Stairs / Hallway

• Reducing risk of getting lost
• Precautions in an emergency

A property exit sensor is a small device that usually has two parts, one part attaches to the door and the other part to the door frame so that when the door is closed they are touching or close to each other. When the door is opened the device picks up that they are no longer in contact with each other and this triggers an action. The action will depend on the type of device and how it has been set up, some devices only offer one function others offer multiple and can be set up to suit the person and their situation.

Some of the different types of device and functions are:

• A noise will sound as soon as the door is opened. This might be used to alert someone else in the same house that the person has opened the door or the noise might deter the person from leaving the house. 
• A noise will sound after a set time if the door is opened and not closed. This might be used where someone forgets to shut their door, alerting them through the noise to shut the door. 
• Another person is alerted through a notification on their phone or a pager or the door sensor is linked to a Telecare system and a monitoring centre is alerted that the door is open. Some sensors allow a period of time to be set so that an alert is only sent if the door is open for over a set period of time. This might be used where someone lives alone to alert another person that the door has been opened meaning the person might have gone out alone and might need help.
• Some sensors can be set to only activate between certain times of day so for example it could be set to only activate if the door is opened at night. This might be used if someone is able to go out safely during the day but is at risk if they go out alone at night. 
• Some smart door sensors can be linked to other smart devices. This can mean they can be set up for something to happen automatically when the door is opened, for example a light to come on.
• Door sensors could also be used on fridges and cupboards so that it can be checked if these have been opened giving an indication of whether the person might have prepared food or had a drink or whether they might need a reminder to do this. 

These can usually be purchased in shops that sell door fixtures, smart home technology or disability aids. You can also search for 'property exit sensor', 'door exit alarms' or 'door sensor alarms' on the internet.

• Enhanced Safety: Where there are risks if someone goes out alone these types of device can ensure that the person gets help when needed. An example of this would be someone who has dementia who is no longer able to safely cross the road or who is likely to become lost if they go out on their own.  
• Increased Independence: Can help the person to continue to live at home for longer by ensuring they get support when needed to be safe.
• Reassurance for family and friends: These types of device can provide reassurance to family and friends that the person will get help if they need it and risks are managed. This can help to reduce the stress of caring for a loved one. 

• Installation: They are usually easy to install, sticking onto the door and door frame using a sticky pad or being screwed into place. Check the type of fitting and think about who will fit them. When the alarm is part of a Telecare package the provider may install the alarm as part of the service. Proper placement is crucial for effective operation and also think about whether the person might try to remove it if it is at eye level and they don't remember what it is. Typically, they are mounted above doors on the interior side.
• Suitability: Choose the right type of device for the person and their situation. Think about what it needs to do, if someone else needs to be alerted and how they need to be alerted and chose the device with the right functions to do this. This device will only alert if a door is opened and will not show if the person has left the house. If it's important to know this use a door sensor with a movement sensor which will show if the person is still moving inside the house even though the door is open or if there is no movement after the door is open it is likely the person has left the house. If multiple devices like this are needed it might be better to consider a lifestyle monitoring system which has both types of sensor. Think about visitors, will they be able to override or turn of the alarm if needed to prevent false alarms because of visitors. If the a spoken reminder would be better to prompt the person to shut the door consider a memo minder.
• Responder: If someone needs to respond and help if the door is opened, think about who this will be, will they be available whenever needed or would a group of people be better. Is there someone who can cover if the primary responder is unavailable for example if they are ill or on holiday? Also think about how far away the responder is, what are the risks of the person leaving the property and how likely are they to come to harm before the responder gets there. Will the responder be able to find the person when they arrive, if they are likely to have gone far consideration might need to be given to use of a GPS device as well to help with finding the person. 
• Compatibility: Check the device is compatible with the type of door that they will be used on and any existing devices such as smartphones or telecare systems that will be used to send or receive alerts. Check whether anything else is needed for the device to work or whether it is standalone. For example, for smart sensors, Wi-Fi is likely to be needed, for an alert to go to a monitoring centre, a Telecare system will be needed. 
• Reliability and maintenance: Sensitivity settings may need to be adjusted to minimise false alarms. Does the device have batteries that might need to be changed? Is any other maintenance needed?
• Consent: Is the person able to understand this equipment and what it will do, are they able to make a decision about whether they want it? If they are their wishes should be followed even if others don't agree. If there are concerns about the persons understanding or ability to make a decision then the Mental Capacity Act guidance will need to be followed. If a door exit sensor is going to be used along with human intervention to stop someone from leaving their home or doing what they want to do then this might be a Deprivation of their Liberty. You can find out more about Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty at: Mental Capacity Act - Social care and support guide - NHS
• Cost and Value for Money: Consider the initial setup and any ongoing monitoring centre or maintenance costs. What happens if it stops working or when regular maintenance is required, is this included in the costs? Does the supplier have a good reputation and customer service support?