sleep might be negatively affected if they don't wake up on time.

A bed alarm for seniors that helps those with hearing loss get a good night's sleep and makes the mornings more bearable for others around them: There is one alternative: a vibrating alarm clock.

As a wise option, use an alarm clock that employs something other than a typical buzzer sound, such as a bed shaker or flashing lights or an extra loud buzzer, or an alarm clock that incorporates a snooze button. You may use any or all of the three functions in any order.

Conclusion

Caring for your elderly loved ones becomes increasingly difficult when you can’t keep watch as they sleep. Their memory is fading, and they may not be able to remember how to get safely to and from their bed. Thankfully, an elderly bed alarm can put your mind at ease while you sleep.

A bed alarm for seniors would greatly help you in caring for your senior loved ones. At HearGlow, we take great pride in being a helpful resource regarding the latest technology that can benefit our customers. Check out our other content today!