Bed Alarm Systems for Fall Prevention with Elderly

Falls are a major cause of injuries with elderly. Independence seeking seniors are often put in danger when scaling the stairs, having a shower or even just trying to get up from the bed. Fall detection pendants are commonly known as the best safeguards, but certain studies also show the effectiveness of bed alarm systems used by hospitals. Bed alarms use some sort of sensor that detects when the elderly attempts to vacate the bed, and notifies the caregiver through the alarm. Bed alarms are a good addition to a home where the aging relative is prone to get up during the night, or tends to “wander off”.

Bed alarm system types

There are three types of bed alarm systems. Pull cord alarms utilize a magnetic tab that is attached to the alarm. You attach the plug to the back of the senior’s clothes, and place the alarm on the cupboard. When the resident moves away from the bed, they pull out the cord from the alarm, which immediately starts ringing. Bed pad alarms use a special sensor pad covered in soft vinyl that is placed under the sheet. It senses the pressure of the senior sleeping on it, and triggers the alarm when the weight is removed. In case the elderly lies back, the alarm is stopped. However, clever seniors might outwit the system by placing a heavy object on the pad. Last but not least, there are the motion sensor alarms. This sensor should be placed with a clear view at the bedside. If it detects movement, the device sends a signal to the remote alarm. Unfortunately, the sensor may be triggered when a pet or other person enters its field of vision.