Bed occupancy sensor prevents long lies after falling

The Bed Occupancy Sensor is placed under bed sheets. It can send an alert immediately when an individual exits the bed. Alternatively, the alarm can be set to send an alert only when a person does not return to bed within a reasonable time.

This means a carer or an operator in our 24hr-monitoring centre can take appropriate action to ensure the individual is safe. It can be used as a single device or installed as part of an integrated telecare system.

How the bed occupancy sensor works

• Firstly, the system can automatically sound an attached buzzer as soon as a person leaves the bed. An onsite carer can then ensure the individual is safe.
• The bed occupancy sensor can also be used with a radio trigger. This allows an alert to be sent up to 200meters in-house or to a neighbouring home.
• Finally, with any of the above options or as an alternative, the bed occupancy sensor can be used with one of our CareLink two-way speech base units. This means staff at our 24/7 CareLink Monitoring Centre will ensure that help is called for the individual if needed.

An additional option is to have the bed occupancy sensor automatically switch on a bedside light when getting up during the night and switch back off when an individual returns to bed. If an existing NurseCall system in place we can also supply fully compatible replacement bed occupancy sensors.

Why bed occcupancy sensors are important

The benefits of detecting falls and of raising an alert when someone is at risk of falling are often underestimated. Yet the consequences of having a fall range from distress, physical injury, pain and loss of confidence to a complete loss of independence. After having a fall, older people can also develop a fear of falling which restricts their everyday activity and actually increases the risk of having another fall. Bed occupancy sensors and other telecare devices can help alleviate this fear for many people. The equipment can also prevent the additional complications of a ‘‘long lie’’ on the floor. Around thirty per cent of people who fall, lie undetected for at least an hour and there is a direct correlation between how long people are on the ground after falling and their subsequent recovery. Fifty per cent of people who lie undetected for an hour or more will die within six months of having the fall. This is why it is crucial to have a bed occupancy sensor or other telecare devices installed when a person is at risk of falling. Please contact us for further information on our bed occupancy sensor or for details of any of our other telecare products for falls.

INFORMATION LEAFLET [PDF]: Bed Occupancy Sensor