Bedroom

• safety in bed
• night time routine
• falls risk

A bed occupancy sensor or bed alarm is a device used to detect whether someone is in or out of bed. It monitors movement near to the bed or pressure on the bed.

When a person gets out of bed, the sensor sends an alert - this could be a sound, a message to a carer, or an alert to a pager or monitoring centre.

It helps care staff or family members know if someone has left their bed, especially if they are at risk of falling or might need reminding that it's night time and not time to get up yet.

It’s often used in hospitals, care homes, or at home for people with dementia, mobility issues, or other health concerns.

How it works:

• Some sensors are placed under the mattress or on top of the bed. Others use infrared beams or motion detectors near the bed.
• The system could be connected to alarms, pagers, or smart home devices.
• Some systems can be set to only alert during set times so can be set to the person's usual sleep pattern. 
• Some models can be linked to lights so that when the person gets out of bed the lights turn on automatically.
• Some can be adjusted to not alert immediately but to wait a set period of time; this can be useful if the person is able to go to the toilet safely during the night but if they don't return within a set amount of time it is likely they need some help. The length of time before the alert can usually be adjusted to suit the person. 

You can buy these from shops that sell search on the internet for a 'bed sensor mat' or 'bed alarm'. 

• Increased Independence: It can reduce the need for supervision, so help is given when needed but the person does not have to be constantly supervised. 
• Falls prevention and detection: Where there is a risk of falls these devices can alert a family member, friend or carer when someone gets out of bed meaning that support can be provided more quickly. For example a reminder might need to be given to use a walking frame. Where they are linked to lights these turning on automatically will mean the person can see and is less likely to trip in the dark. 
• Reassurance to others: For family and friend carers knowing that they will be alerted when a person gets up can mean they sleep better rather than listening out for the person during the night.
• Cost savings: Where someone needs paid night time care using this type of device might mean that they only need a sleep in carer rather than a carer who is awake all night which will usually cost less. 

• Suitability: Think about which type of sensor will work best for the person, for example if they move around a lot in bed a movement sensor near to the bed might work better than a sensor in or on the bed. Also think about what help the person needs if they get out of bed and how quickly they need this help. How does the person who is going to help need to be alerted, is a back up from a monitoring centre needed to get alternative help in case that person doesn't respond. Choose a sensor that offers the right features to do what is needed, for example if the person is able to safely go to the toilet but if they aren't back after 5 minutes need a reminder to go back to bed choose a device that can have a delay of 5 minutes to the alert built in. If the person who is going to respond has hearing difficulty choose a device that can link to a pager that vibrates. 
• Compatibility: Check if the sensor works with the bedroom furniture and any other devices that it needs to link to. If it needs to link to a monitoring centre through a lifeline system, is a telecare base unit already in place? If not one needs to be installed for this to work if it will be linked to a monitoring centre. 
• Responder: Think about who will respond when the person gets up? Is there a friend or family member who lives with the person or someone who lives near enough to respond as quickly as the person needs. Will the device be used with a paid for responder service or paid carer? Is this already in place or does it need to be arranged, a discussion will probably be needed about how will they be alerted?  
• Sensitivity: Check the sensor is sensitive enough to detect when someone gets out of bed, without giving false alarms. Check reviews to see if it has a good reputation for accuracy.  
• Safety: if a sensor is designed to be used on the floor next to the bed this might cause the person to trip over it, sensors in the bed or movement sensors that can be placed where they won't be tripped over might be a safer option. 
• Ease of use and maintenance: Ensure it is set up properly to make sure the sensor works. Think about whether you need a provider to install it for you. If they have rechargeable batteries, who will be responsible to make sure these are charged?
• Durability: Think about how sturdy it is and whether it can withstand regular use.  
• Cost: Think about the initial cost and if there are any subscription or ongoing maintenance costs. Is there a warranty and is ongoing maintenance included?

https://carents.co.uk/helpful-product-guides/around-the-home/home-safety-and-security-product-guides-for-elderly-parents/choosing-a-bed-alarm-pad-for-your-elderly-parent/