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5 Best Bed Alarms for Dementia Patients
Written by Leah Hallstrom
about the author
8 minute readLast updated November 6, 2023
Maximizing the safety of loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia is always top of mind for caregivers. Due to destabilizing symptoms, the tendency to wander and the consequent fall risk for dementia patients increases. Bed alarms can help dementia caregivers by alerting them when their loved ones are on the move. Explore a range of bed alarms and understand their key features and benefits.
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Fall risks and wandering in dementia patients
If you’ve ever wondered how to stop dementia patients from wandering at night, a bed alarm could be exactly what you need. Bed alarms for dementia patients provide alerts when they sense unexpected motion, like the act of rising from bed overnight or standing up without assistance. This proactive monitoring can provide caregivers with peace of mind by allowing them to attend to other tasks with full focus or rest without worry. Bed alarms may also decrease the fall risk for seniors with dementia. Falls are the leading cause of injury for seniors over 65, and those experiencing dementia symptoms are often even more at risk. One out of four older adults in the United States will experience a fall each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.[01] In the early and middle stages of dementia, challenges with balance and coordination often become more frequent. Dementia can also affect the way that people perceive and interpret information visually, making it more difficult to identify obstacles and navigate around them safely. While attempting to explore spaces that once seemed familiar, dementia patients can struggle with activities of daily living, such as being able to easily transfer from a chair or bed, potentially leading to a fall. An effective bed alarm for elderly patients will immediately alert caregivers to these types of movements, reducing the risk of a dangerous accident. Wandering is another common symptom of dementia that can cause individuals to become lost or confused about their surroundings. Six in 10 people with dementia will have an episode of wandering, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.[02] As dementia progresses, seniors often begin sleeping more during the day after experiencing insomnia. These disrupted sleeping patterns may result in wandering, getting out of bed, or even leaving the safety of home at night when caregiver supervision is usually reduced. When you begin to notice signs of wandering or if a loved one experiences a fall, implementing a bed alarm for seniors with dementia is a simple but crucial step in maximizing their safety. Bed alarms for seniors will alert you to motion, signaling that someone is trying to get out of bed or leave their safe, dedicated space. At the point of alarm, you will be notified that your loved one needs help. This allows you to monitor their whereabouts without providing direct supervision, effectively closes the window of opportunity for injuries, and reduces the dangers of wandering.
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Best bed alarms for loved ones with dementia
With a variety of specially made bed alarms for dementia available, how do you know which one is right for your family member? The type of bed alarm needed will likely depend on your loved one’s current stage of dementia and their level of mobility. From motion sensors and foot pads to wearable technologies and mattress monitors, the following are excellent bed alarms for seniors with dementia. With a range of 300 feet, the bed alarm pad and monitor can be used in separate rooms, allowing maximum privacy for both you and your loved one. For dementia patients who experience disrupted sleep patterns, traditional mattress pad alarms can be incredibly helpful. Cost: The Smart Caregiver Wireless System is available from Liberty Health Supply for $114.99. Because this device is easily moved, it’s great for use in a variety of situations — from making sure a loved one remains safely seated in their wheelchair to ensuring they don’t get up from the bed overnight. Cost: The Sammons Preston Magnetic Alarm is available through Performance Health for $24.71. The wireless alarm allows for more freedom, as the caregiver doesn’t need to be near the mat to receive a notification. For dementia patients who have exhibited wandering outside the home, floor alarms are an excellent option for motion detection at doorways. Cost: For $189.95, you can purchase the wireless monitor and cordless floor mat from Amazon. Cost: The Early-Alert System is available on Amazon for $124.95. Cost: Receive both the plug-in pager and motion sensor from Amazon for $25.99.
Smart Caregiver Wireless Bed Alarm System
Features: This weight-sensing bed alarm pad emits a signal to a wireless monitor when someone gets up from bed, alerting a caregiver that assistance is needed. Simply position the soft foam pad beneath a bed sheet or under a chair cushion. When the pad no longer senses body weight, it sends a signal to the cordless monitor.Sammons Preston Magnetic Chair Alarm
Features: A trusted brand in home care, Sammons Preston offers their convenient magnet alarm for reliable monitoring. This economical option is a simple tool that attaches to a chair or bed frame at one end and to an item of clothing worn by your loved one at the other end. When the magnet detaches due to motion, an alarm sounds and a red light flashes, signaling that immediate attention is required.Smart Caregiver Cordless Floor Mat
Features: This reliable, cordless floor mat senses when body weight is applied and sends an alert to the wireless monitor that your loved one is up and about. The durable and easy-to-adjust mat will chime when it senses that someone has stepped out of bed or breached the threshold of a door.Early-Alert Bed Alarm System
Features: The Lunderg Early-Alert Bed Alarm System uses unique software that detects motion indicating a person is getting ready to stand up, notifying caretakers before their loved one is actually out of bed. This patented software can differentiate between simple repositioning and the act of rising from bed. The wireless monitor has a range of 400 feet and can be carried around or attached to a wall with the included mounting bracket.Wireless Caregiver Pager With Motion Sensor
Features: Stay aware of your loved one’s movements with the EverNary Wireless Caregiver Pager. This motion detector can be used anywhere — mount it on a nightstand in a bedroom or affix it near a doorway to serve as an entry and exit sensor. With 58 different chime settings, five volume levels, and flashing LED lights, caregivers will receive a notification from the wireless pager when movement occurs within a 16-foot range of the sensor.
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Beyond bed alarms: Additional dementia resources and support
Bed alarms for seniors with dementia are essential for caregivers providing support to a loved one aging in place. Implementing safety measures against fall risks and wandering can provide a renewed sense of security. As your family member progresses through the stages of dementia, it’s critical to understand what to expect and how to plan for care at each stage. Providing care on your own may become overwhelming. If your loved one needs more help at home or you’d like additional information on memory care communities in your area, contact one of our knowledgeable Senior Care Advisors today.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, September 6). Older Adult Falls Data.
Alzheimer’s Association. (2023, January). Wandering and getting lost: Who’s at risk and how to be prepared.
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