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Best Bed Alarms for Dementia Patients
Introduction
Want to ensure the safety of your patient or loved one with dementia? A bed alarm is essential.
This alarm consists of two parts: a sensor, and the alarm device itself. The sensor detects changes in pressure that occur when your patient or loved one tries to get out of bed. This sensor then triggers the alarm, alerting you, the caregiver, that they need help.
Benefits of Bed Alarms
Whether used at home or in a professional care facility, bed alarms have three key benefits.
- Preventing falls and injuries: Many individuals with dementia need help to stand and to walk. However, they may forget to request assistance, or they may be unable to express this request verbally. By alerting you to their movements, a bed alarm ensures that you’ll be there in time to help your patient or loved one get out of bed, preventing falls and injuries.
- Alerting you to care for basic needs: Perhaps your patient or loved one is perfectly able to stand and walk by themselves but needs assistance with basic care needs, such as washing or toileting. Again, they may forget or be unable to express this request. By signaling when your patient or loved one has moved from their bed, a bed alarm prompts you to help them with these tasks.
- Preventing wandering: Sometimes, individuals with dementia wander in or around their homes or care facilities without supervision. A bed alarm prompts you to check on your patient or loved one when they move from their bed, and prevent unnecessary wandering that may jeopardize their safety.
Top Five Bed Alarms
To help you choose a bed alarm, I have compiled a list of five of our favorites. Each one is designed with the safety of your patient or loved one in mind.
Secure MAG-3
Price excl. shipping / Last update on 2024-04-15 at 23:29 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Equipped with a strong magnet, the Secure MAG-3 alarm is easy to mount on the frame of a bed, chair, or wheelchair and will prevent your patient or loved one from wandering or falling. This alarm features a locking alligator clip to attach it securely to clothing.
It comes with two alarm tones, three-volume levels, and a sophisticated in-room alarm identification system. Its lack of on/off switch ensures constant monitoring of your patient or loved one for guaranteed safety and peace of mind. Note: Not suitable for individuals with pacemakers.
Key features
- Features two-alarm tones, three-volume levels, an in-room alarm identification
- Has no on/off switch to prevent the patient from disabling
- Has circular magnet making it easy to pull away from random directions
- Locking alligator clip to securely attach to clothing
Pros
- Has two alarms and adjustable volumes
- Lack on/off switch to prevent patients from disabling
- Strong magnet
- Easy installation and mounting
Cons
- Not for patients with pacemakers
Vive Wireless Bed Alarm
Price excl. shipping / Last update on 2024-04-15 at 23:29 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Best for use in professional care facilities, this wireless alarm transmits alerts directly to your pager. It features a sensor that’s easy to set up and reset. It’s also waterproof and can be linked to over ten monitor alarms. Note: Pager not included.
Pros
- Easier to use with over ten monitor alarms
- Has a pad that’s easy to set up and reset
- It’s waterproof
- Wireless alarm
Cons
- Requires a pager that’s bought separately
SafeWander Bed Exit Alarm
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This wearable bed alarm comes with a compact, waterproof sensor that’s easy to attach to your patient or loved one’s clothing. Designed with your convenience in mind, this high-tech alarm sends alerts directly to your Smartphone, making monitoring easier than ever before.
While by far the most expensive product on this list, its long-lasting battery and hypersensitivity make the SafeWander well worth the investment.
Pros
- Has a compact sensor for clothing attachment
- Sends out the alerts to your Smartphone
- Its coin battery is durable; lasting up to six months
- The sensor is waterproof
Cons
- Too sensitive and expensive
- Accuracy not guaranteed
Secure MAT-3
Price excl. shipping / Last update on 2024-04-16 at 07:12 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This bed alarm is activated when your patient or loved one steps on the sensor, instantly alerting you to their movement. It features adjustable volume controls and comes equipped with a durable, slip-resistant cord. It’s also tamper-resistant, ensuring constant, reliable monitoring of your patient or loved one.
Pros
- Durable
- It’s slip-resistant
- Features an unbreakable cord
- Adjustable volume
- It’s tamper-resistant
Cons
- The large white lettering distracts the dementia patients
Smart Caregiver
Price excl. shipping / Last update on 2024-04-16 at 07:12 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This system comes with a wireless alarm and a durable, vinyl sensor. Controls make it easy to adjust the volume of alerts to suit your range of hearing. This product includes batteries and comes with a one-year warranty. Note: The sensor must be replaced annually.
Pros
- The system is made of the high-quality vinyl material
- Has adjustable volume
- Powered by 3 C-sized batteries
- There’s a 1-year warranty for the monitor
Cons
- The pressure pad needs annual replacement
Conclusion
Regardless of which model you choose, a bed alarm is a key to ensuring the safety of your patient or loved one with dementia. By alerting you as soon as your assistance is needed, a bed alarm helps you give them the quality care that they deserve.
Great Information. I am interested in helping seniors. One way is to help Dementia people themselves with bed alarms. Are there any concerns that would prohibit a senior from using your ideas? I enjoyed your post and will be coming back. Be safe.
I am looking for an alarm for sitting (not bed) patients who risk falling when no one is there to help them get up. My mother has dementia and needs help getting up to walk and on occasion, attempts to get herself up. Is not steady on feet and uses a walker. What do you suggest?
Hi Bessie,
I’ve used a rug alarm to warn me when my Dad is getting out of bed. These sound an alarm as soon as the patient puts a foot on the floor beside the bed. Ruggie is the most well-known brand version: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072MMWH58/?tag=deminstore-20, there are other cheaper alternatives too.
Hope that helps!