Introduction
A chair alarm is a device that helps prevent falls. It can be used in nursing home facilities and usually operates on an audible signal activated when the user leans too heavily on the back of the chair. As people age, they are more prone to accidents around the house due to loss of balance and coordination. A number of different models exist for purchase, including those using icons, lights, or pagers as alarms. In this article, we’ll look at a selection of these devices ranging from $20 budget options to multi-functional systems that include features such as water sensors and proximity sensors for greater peace of mind during periods of forgetfulness.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, terminal illness that causes confusion and memory loss. One of its most common symptoms is getting up from a seated position and wandering aimlessly. In one survey of 60 nursing homes, 92% reported at least monthly incidents of residents wandering away from their rooms.
To prevent needless deaths among the elderly community, it’s important to find chair alarms that can keep them safe.
10 Best Chair Alarms For Elderly
1. Medical Alert Alarm System
The Medical Alert Alarm System is a simple but necessary product that warns the user when they are getting out of their chair. It consists of a bright yellow device that can be placed on the user’s clothing and comes with a pendant they can wear around their neck. When fully charged, it lasts for three weeks at a time.
There is an SOS button on the device, so if the user is wandering outside and gets into trouble, all they have to do is push this button for help. The pendant also includes a built-in LED flashlight that can help them find their way back home at night. It’s recommended for people with Alzheimer’s disease or those recovering from strokes or minor surgeries.
2. Smart Chair Sensor
The Smart Chair Sensor by Kinsa can be used on a variety of chairs and comes with a string that can be used to tie it in place. It has a large sensor button on the back so the user is never in any doubt about where it is. It’s about the size of a book of matches, but because it doesn’t contain any electronics, there are no wires or batteries to worry about charging.
The user simply puts the Smart Chair Sensor in their pocket or bag and then sits down whenever they need to take a rest. The sensor will activate as soon as they sit down, and will trigger an alarm as soon as they stand up.
3. Lighted Alert Chair
The Lighted Alert Chair by Kinsa comes with several different features to help protect the user while they’re sitting down. It’s designed to be used at night and will flash when it detects movement, or if it isn’t detecting a heartbeat. This can be particularly useful for keeping the device out of sight during the day, when the LED light will be less noticeable.
There are also internal sensors that can detect falls, while a separate button allows the user to trigger an alert if they have gone down and need help. The back of the chair has a large sensor button, so there are no worries about cluttering up a bedroom with extra devices.
4. Pager Chair
The Pager Chair is a simple design, but one that can be helpful to the user in a wide range of situations. It lets users know when they are leaving their chair and can provide peace of mind for those that are forgetful or generally prone to accidents.
It comes with four different sounds, allowing the user to select which one they prefer. There’s also an optional vibrating alert that can be set on a separate part of the body such as the ankle or wrist. The pager itself is quite small and lightweight, so it’s easy to use alongside other devices such as heart rate monitors or door alarms.
5. Pager With Clock
The Pager with Clock is the next model up from the basic Pager Chair and adds a built-in clock so users don’t have to look around for a separate timepiece. It’s one of the more inexpensive options listed here, although it can only be used during the day and doesn’t come with an alarm or SOS button.
6. Contour AbiliVest
The Contour AbiliVest by Abilis is a vest that helps give people with disabilities greater freedom of movement and peace of mind while they’re out and about. It’s a good option if you want to wash the user’s clothes together while ensuring that the vest stays in place.
7. Mobile Assistive Device
The Mobile Assistive Device by CarePage is a handy addition to the drawer full of keys and pagers that the user is always forgetting. It can be put in a pocket or purse and will alert the user when they try to leave with the button underneath their seat.
It comes with three different sounds that can be set according to the user’s preference, although it’s fairly bulky so it may not fit into smaller bags. Just like other devices on this list, there is an optional vibrating option that users can activate when needed.
8. Averted Chair
The Averted Chair by Personal Accident Attendant has a large yellow base designed to keep people safe while they are sitting down. When you get up, the base flashes and triggers an alarm. The alarm will continue to sound until the user puts their feet back on the floor for at least four seconds.
The device is about the size of a large book of matches and can be used on any chair that has the appropriate slot in the seat. It’s easy to set up, although it’s not really designed to be used in your bedroom so you’ll want to keep it out of sight.
9. Head Lock Ring Chair
The Head Lock Ring Chair by Personal Accident Attendant is a small ring attached to the user’s chair, and then secured around their wrist when they enter a room. The user can then lock the ring into place and will be alerted when they try to leave by a flashing light on their chair.
10. Wrist System
The Wrist System by Personal Accident Attendant is much more secure than the ring version. It attaches to the wrist via a strap and then locks into place when activated. Once it is set up, the user will be alerted by a flashing light on their chair and an alarm if they try to leave without setting their wrist back down.
Conclusion
Our senior loved ones have varying needs, so it’s important to know about all of the different types of devices out there for monitoring safety. Not all of these devices are appropriate for home use, but some can be used with elderly parents and in-home care patients alike.