Sensor Pads and Pagers

For family and carers living with a person who is at risk of falling when they get up from a chair or bed, or at a point where the risk is higher such as the stairs, there are a range of sensor pads that can detect pressure off or pressure on. All of the sensor pads can be connected to the monitoring centre to identify inactivity but Telecare provide stand-alone sensors and pagers that can be used independently at home with family and carers.
These sensor pads are helpful in the following ways:

Alert the family or carer to when the person is up or at the point where risk for fall is increased
The alert provides the family or carer with reassurance and peace of mind
During night time use the sensor can provide the family or carer with a restful night’s sleep knowing they will be alerted when they get up or are at a point of increased risk
For the person at risk of a fall and may not have the insight to this risk, these sensor pads support their safety

Though these sensors can provide benefits to caring we must be mindful not to over monitor the movement of people with dementia. Some consideration should be given when using these sensor pads

Is the risk of falling a real risk or is it perceived to be a risk?
Can the person independently get up to use the bathroom during the night or do they need assistance?
Is movement throughout the house safe?
Over monitoring a person you are caring for may be infringing on their autonomy and right to self-determination, especially if there is no risk of falling
For concerns about other monitoring sensors please view here

The following section provides information on the types of sensor pads and pagers available through the Telecare Companies

Sensor Pads

Tunstall Bed Vacation Sensor Pad

A sensor pad that is placed on top of the mattress

Detect when pressure has been taken off and will generate an alarm to the pager
Only works on a single bed (see other bed vacation options below)
For large houses or homes with thick walls consider the range and transmission of the alert to the pager (ask these questions when selecting the correct bed vacating sensor)
For more information please view here

Tunstall Bed Occupancy Sensor Pad

This sensor pad is placed on top of the mattress it is the very same as the bed vacation sensor pad above however it can be set differently

Timed alert sent; alerts the family or carer that person has left their bed and not returned within a defined period of time
Ideal for people who are independent but may be at risk of a fall during the night
The sensor pad will detect when pressure is off but will not send an alert immediately.
It will send an alert if pressure has not been detected after a predetermined time period e.g. after 15 mins will send the alert that no pressure has been detected
If pressure is detected back on the sensor within the time period no alert will be sent allowing the person to independently use the bathroom or get water while supporting their safety by alerting the family or carer that they have been up for + time that may indicate a fall
For large houses or homes with thick walls consider the range and transmission of the alert to the pager (ask these questions when selecting the correct bed vacating sensor)
For more information please view here

Tunstall Bed Ribbon

This is a sensor ribbon placed under the mattress

Like the bed sensor pad it will alert when pressure is taken off the bed and will send to the pager
It can be used in a double bed
It is not ideal for restless sleepers
For large houses or homes with thick walls consider the range and transmission of the alert to the pager (ask these questions when selecting the correct bed vacating sensor)
For more information please view here

Tunstall Leg Weight Sensor

The leg weight sensor is placed under the leg of a bed

Ideal for domestic style beds that are not moved often (not suitable for divan base beds)
It is set by adjusting the spring tension for different beds and different users
It will trigger an alarm when the set weight has be lifted i.e. when person has left the bed
For large houses or homes with thick walls consider the range and transmission of the alert to the pager (ask these questions when selecting the correct bed vacating sensor)
For more information please view here

Tunstall Floor Sensor Pad

This pressure mat is placed at points where you wish to know if the person has walked on it

It will detect pressure on and send an alert the pager
If used with the base unit (please see information of base unit here), it can send an alert to the monitoring centre if pressure has not been detected (such as monitoring if the person has not left their bedroom or been into the kitchen within a certain time period – this may help family or carers identify a potential fall and check on their loved one.
The floor sensor is best used at points where the risk of falling or becoming disorientated is increased such as at the front door or the top of the stairs. This allows the person to independently move throughout the house without sensors going off yet if can prompt family to higher risk areas
The floor pressure mat may be a trip hazard, placing a heavy duty mat on top may be an option or if possible placing under the carpet if it can be peeled back ask the supplier if you are considering purchasing
For large houses or homes with thick walls consider the range and transmission of the alert to the pager (ask these questions when selecting the correct bed vacating sensor)
For more information please view here

Tunstall Chair Sensor Pad

The chair sensor pad is place on the seat the person is occupying or their wheelchair

Detects when pressure has been taken off the sensor pad
Sends an alert to the pager
Can be set to the timer which will alert if pressure has not be detected after a period of time (similar to bed occupancy sensor)
Can be connected to the monitoring centre through the base unit who can alert family or carers (for more information on the base unit please see here)
Can be programmed to individual needs e.g. can alert you of inactivity if the person has not gotten up for a long period of time
For large houses or homes with thick walls consider the range and transmission of the alert to the pager (ask these questions when selecting the correct bed vacating sensor)
For more information please view here

Pagers

All sensors used as stand-alone technology are connected to a pager and will send the alert when the sensor has been activated. Their is a range depending on the pager and supplier please ask what the range is before installing.

Tunstall Care Assist Pager

Care Assist is designed to support local carers to deliver high quality, non-intrusive care.

Multiple alert modes – vibration, audible and visual
Compatible with Tunstall telecare range
Several sensors can feed into this one pager e.g. bed sensor, door sensor, floor sensor
Expanded range – compatible with external pager operated system for greater range coverage (requires additional equipment)

For more information please visit their website here

Tunstall DDA Pager

The DDA pager solutions immediately alert telecare users or their in home carers when a telecare alarm is generated.

Useful for telecare users with hearing impairments or for live in carers or family members who need to be notified quickly if the person they are caring for needs help.
The pager is worn during the day and charges at night, when in this position any telecare alarms automatically vibrate the pillow alert pad to wake the sleeping user/carer. Please see more information on the pillow alert here
Please contact here Tunstall Telecare Company for more information on this pager as you may other equipment for the pager to work

Tunstall Flashing Beacon

The flashing beacon will alert the family or carer to an alarm. This alert is useful for people with hearing problems.

Generates an alarm when a sensor has been activated
Distinct different colours notify to which device has been activated
Portable
Can be connected to a door bell and can alert you if the phone is ringing
For more information on the flashing beacon please see here