The Advantages of Having a Bed Alarm for the Elderly

by Kim Davies July 6, 2022

For seniors and those with Alzheimer's disease, bed alarms are devices that can detect movement. These devices alert the caregivers if the patient attempts to get out of bed on their own.

The continual monitoring of senior patients may cause stress or burnout to their caregivers.

Gadgets like bed alarms for the elderly can aid caretakers by eliminating restless evenings, constant monitoring of the patient's bed, or standing outside the room. The patient's slumber also allows caregivers to do other vital things, get some rest, or spend quality time.

You don't need to be in a nursing home or a hospital to have a bed alarm. A bed alarm can be a lifesaver if you're caring for an elderly family member.

Choosing the proper type of bed alarm is the key to better health care solutions and more freedom for the patient and the caregiver. In this article, we will run you through how you can benefit from bed alarms for elderly and dementia patients.

Gives the Caretakers More Flexibility

Caretakers must always keep an eye on their patients or loved ones as part of their duties. However, as they are also human, they also need time to recover, take care of other pressing matters, and get some alone time while the patient sleeps.

By setting a bed alarm, a caregiver can be confident that they will be aware of when their assistance is required. It would be best if you used the wireless bed alarm option since it may be more user-friendly and convenient.

Prevent Wandering

People with dementia can exhibit a "wandering" tendency. Intentionally or unintentionally, they could try to get out of bed and depart the house or institution where they reside.

They may think they become lost and try to find their way home. To deter your patient or a loved one from straying, a bed alarm can assist avoid this situation by sounding an alert the instant the individual wakes up.

Avoid Falls

One of the worst-case scenarios you may imagine while caring for an older adult or a person living with dementia is a fall. The danger of falling rises considerably as people age or their mental and physical functions decline. You can be informed when someone needs your help via a bed alarm. A bed alarm allows caregivers to arrive in time to offer assistance.

Different Types of Bed Alarms

You can choose from the following bed alarms depending on your needs:

Affixed Infrared Alarms: Patients may move about the bed more easily with this alarm since it attaches to the headboard or side of the bed. The infrared beam detects movement and emits an alert if the patient attempts to stand.
Pulled String Alarms: A box-shaped device is linked to the bed using a string in this sort of bed alarm. In most cases, the shoulder seam of the patient's shirt is where the string is clipped. The box is often attached to the headboard of a bed. The alarm goes off when the patient begins to move on the bed, causing the string to come loose.
Mattress Detection Alarms: In this case, the alarm is hidden beneath the bed sheet. It sounds an alert when it detects shifts in mass or pressure. Once the weight is restored or the settings are manually altered, the alarm will no longer play.

Conclusion

The advantages of bed alarms for elderly and dementia patients are many. Caring for a loved one is a significant undertaking, but being able to sleep correctly, handle other pressing matters, and get some time for yourself can go a long way in ensuring that you can provide quality care.

Are you looking for a bed alarm for the elderly in the US? HearGlow offers various equipment, news, and reviews to improve the quality of life of seniors and their caretakers. Check out our other content today!