Aging in place has become more convenient than ever, given that there are a number of safety products for elderly individuals in the market today. A lot of these tools aid with fall prevention, seeking to promote peace of mind and a good night's sleep. Bed alarms for seniors are one popular elderly care device that monitors patients' movements.
Bed alarms are sensor pads that are placed on a patient's bed. If the patient moves or falls off the bed, the alarm unit will be triggered to alert a caregiver. They are normally put on top of a mattress and under the sheets to be a discreet and comfortable pad that has a wireless alarm.
This life-saving device is ideal for dementia patients as it can alert caregivers even when they are not on watch. Bed exit alarm pads can prevent grave fall-related accidents that could cause serious injury.
Some common types of bed pads include:
Narrowing down your choices for the best bed exit alarms may be a little tedious because of the number of choices there are in the market, so we've done the job for you. Here's a roundup of some of the best bed alarms available in 2022:
| Product Name | Ideal Security Pressure Mat Alarm | Smart Caregiver Wireless and Cordless Weight Sensing Bed Pad | Secure Bed Exit Alarm Set for Fall and Wandering Prevention | Smart Caregiver Wireless Alarm With Bed Sensor Pad and Chair Sensor Pad | Patient Aid Caregiver Alarm & Fall Prevention System |
| Cost | $23.62 | $98.97 | $54.99 | $169.95 | $36.95 |
| Dimension | 21.75" x 13.75" | 10" x 30" | 12" x 30" | 10" x 30" | 10" x 30" |
| Ease Of Use | Easy to set up and you have the option to mount it on a wall | Very easy to set up and use | Easy to set up and stow away | Very easy to set up on beds or chairs; Comes pre-programmed | Very easy to use and set up |
| Features | Long cord, loud alarm sounds | Wireless bed alarm, multiple setting options | Metal connector for durability, loud alarm, tamper-resistant | Two kinds of pads for beds and chairs, adjustable volume | Three options for mounting |
| Other Notable Specs | Minimal installation required | Alarm goes off in caregiver's room | Antimicrobial | Wireless bed alarm | Comes with 9V batteries |
The Ideal Security Pressure Mat Alarm is a cost-effective option ideal for those who want a bed alarm sensor on a budget. It is a battery-operated system and you can even mount it onto a wall. The entire unit can be placed anywhere you wish — under rugs, bath mats, and the like. It is on the bulkier side and will work best if the caregiver is staying in a room beside the patient.
It may not be the most aesthetic-looking bed pad alarm, but it definitely does what it promises to do. In addition, it has three different modes or alarm sounds to choose from.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable | Not wireless |
| Its wire is 30-feet long | Bulky |
| No installation necessary | Not aesthetically pleasing |
The Smart Caregiver Wireless and Cordless Weight Sensing Bed Pad is a great bed sensor alarm to invest in because it has everything you could possibly ask for. It is made with soft vinyl, making it easy to wipe clean. It's great for those who frequently have bedwetting accidents because it is incontinence-proof.
The wireless bed alarm has a caregiver pager with an alarm that goes off in another room so that the patient remains undisturbed.
| Pros | Cons |
| Incontinence resistant | Can easily be set off |
| One-year warranty | On the pricier side |
| Easy to clean | Power adaptor sold separately |
The Secure Bed Exit Alarm Set is a good mid-range bed alarm system for seniors who frequently wander at night. Additionally, it is antimicrobial and incontinence-proof. This system is very durable as it comes with a metal connector, and its alarm monitor is made of ABS plastic with a velcro holder.
The alarm is quite sensitive and loud, so to turn it off, you will need to press the reset button for three seconds.
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable | Not wireless |
| Has no weight restrictions | May be a bit too loud |
| Batteries included | May fit weirdly on irregular types of bedding |
This model by Smart Caregiver has a comprehensive list of features that offer everything you need and more in an alarm system. It has a wireless alarm that can be used for both a bed and chair sensor pad. The alarm noise goes off when pressure changes, and it is placed between a user's shoulder blades, on a wheelchair, or any other seat to turn into a chair alarm.
To switch off the alarm, you reapply pressure to the sensor pads or press a button on the monitor. It has adjustable volume options and the exit alarm can be placed up to 100 feet away from the pads.
| Pros | Cons |
| Two types of pads included | Batteries are not included |
| Wireless | On the pricier side |
| Volume is adjustable | Chair sensor pad may not be necessary |
The Patient Aid Caregiver Alarm & Fall Prevention System is another affordable exit alarm to consider. It is made with advanced vinyl, is latex-free, and is water-resistant. The alarm has two volume levels and alert chime sound options. Also, the system comes with a U-bracket that allows you to clip the device behind a bed, chair, or any other convenient location.
Plus, it comes with a wall bracket with screws and adhesive strips that can be secured through a hook and loop style of securing. The system is also very discreet and sleek.
| Pros | Cons |
| Batteries already in the battery compartment | Chair pad not included |
| Volume and sound options available | May not have as many volume options compared to other systems |
| One-year warranty included | Mostly has to be used within the patient's bedroom; can cause disturbance |
When deciding on a bed exit alarm, there are several factors to consider. Using a standard guide as we will outline here should help you look at and assess your options side-by-side. To start, decide whether you want a cordless system or if having a wire is fine with you. Be sure also to check what the motion sensor pads are made of so that you know you'll be comfortable.
Additionally, it may be a great help if it is waterproof and antimicrobial while also being effective for incontinence. Check for durability, sensitivity, volume options, and more. A basic bed exit alarm for seniors is usually affordable, but if you are looking for more premium materials and features, you can expect to pay over $100.
For more guidance on bed exit alarms, check out some of these frequently asked questions:
Bed alarms are one of the most effective senior care tools that reduce the risk for falls and wandering, which are extremely common occurrences among the elderly population.
Most bed exit alarms can be conveniently put on top of mattresses to monitor seniors' movements while they are asleep. However, a lot of alarm systems can also be used on lounge chairs or wheelchairs to prevent falls from these seats as well.
Bed alarms can prevent patient falls as these have motion sensor pads that monitor the movement and pressure changes that seniors make while on a bed. These set off alarms to inform caregivers if a patient has moved or fallen.
When considering what tools you may need to ensure seniors sleep safely and soundly, consider getting a bed sensor pad. The best bed alarms can prevent seniors from wandering or falling and can ease the burden off of caregivers as well. Check out Senior Strong’s article covering bed aids for seniors for more safety products!
