Over 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Alzheimer’s disease is a very serious disorder that affects the brain functions associated with memory, language, and mobility. It is also the common cause of Dementia, which is not a disease but the name used to describe the loss of a person’s cognitive development.
Common Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease may differ depending on the patient. The most common symptoms include:
- Memory loss of current events, people’s names, their faces, and any recent information.
- Confusion about where you are or the time of day or time of year.
- Easily irritated or sudden mood changes.
- Unable to complete simple activities like bathing or brushing your teeth.
- Misplacing commonly used objects like keys, glasses, etc.
As the disease progresses, one of the most dangerous symptoms involves wandering. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that six out of 10 people with Alzheimer’s will wander. These patients may wander because they can’t remember where they live. They may try to return to a home where they remember living previously or try to go to a job they may have had in the past. As a result of their memory loss or confusion about where they are, they can easily walk away from their safe and secure environment.
The Dangers of Wandering
Alzheimer’s patients wandering is a huge problem for their loved ones and caregivers. One reason is, wandering can happen at any time of the day or night. Whenever it happens, the danger is genuine. Incidents are reported in news headlines regularly. In an Atlanta news report, the headline reads, “Search Continues for 69-Year-Old Atlanta Man with Dementia.” In New York, another headline reads, “89 Year Old Brooklyn Man Missing From Home: NYPD”. Stories like these leave families and caregivers constantly concerned about their loved ones with Alzheimer’s or Dementia wandering away. Although most of these patients are found safe, tragically, that’s not always the end result!
Helpful Solutions for Wandering
While researchers continue to search for a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, families and caregivers do have options to keep their loved ones and patients safe from wandering. One of those options is to invest in an easy-to-use and affordable alert system. Highly favored systems and most economical alert systems are provided by Smart Caregiver ™. Smart Caregiver offers Fall Prevention and Anti-Wandering Alert Systems designed to fit your specific need and budget. Below are 10 of their absolute best.
Cordless, Wireless Bed Alarm Alert System
The Cordless, Wireless Bed Alarm Alert System includes a 10 inch by 30-inch bed pad, a cordless monitor, and a remote nurse call button. It works by placing the pad on the bed underneath the patient and then placing the cordless monitor near the caregiver. The weight of the patient keeps the alarm from going off. When the patient gets up from the bed, the alarm sounds, alerting the caregiver. Place the remote nurse call near the patient’s bed or in the patient’s bathroom, and the patient can push the button to alert the caregiver that they need help. Ideal for if the patient accidentally falls or need help for other reasons!
Cordless, Wireless Bed Alarm Alert System - No Alarm in Patient's Room (10" x 30" pad w/Call Button)
Amazon.comFeatures
- 433-EC Economy CordLess Monitor has low, medium, and high volume setting with "Off/Chime" switches. 433-EC monitor uses three (3) C size batteries (not included) or AC-04 Adapter (not included)
- GBT-RI is a CordLess 10in x 30in Bed Pressure Pad that will send a signal to a CordLess Monitor
- 433-NC is a Remote Call Button that will notify the 433-EC Economy CordLess Monitor that the patient is in need of assistance
Smart Caregiver Economy Wireless Monitor and Motion Sensor
This Smart Caregiver Economy Wireless Monitor and Motion Sensor is the most economical and the most versatile. Place the motion sensor near doorways or near the patient’s bed, and place the wireless monitor near the caregiver. When motion is detected, the monitor sounds the alarm, alerting the caregiver in plenty of time to prevent elopement. It has a range of up to 300 feet.
Smart Caregiver Economy Wireless Monitor and Motion Sensor
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Features
- Smart Caregiver Versatile and Economical Wireless Monitoring
- System comes with 1 Economy Cordless Monitor and 1 Motion Sensor with swivel bracket for specific area motion sensing. Easy to monitor loved ones getting out of bed or leaving the room. Can be used above or by doorways or next to bed.
- The Monitor uses three "C" batteries and the Motion Sensor uses three "AA" batteries. (not included) Both Monitor and Motion Sensor can use AC-04 power adapter (not Included)
- Adjustable volume (Hi/Lo/Med) monitor also is expandable- handles up to 6 Cordless components
Smart Caregiver Monitor with Motion Sensor and Remote Reset Button
The Smart Caregiver Monitor with Motion Sensor and Remote Reset includes the wireless monitor and motion sensor mentioned above. It also has an added remote that resets the system. Place it in the location where it’s needed the most and rest easy. It’s the perfect system for nighttime!
Smart Caregiver Monitor with Motion Sensor and Remote Reset Button - Passive Monitoring so You Know When They Need Help
Features
- 433-EC Economy CordLess Monitor has low, medium, and high volume setting with "Off/Chime" switches. 433-EC monitor uses three (3) C size batteries (not included) or AC-04 Adapter (not included)
- 433-MS Motion Sensor has On/Off switch and is silent. 433-MS Motion Sensor uses 3 "AA" batteries (not included) or AC-04 Adapter (not included)
- 433-RB is a Remote Reset Button that will reset either the 433-EC or the 433-CMU remotely. This allows you to assist the patient instead of having to reset the monitor first.
Bed Alert System for Fall or Wandering Prevention
The bed alert system has a number of features to aid caregivers in wandering and fall prevention. It comes with a weight sensing bed pad and alarm monitor. This system also has the option to send alerts to other Smart Caregiver systems (sold separately). It is easy to set up and works with batteries as well as motion. Like the others featured here, this system quickly alerts the caregiver when the patient leaves the bed.
Bed Alert System for Fall or Wandering Prevention – Includes Monitor with 10in x 30in Bed Sensor Pad (Optional Use with Pager or Monitor, Not Included)
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Features
- TL-2020 Monitor has multiple features to help caregivers prevent against falls and wandering
- Features include Low Battery, Pad Lost, and Volume Control. Also has option to send signal to optional receivers to remove the alarm from the room.
- PPB-RI Bed Pad is a 10in x 30in Corded pad that when pressure is removed from the pad the monitor will alert the caregiver
- TL-2020 Monitor can send a signal up to 300 feet away to either optional 433-EC monitor (not included) or the optional TL-2020P pager (not included)
Smart Caregiver® Light Outlet with Cordless Grey Floor Mat and Cordless Alarm
This Smart Caregiver Light Outlet with Cordless Floor Mat and Cordless Alarm not only alerts the caregiver of wandering it also turns on the light in the room. As soon as the patient steps on the 24 by 48-inch floor mat, the lamplight comes on, and the cordless alarm alerts the caregiver in another room of movement.
Smart Caregiver® Light Outlet with Cordless Grey Floor Mat and Cordless Alarm - Turns on a Light When They get up and alerts a Caregiver in Another Room!
Features
- This product is great when used to remotely turn on a lamp or light when someone gets out of bed!!
- Plug in any lamp or light to the Smart Light Outlet that will turn on once someone steps on the Cordless Floor Mat.
- Smart Light Outlet fits into any grounded power outlet and receives a signal from the floor mat to activate a light plugged into it.
- Cordless 24in x 48in Grey Floor Mat will send a signal to the Smart Light Outlet and to the Cordless Monitor when pressure is applied to the mat.
- System includes a Smart Light Outlet, a Cordless 24in x 48in Grey Floor Mat, and a Cordless Monitor
FallGuard Basic Fall Monitor and Pad
The FallGuard Basic Fall Monitor and Pad is the most economical alert system. It’s very inexpensive, and it offers the simplest protection available. The difference in this system, as opposed to the systems above, is that the FallGuard is wired. A long attachable cord is connected to the monitor from the pad. Like the others, the pad is placed underneath the patient. When the patient attempts to get up or if the patient accidentally falls, the alarm will sound and alert the caregiver.
FallGuard Basic Fall Monitor Bed Pad
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Features
- Corded Caregiver Alarms offer an efficient and economical method of monitoring when a patient is getting up from a bed.
- Volume control is located in battery compartment of monitor. To silence the bed exit alarm, simply press the reset button located on the front of the monitor.
- The bed pad should be placed below lower sheet either across the center of the shoulders. Cord from pad runs along the side of the mattress and securely connects to the bed monitor which can be attached to the bed or wall or it can be placed in a convenient location nearby.
- Pad is made of a soft vinyl, with foam interior, and are sealed for incontinence protection. For safety reasons, please replace pad after 45 days.
- Monitor requires (1) One 9Volt battery (Not Included) or the AC-02 Adapter (not included)
Smart Caregiver Bed & Chair Exit Alarm Monitor for Fall & Wandering
This pull-string monitor works a little differently from the other monitors. This option records a familiar voice or a familiar sound to stop the patient from wandering. The bed and chair exit alarm monitor can be used alone or attached to a sensor pad. It automatically resets after activation. Useful with Alzheimer’s patients or wheelchair users.
Smart Caregiver Bed & Chair Exit Alarm Monitor for Fall & Wandering Prevention - Dual Recordable Voice (Stand Alone System)
Features
- Works as a pull-string monitor OR sensor pad monitor and can easily be transferred from bed to wheelchair and back, thus eliminating the need for multiple monitoring devices
- The alarm alerts when the magnetic pull-string is pulled free of the monitor or when pressure is removed from weight-sensing pad
- Monitor automatically resets when the magnetic pull cord is replaced or when pressure is re-applied to the connected sensor pad
- Eliminate startling alarm noise by recording a personalized message to be played back when the alarm is activated. With up to 15 seconds of playback time available.
- Purchase Includes your Choice of Accessory Option - All Options include a pouch of 30 Audiologist's Choice Sensor Pad Cleaning Wipes
Corporation Cordless Bed Exit Monitoring Alarm with Bed Pressure Sensing Pad
The Corporation Cordless Bed Exit Monitoring Alarm with Bed Pressure Sensing Pad works similarly to these other Smart Caregiver’s wandering alarms. It’s large enough to cover the width of the bed, and it’s portable. Place it under the patient’s shoulders or hips, and the alarm will alert the caregiver as soon as the patient gets up. It’s also great for alerting caregivers if the patient falls out of bed.
Smart Caregiver Corporation Cordless Bed Exit Monitoring System Alarm with Bed Pressure Sensing Pad - Help Prevent Falls and Wandering While Unattended
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Features
- Portable – Place monitor up to 300 feet away from pad.
- Easy to use and effective caregiver alarm. Use this product for fall prevention; know when someone is getting out of bed unattended.
- System includes One Monitor and One 10in x 30in Pressure Sensing Bed Pad
- Place the cordless bed sensor pad across the width of the bed, under the fitted sheet. Position the pad under the resident's shoulder blades, alarm will sound when they sit up or place it under the hips, alarm will sound when the resident is lifting out of the bed. The alarm will sound continuous when weight is removed from the pad.
- Use 3 “C” size batteries (Included)
Smart Caregiver Cordless Bed and Chair Exit System
This system includes a cordless monitor, a 20 x 30-inch cordless bed pad, and a 10 x 15-inch cordless chair pad. Use the bed pad for nighttime wandering and fall prevention. The chair pad is perfect for use during the daytime. The caregiver can place the portable cordless monitor in any room of the house.
Smart Caregiver Cordless Bed and Chair Exit System - Includes Monitor with 20in x 30in Bed Pad and 10in x 15in Chair Pad
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Features
- System Includes (1) 433-EC Cordless Monitor, (1) GBT-WI 20in x 30in Cordless Bed Pad, and (1) GCT-WI 10in x 15in Cordless Chair Pad
- 433-EC Monitor has low, medium, and high volume control, Low battery indicator, and Chime/Off switch.
- GBT-WI Bed Pad is 20in x 30in and will come preprogrammed to monitor
- GCT-WI Bed Pad is 10in x 15in and will come preprogrammed to monitor
- Monitor runs on either 3 "C" batteries (not included) or AC-04 Adapter (not included)
Central Monitoring Unit with 3 Nurse Call Buttons
Nursing home facilities will love this monitoring system from Smart Caregiver. It comes with three call buttons, is expandable, and compatible with other wandering and fall prevention components. The central monitor can be programmed to work with the bed pad, chair pad, floor mat, or motion sensor in addition to the pager. If a patient tries to get up from a bed, chair or pass by a motion sensor in a restricted area, the central monitor will alert the caregiver visually and audibly.
SMART CAREGIVER 433-SYS 40 Channel Central Monitoring Unit with 3 Nurse Call Buttons, Pager and Ac Adaptor
Features
- Central Monitoring and Nurse Call Paging System from 1 to 40 Patients
Conclusion
Wandering and accidental falls are an all too common occurrence for Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients. All Smart Caregiver alert systems are designed to prevent these occurrences and protect patients from accidental falls. They also give families and caregivers peace of mind. These systems are affordable, do not require costly home modifications or expensive monthly monitoring. Choose the system or systems that fit your specific need and place your order today. For more information or answers to additional questions, please call us at 1.877.728.9507.