Before tucking yourself in bed, you want our elderly parents to be safe and secure throughout the night, right? Only then, we can have our peace of mind and enjoy a good night’s sleep. However, we are plagued with doubts about their wellbeing in the night when they’re alone in their rooms. What if they were to get up during the night and go away somewhere? Or, what if they fell out of their beds and are rendered unable to get back on their beds? These are severe concerns for people having loved ones who are tacking dementia and other serious illnesses.
However, a good solution is to install bed pads and alarm systems in their rooms of your loved ones. As such, the alarms start ringing upon sensing movement in the beds that the devices are attached to.
Such top bed alarm systems function with the help of pressure sensors. They can detect when the person is not on the bed and send alerts to notify the family members. The receivers pick up the alerts and transmit loud audible signals to relatives who are asleep in another room. In turn, you can do the needful as and when the situation arises, for keeping your loved ones safe and secure.
Now, to choose alarm systems that are suitable for your household while keeping in mind the condition of your loved ones, you must carefully ponder over some important considerations.
Buying guide: Bed alarms for elderly persons
Wireless alarm systems Vs Wired ones
The wireless and wired alarm systems vary on several counts. In the case of wired options, they are deemed more cost-effective and can synchronize both movement and sound speedily. They trigger alarms whenever they sense movement on the beds that they’re mounted upon.
Where wireless sensing bed pads are concerned, they do not work as fast as their wired counterparts. And possibly, there could be delays when the sensor translates movement to the alarm triggers.
Wired exit alarms offer two benefits: cost and synchronization. But the fact that they are loud enough so family members in the adjacent rooms can hear them is a drawback in some cases. Yes, in cases where the elderly individuals are suffering from dementia, the loud alarms can seem to be disturbing and confusing to them.
Plus, many bed exit alarm pads measure maximum 30 inches in width. As such, if they’re used on large-sized beds, then the bells could start ringing even when your loved one simply rolls to a different side of the bed. As such, they could transmit wrong signals and disturb you in vain.
On the other hand, in the case of wireless kits, you need not worry about your loved one waking up with the alarm sounds. You can only put them back to sleep without frightening or disturbing them.
Alarm Options
Loud noises are triggers for persons who have Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. To prevent your loved one from getting stressed, you can think of availing the different options in volume and ringer styles of the sending bed pad alarms when opting for the non-wireless sets.
Remember taking care of your ears is important as well. So, you could think of buying alarms that come with a range of volume options that are moldable to your loved ones’ needs.
Bed Exit Alarm Pad Material
When making your selection among the available options in bed exit alarm pads, the fabric that they are constituted with is important to consider.
Maximum bed exit alarms are composed of vinyl, for the material is durable, soft, and easily cleanable. More so, they offer protection to groups who are ailing from Incontinence problems.
Even so, many bed pads are made of latex; this material is commonly used in many medical products because of its versatility and elasticity features. Though, this fabric is not deemed safe for all, because it is known to give rise to allergic reactions such as rashes and hives.
Now, it may not be compulsory to buy sensing bed pads that are latex-free, because nearly all bed exit alarm pads are mounted underneath the fitted sheets. Nevertheless, you may feel at peace knowing that you’re purchasing a product that does not cause unwarranted irritation.
Bed exit alarm pad longevity
Over time, bed exit alarm pads have to be replaced because of normal wear and tear. Ensure to note the manufacturer’s specifications pertaining to this aspect. Though most have to be replaced after a year, yet some may require replacement after 45 days.
Surely, your pad could last longer than that, especially if you follow the given care instructions. Having said that, a backup can prove to be useful in cases where the pad gives out.
Batteries
Bed exit alarms work with the help of batteries. Some kits contain batteries and you can use them to start with. Study the product beforehand to know what types of batteries you will require (mostly CCC ones) and keep them ready to use when the bed exit alarms are delivered to you.
To choose floor mats or bed mats
Floor mats do not come in the user’s way while they’re asleep. And owing to the individual’s mobility levels, they reduce the chances of false alarms.
Conversely, bed mats have a tendency of sliding around and raising the chances of false alarms.
Bed mats are an inconspicuous alternative for seniors who are sensitive to having bed alarms. And in cases of the alarms being independent of the mats or pads, the user is benefitted from the protection whilst not being disturbed by the alarms.
Essentially, you want to take the correct decision; and, for the same, you should consult the senior person who will be utilizing the device. Possibly, talk to them and hear their opinion before your purchases.
Of course, doing so may not be applicable to everybody’s situation, but even them as much as possible, allow the seniors to share their views on what best works for them. And assure them that you’re trying to help them in achieving their objective of aging in the best manner possible.
