Safety Alarms for People with Dementia: A Help or Hindrance?

For those with Alzheimer's or other dementias, safety alarms can be an effective way to alert others that assistance is needed. Alarms are generally used for two different reasons: To prevent wandering by notifying caregivers that the person is leaving an area, whether that's a house or a facility. To prevent falls by letting caregivers know someone is trying to walk independently when they're not safe to do so. Use in Facilities Earlier this year, The Joint Commission (an accreditation organization) pointed out the pitfalls of too many alarms in healthcare settings in a Sentinel Event Alert. It discussed the use of  multiple alarms designed for patient safety and concludes that although alarms can be helpful, too many alarms utilized together can be counterproductive since staff  become desensitized to the constant sounds. This is known as alarm fatigue. Because of the recognition of alarm fatigue, some facilities have worked to reduce the use of alarms and be proactive about training their staff members to remain vigilant in response to alarms. Use in Homes Alarms can also be used in homes to increase the safety of people with dementia. For example, if someone is at risk of wandering away from home, door alarms and gps tracking systems can alert others to the need for assistance. Types of Alarms Bed Alarms: Types and Used in Dementia Types of Seat Alarms for People with Dementia Safety in Dementia: Door Alarms  Safety Alarms for People with Dementia: A Hel...
Source: About Alzheimers Disease - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news