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, dementia patients experience a higher fall risk and an increased tendency to wander. Bed alarms can help dementia caregivers stay alert 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

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.

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 senior adults in the United States will experience a fall each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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 will alert caregivers to these types of movements and send immediate notifications that assistance is needed, reducing the risk of a dangerous accident.

Wandering is another common symptom for people living with 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. In progressing stages of dementia, seniors often begin sleeping during daylight hours after encountering insomnia at night. They might respond to these disrupted sleeping patterns by wandering, getting out of bed, or even leaving the safety of home.

When you begin to notice signs of wandering or if a loved one experiences a fall, implementing a bed alarm is a simple but crucial step in maximizing their safety.

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Bed alarm benefits and features

With a variety of bed alarms for dementia patients 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.

A bed alarm 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, allowing you to care for their basic needs and closing the window of opportunity for injuries and wandering.

From motion sensors and foot pads to wearable technologies and mattress monitors, the following are excellent bed alarms for dementia patients.

Best bed alarms for dementia patients

1. 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, and a signal is sent to the cordless monitor when body weight is no longer sensed.

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 Amazon for $109.95.

2. Sammons Preston Magnetic 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 at one end to a chair or bed frame and at the other to an item of clothing worn by your loved one. When the magnet becomes detached due to motion, an alarm sounds while a red light flashes, signaling that immediate attention is required.

Because this device is easily moved, it’s great for use in a variety of situations — from making sure someone remains safely seated in their wheelchair to ensuring your loved one doesn’t get up from the bed overnight.

Cost: The magnetic alarm system is available through Performance Health for $22.31.

3. 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 someone has stepped out of bed or breached the threshold of a door.

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’ll receive the wireless monitor and cordless floor mat.

4. Early Alert Bed Alarm System

Features: The Lunderg Early Alert Bed Alarm System uses a 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. A wireless monitor reaching 400 feet from the alarm pad can be carried around or attached to a wall with the included mounting bracket.

Cost: Get this alarm from Lunderg’s online store for $119.95.

5. Wireless Caregiver Pager Motion Sensor Alert

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 and flashing LED lights, caregivers will receive a notification from the wireless pager when movement occurs within a 16-foot range of the sensor.

Cost: Receive both the plug-in pager and motion sensor for $25.99.

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Beyond bed alarms: Additional dementia resources and support

Bed alarms for dementia patients are essential for caregivers providing support to a loved one aging in place. These tested and trusted devices provide a renewed sense of security knowing that you’re implementing safety measures against fall risks and wandering.

As your family member progresses through the ever-evolving stages of dementia, it’s critical to understand what to expect and how to plan for care at each stage. Providing home care on your own may become overwhelming, especially as the disease progresses. If you need help creating a plan for appropriate care or would like additional information on professional memory care in your area, contact one of our knowledgeable Senior Care Advisors today.

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References

Alzheimer’s Association. Wandering.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, October 26). Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, December 16). Keep on your feet — Preventing older adult falls.

Meet the Author

Leah Hallstrom

Leah Hallstrom is a copywriter at OurParents, crafting articles on senior living topics like home health, memory care, and hospice services. Previously, she worked as a communications professional in academia. Leah holds bachelor’s degrees in communication studies and psychology from the University of Kansas.

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