Sensors
Bed and floor occupancy sensor
A bed occupancy sensor is a device, usually a pressure pad placed under the mattress or on the floor next to the bed, that monitors whether someone is in bed. It detects changes in weight or pressure, alerting a caregiver or monitoring centre if the person leaves their bed and doesn't return within a set timeframe, or if they haven't returned to bed by a certain time. This helps prevent falls and provides an early warning if someone might be wandering or in distress.
Bed weight sensor
A bed weight sensor detects when a person leaves their bed, triggering an alarm typically to alert onsite or nearby caregivers or family members. It works by detecting a change in weight on a pressure-sensitive device placed under the foot of stationary beds (not ideal for hospital or profiling beds that may move frequently). This helps prevent falls and provides peace of mind for those caring for individuals at risk of leaving their beds.
Benefits
- Assisting with fall prevention & earlier intervention in being able to support someone sooner
- Alerts carers when someone leaves their bed, helping prevent falls—especially during the night
- Enables timely assistance for individuals with mobility issues or cognitive impairments
- Improved night-time monitoring and reduces the need for physical checks, allowing for less intrusive monitoring and better sleep quality for the individual
- Supports independent living and enables people to live independently for longer by providing reassurance to family and carers
- Integration with telecare systems and can trigger alerts to monitoring centres or link with other devices (e.g., motion sensor lights, door sensors, or alarms) for a coordinated response
Things to Consider
- It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure this equipment is secure, set up correctly and regularly tested
- Consider if the alerts will be sent to an onsite handset or pager, if they’re compatible (if one is in place) or if one needs to be purchased as part of the setup
- Bed weight sensors work better on static rather than wheeled beds such as profiling or hospital beds
Enuresis sensor
An enuresis sensor (also known as a bedwetting alarm or incontinence sensor) is a device designed to detect moisture in a bed, typically caused by involuntary urination during sleep. These sensors are commonly used in both paediatric and adult care settings, especially for individuals with incontinence, dementia, or other conditions affecting bladder control.
Benefits
1. Promotes Independence and Dignity
- Enables discreet monitoring without constant supervision
- Helps individuals manage their condition with more autonomy
3. Improves Sleep Hygiene and Comfort
- Alerts caregivers promptly, allowing for quick intervention to change bedding and clothing, reducing skin irritation and discomfort
4. Reduces Risk of Skin Breakdown
- Prevents prolonged exposure to moisture, which can lead to pressure ulcers or incontinence-associated dermatitis
5. Enhances Night-Time Care
- Allows carers to respond only when needed, reducing unnecessary, intrusive checks and improving sleep quality for both the individual and the caregiver
Things to consider
Check for the most suitable alert mechanism
- Audible alarms, vibration, or notifications to a carer’s pager or smartphone.
- Consider the user’s hearing ability and the need for silent alerts.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure this equipment is secure, set up correctly and regularly tested
Consider if the alerts will be sent to an onsite handset or pager, if they’re compatible (if one is in place) or if one needs to be purchased as part of the setup
