Top Sensor Mats for Fall Prevention13 minute read

Top Sensor Mats for Fall Prevention

About 25 percent of seniors fall each year; over 27,000 die as a result. Whether it be from ailing seniors recovering from surgery trying to get out of bed, senior with dementia or Alzheimers who are prone to wandering, or simply elderly seniors getting out of bed for the day. Being alerted to your loved ones activities adds some peace of mind in your caregiver duties. And the new technology that you’ll see in a sensor mat will be a welcome addition for products geared at fall prevention. Our roundup will show you how you can make your home safer for you or a loved one.

Secure Floor Mat Sensor

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Secure Floor Mat Sensor

• Monitor patients and loved ones discreetly without in-room alarm noise - Floor mat connects to sensor transmitter/call button and sends...
• Place floor mat next to the bed, in a doorway, at the front door, etc. to prevent unwanted wandering - Floor mat sensor dimenisons: 24"...
• Caregiver pager may be worn using the integrated belt clip, carried in pocket, or placed near cargiver for continuous monitoring in the...
• Set includes caregiver pager, sensor transmitter (can also be used as a nurse call button to notify pager), and 24" x 36" pressure...

$114.97

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Last update on 2018-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Secure Floor Mat Sensor is an excellent solution that considers both the senior and the caregiver in its design and features. The premise like similar products is to alert someone when the patient needs help or has gotten out of bed. It doesn’t ring in the room but instead through a pager that is worn by a nurse.

The mat is a decent size. It will hold up to regular use too. The system is self-contained and will work with other Secure products. The pager can monitor up to four devices. Our primary concern is that the alarm continues buzzing as long as someone—or a pet—is standing on the mat, even with the reset button. The issue of being triggered accidentally is one you likely encounter with any product.

Ideal Security SOLO Pressure Mat

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Ideal Security SOLO Pressure Mat

• Pressure-sensitive mat alerts you to comings and goings of visitors, intruders, family members, or pets
• Suitable for outdoor use when covered with a waterproof welcome mat
• 3 modes: Loud alarm (for security); pleasant chime (for convenience); Off (when you don't want alerts)
• Alarm volume: 105dB; Chime volume: 90 Db

$28.99

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Last update on 2018-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Ideal Security SOLO Pressure Mat is a corded, battery-operated unit that can be used to let a caregiver know when their patient or loved one gets out of bed. It can also be used it as a security device outside the front door. There are three volume modes: a loud alarm; a chiming sound; or off for when you don’t need alerts. The loud alarms are either 90 or 105 dB. The former is about the same volume as a lawnmower and the latter, about that of a table saw. You will hear it.

The mat is also useful for seniors with dementia or Alzheimers who are prone to wandering, when placed in front of a door they don’t need to be accessing.

The mat isn’t waterproof but can withstand temperatures up to 122 degrees F. On the low end, 14 degrees F is the threshold. If you put it outside, you should cover it with another one that is either water-resistant or waterproof to avoid damaging it.

Smart Caregiver Floor Mat Exit Alarm

Smart Caregiver Floor Mat Exit Alarm

• Prevent falls or wandering when a resident steps on the pressure sensing floor mat placed by a bed, chair or doorway that will alert...
• Complete System includes: 1 Economy exit alarm and 1 floor mat.
• Alarm features include on/off switch so caregiver can reset alarm when responding to the resident; a status light that lets you know...
• The floor mat is made of heavy duty material measuring 24"x48" gray, non-slip with beveled edges, with an 8' cord that plugs into the...

$129.95

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Last update on 2018-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Smart Caregiver Floor Mat Exit Alarm is a complete sensor system for seniors. It is a corded system with the monitor attached to the mat and has several additions that make it worth a look such as a volume control, power options, and low battery alert. You can use it in a hospital or care facility since it can connect to an existing call system.

The mat works great as a sensor to indicate when a senior or loved one has gotten out of bed; it is also thick enough to provide some cushioning in case of any potential falls. The alarm sensor is sensitive, meaning that pets will trigger it too. That’s not unique to this product, but it’s certainly a factor to keep in mind if you decide to buy one with an alarm. The mat is a good size and is water-resistant. The product performs as advertised and adds a welcome safety element for seniors.

Smart Caregiver Light with Cordless Floor Mat

Smart Caregiver Light with Cordless Floor Mat

• This product is great when used to remotely turn on a lamp or light when someone gets out of bed!
• Plug in any lamp or light to the Smart Light Outlet that will turn on once someone steps on the Cordless Floor Mat
• System includes a Smart Light Outlet and Cordless 24in x 48in Grey Floor Mat
• Smart Light Outlet fits into any grounded power outlet and receives a signal from the floor mat to activate a light plugged into it

$164.95

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Last update on 2018-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Smart Caregiver Light with Cordless Floor Mat isn’t an alarm per se. Instead, its purpose is to provide light for a senior getting out of bed. We really appreciate this function since many falls happen at night while trying to travel to the bathroom, in the darkness. It is a wireless smart device and includes an outlet that you can set up with your lamp so that it’ll turn on once the sensor mat detects weight on it. It is a good sized mat and comfortable when you walk on it.

You can use it with any lamp in the room that is within its 150-foot range. We like the versatility that this feature adds to its use. It helps save on the cost of buying a unit that includes one that may not fit with your decor. Bear in mind that unobstructed space is the ideal conditions for which to use this unit. There is an option to purchase a Cordless Monitor in addition, to serve as an alert system when triggered.

Smart Caregiver Fall Monitor and Floor Mat

Smart Caregiver Fall Monitor and Floor Mat

• ECONOMY CordLess FALL PREVENTION ALARM: Provides affordable and effective cord-free wireless monitoring with a range up to 300 ft....
• WIRELESS GRAY FLOOR MAT SENSOR: Color: Gray, Measures 24" x 48" - Recommended to place by the bedside or in a doorway. When the...
• ADJUSTABLE VOLUME: The Alarm Monitor has a (Low, Medium, and High) Volume Setting, so the Alarm won't startle residents and offers...
• BATTERY OPERATED: The Alarm Monitor works on 2 "C" batteries (NOT INCLUDED) - You can also get an optional AC adapter that is sold...

$189.95

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Last update on 2018-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Smart Caregiver Fall Monitor and Floor Mat is another complete system that includes everything you need to ensure your or your loved one’s safety. Again, it can be placed by a bedside or in front of a doorway to alert you when your loved one is out of bed or wandering around. It has several options that we appreciate such as the adjustable volume control and power sources. It is a wireless setup with a decent range for use in a care facility or at home.

The package also includes disinfectant wipes. While we like having them, they aren’t necessary since any household cleaner can clean the items. You can pair the alarm with multiple mats which makes it an excellent choice for care facilities or if you choose to put one on both sides of your bed.

Things You Should Consider in a Sensor Mat

Now that you know what’s available let’s discuss the technology and product features in more detail. This market has exploded in recent years with the advent of smart devices. No doubt, you’ve seen other items that use it such as thermostats, light bulbs, and outlets. We think it’s a significant step forward to improve fall prevention.

How Sensor Mats Work

You’ll find both corded and wireless mats. The former are often less expensive. The setup is typical with the monitor and sensor attached. That means the alarm sounds in the patient’s room. The disadvantages of these systems are that it will likely disturb others in the same room and perhaps frighten the individual. The presence of a cord presents another fall risk.

Wireless setups avoid some of these issues. You can place a monitor outside of the room or at a nurses station. Signal ranges vary, so we recommend checking out this spec when considering this purchase. Bear in mind that the figure refers to unobstructed space. Other devices may interfere with its usefulness.

Another benefit of these types of products is the ability to pair more than one sensor to the main alarm. You’ll usually find that these items are compatible with other ones in the manufacturer’s line. That gives you the ability to set up your system to fit your needs and situation. We’d suggest looking at other offerings as part of your purchase decision if you want to make use of this option.

Features of These Products

Sensor mats are part of a system that includes another component whether it’s an alarm or another smart device. We strongly urge you to read the product description carefully to learn whether you need to buy any additional items. You can expect to pay around $100 or more for a complete system.

Mats

Mats don’t vary a great deal even when it comes to color. Most products we saw were gray and without other choices. An adequate size is an essential feature no matter what type you buy. A non-slip surface is important as well. Remember that these items are not a replacement for a fall mat. They will not provide any added protection in case you slip.

Alarms

The alarm is where you’ll see a variety of features worth noting. Perhaps the one we like most is a reset button for the caregiver to press once she has responded to a call. We prefer products that have a switch that is accessible so that you can turn it off if it gets triggered accidentally. You’ll often find volume controls too which is a must-have for us.

Wireless products provide a clear advantage over corded ones as we discussed above. It also allows for remote monitoring which is another benefit we appreciate. Many products offer dual power options which add to their convenience. Make sure to check the description to see what is included, noting the type of batteries that you’ll need to have on hand.

The unit may have an adaptor or at least an option one that you can buy. That offers an advantage if 24/7 monitoring is essential without the worry of a battery going dead. We suggest using the one that the manufacturer recommends. Not all products are compatible across the board.

Other Smart Devices

As our roundup included, there are other connected units available too such as smart outlets. You’ll see other supported items in the manufacturer’s line too which adds to their versatility. We also liked the option of adding more than one to the alarm. The downside of using these features is that you’re limited to one company since the pairing is proprietary.

Summary

The technology of sensor mats has taken off in recent years with smart devices. As it improves, so too will the availability and features of these products. It will continue to make the lives of seniors and their caregivers easier and safer.